Lara is a board certified behavior analyst. She has a Masters Degree in psychology, which she earned in 2007. She provides individual behavioral services in natural environments. She has extensive training in applied behavior analysis (ABA), and has attended numerous continuing education seminars on the principles of behavior and on sensory processing. She is CPR certified. Lara uses a unique combination of the principles of ABA and play to maximize your child's functioning!

Erica is a registered occupational therapist with a Master's Degree in occupational therapy from Indiana University in Indianapolis. She has attended continuing education courses regarding sensory processing disorder, the Wilbarger therapressure protocol, sensory integration treatment, and cochlear implants. She has experience working with several populations including sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, and developmental delay. She enjoys and is comfortable working with children with different developmental abilities, and is interested in continuous skill development and learning in the field of pediatric occupational therapy. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and certified in CPR. She looks forward to meeting you and your child!

Danielle is a registered occupational therapist with a Master's Degree in occupational therapy from Midwestern University in Downer's Grove, Illinois. She has experience working with diverse pediatric populations including children with autism, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Prior to earning her degree, Danielle worked as a one on one aide for a boy with autism, and in the office of a pediatric therapy clinic for several years where she had wonderful opportunities to observe and learn from the therapists there. Danielle brings a fresh, positive energy to her approach to therapy!

Tracie has been a registered occupational therapist since 1987. She has a strong background in sensory integration, is experienced with oral motor/feeding, food chaining, motor skills development, adaptive equipment & family training. Tracie also has attended numerous continuing education seminars on neurodevelopmental treatment, in addition to a variety of pediatric topics annually. She is certified in the interactive metronome and trained in therapeutic listening. Tracie is comfortable with wide variety of populations including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, prematurity, multiple births, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, sensory processing disorders, genetic syndromes, neurological disorders, and pediatric orthopedics. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and certified in CPR. She is currently the clinical manager of Wee Care Therapy. Tracie is a bright, energetic therapist who brings humor and fun into her treatment!

As a registered occupational therapist, since 1984, she has served numerous children with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, prematurity, sensory processing disorder, feeding difficulties, and various other disorders. Sue worked as an independent therapy provider for several years before opening Wee Care Therapy in 1994. She has advanced training in a variety of areas including, but not limited to sensory integration (certified), interactive metronome (certified), neurodevelopmental treatment (8 week Bobath training), craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, therapeutic listening, and the Wilbarger deep touch pressure proprioceptive technique. She believes that continuing education and advanced training are vital to the development of therapy skills. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and certified in CPR. Sue also presents continuing education seminars throughout the United States. She co-authored a book and CD (available through Wee Care Therapy) that offers over-the-counter, user friendly sensory strategies for home, daycare, and preschool called: Tools for Tots: Sensory Strategies for Toddlers and Preschoolers. As the CEO of Wee Care Therapy, Sue believes that family involvement and team communication are critical to the therapy process!

Julia has been a registered occupational therapist since 1999. She has skills in sensory processing facilitation, sensory defensiveness techniques (including "brushing"), promotion of feeding using the SOS (sequential oral sensory) Approach, and working with families to generalize "treatment" to home through the use of a child's typical daily activities. Her pediatric coursework is ongoing and includes: training by Pat & Julia Wilbarger (the developers of treatment for Sensory Defensiveness), sensory processing dysfunction, and "Picky Eating & Problem Feeding". She also has some training in neurodevelopmental treatment techniques. Julia is certifiied in the interactive metronome and trained in therapeutic listening. She has experience serving a wide diversity of families and children, and addressing the individual needs of the child with diagnoses of autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Down Syndrome, hydrocephaly and various other chromosomal and neurological conditions. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and certified in CPR. Julia looks forward to meeting you and your child!

Rose earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1974. She has attended numerous seminars on movement and handling techniques, and is Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) Trained in Pediatrics by the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Associaton. She is also CPR certified. Rose is very comfortable working with infants, babies, and children who have birth defects, prematurity, movement difficulties, neurologic or orthopedic impairments, developmental delay, genetic disorders, respiratory conditions, and substance exposure. Her physical therapy experience has been n hospitals, schools, pediatric home health agencies, outpatient clinics, and First Steps.Rose is soft spoken and caring in her approach to treating your child. She looks forward to the opportunity to help you and your child!

Deanne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 1991, and has been a pediatric physical therapist since then. She is NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment) certified in pediatrics by the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association, and is a certified infant massage instructor. Besides, NDT, she has taken numerous courses in myofascial release, cranial-sacral therapy, kinesiotaping, and sensory based intervention techniques. Deanne has worked with various diagnoses including, but not limited to prematurity, neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, torticollis, brachial plexus injury, sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome and other genetic disorders. She has also worked with children who had delayed milestones (e.g. rolling, sitting or walking) who do not have a specific diagnosis. She has experience with orthotics and adaptive equipment. Deanne believes that therapy should be fun, as learning, including motor learning, takes place when the child is most engaged and motivated! She realizes the value of incorporating the family in all aspects of treatment. Deanne looks forward to working with you and your child!

Joanne has been a registered physical therapist since 1978. She is CPR certified, and has experience in wheelchair seating and positioning, adaptive equipment and mobility needs. She has attended advanced continuing education in the areas of neurodevelopmental treatment, myofascial release, kinesiotaping, and sensory processing. She treats children with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, sensory processing disorder, and numerous other developmental conditions. Her therapy approach is child and family friendly with focus on daily functional needs!

Kathy earned her Masters Degree in Education in 1987, and has provided developmental therapy for many years. She has worked with children with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and many rare and unusual syndromes. She has collaborated with many professionals in the different therapy fields and has gained a lot of knowledge from them. She feels comfortable addressing some positioning issues facing physically involved children. Kathy is CPR certified. She knows enough sign language to provide a child and their family with the basics needed to begin a sign program. She also feel comfortable dealing with behavioral issues presented by some children. Kathy enjoys working closely with the children and their families. Her philosophy is"The more you expect from a child, the more you are going to get!"

Ivy is a certified Indiana teacher who recieved a Masters Degree in Education in 1979. She is CPR certified, and very comfortable working with children of various abilities. She has extensive experience with special needs children, ranging in age from pre-school to junior high level. This includes children with sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, mild/moderate cognitive delay, learning disorders, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and emotional concerns. She has always worked with a positive, energetic, and enthusiastic teaching style, and still gets excited with the smallest accomplishments!

Cathy has worked with children with special needs in the public school setting since recieving 1983. She recieved her Masters Degree in Special Education in 1999. Her experience includes working with children from birth through teenage years who have: learning disabilities, developmental delays, (mild to severe), cerebral palsy, visual impairments, hearing impairments, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and traumatic brain injury. Cathy enjoys working with all types of children with various abilities and disabilities associated with developmental delays. She has some training in sensory motor activities and general experience with Brain Gym. She is a certified IN teacher, and is CPR certified. She also helps out with our social skills groups at Wee Care Therapy. Cathy strives to develop self-help skills and promote caregiver involvement so each child may maximize his abilities to their fullest potential!

Lori earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education in 2002, and a Master of Education in Special Education degree in 2005. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders. Lori is certified in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, and is a Learning Behavior Specialist. She has extensive experience working with children with various abilities- including speech/language delays, autism, hearing/vision impairments, social/emotional disorders, and traumatic brain injury. She is also highly experienced with Assistive Technology- integrating into activities and lessons and setting up augmentative/communication devices. Lori knows some conversational Spanish and sign language. She looks forward to helping you and your child!

Staci earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies with Early Childhood Specialization in 2007 from Purdue University Calumet. She is CPR certified. She gained a great deal of experience over the years working with children and their families. Staci is also a parent of a child who benefited from the first steps program, and as such brings true empathy to her sessions. She believes that a child’s most important teacher is his or her family, and will work with your child and family to develop activities that you can use on a daily basis. She strives to keep up with the latest strategies when working with your child by attending ongoing continuing education. Staci looks forward to helping your child reach his or her fullest potential. She makes learning fun!

Nikki has been working as a pediatric speech/language pathologist since obtaining her Masters Degree in Communication Disorders in 2008. She then earned a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Nikki also has Bachelors Degrees in Communication Science and Psychology. She is CPR certified. She has not only professional experience working with children with a variety of special needs, but personal experience as well, which enables her to have a heightened empathy for your concerns. Her experience includes children with: sensory processing disorder, developmental delay, feeding disorders, autism spectrum disorder, neurologic conditions, brain injuries, speech and language impairments and medical fragility. She uses a total communication approach, which includes sign language, picture exchange, communication devices and words. Nikki believes that the ability to communicate is a quality of life issue, and she will help your child and family to find a way to effectively communicate!

After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in 2002, Kelly pursued her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University in 2004. In 2005, she earned a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Kelly is a Hanen Certified speech/language pathologist with the It Takes Two to Talk™ Program.  She has experience working with children who have a variety of speech/language-feeding difficulties, including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, aphasia, apraxia, articulation/phonology disorders, developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, and feeding difficulties. She has attended numerous continuing education seminars relating to sensory integration and sensory processing disorder, neurodevelopmental treatment, and oral motor feeding skills. Kelly is play-based and incorporates a sensory motor approach in her therapy sessions. She encourages family involvement, empowering you to help your child. Kelly makes learning fun!

Debbie received a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2000, after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in the same in 1998. She subsequently earned a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Debbie has extensive pediatric experience in early intervention, private clinic settings, and school therapy. She has worked with children diagnosed with a wide variety of communication disorders including apraxia, autism spectrum disorder, language delay, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, articulation and phonological disorders, and developmental disorders of speech and language. She has experience with a variety of augmentative communication systems from picture exchange through voice output communication aids. She has attended numerous continuing education seminars in the areas augmentative communication, auditory and language processing, sensory processing, social participation, apraxia treatment, and oral motor/feeding therapy. She is CPR certified. Debbie believes that working together with the family is an important component in your child's success in therapy!

Rachel is a licensed speech/language pathologist who graduated from Northwestern University in 2008. She subsequently earned a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-hearing Association. She absolutely loves working with children and has experience with ages ranging from birth to early elementary with a variety of diagnoses including: autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, sensory-processing disorders, and feeding/swallowing disorders. She recognizes the importance of family involvement in play-based therapy to further your child's success. Rachel has attended numerous seminars on sensory integration and sensory processing. She is CPR certified. She looks forward to meeting you and your family!

JoLynn received a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2010 from Ohio University after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences from Purdue University in 2008. She earned a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 2011. JoLynn is CPR certified. She has experience working with children with a variety of communication disorders including expressive and receptive language delays, articulation and phonological disorders, fluency, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and children with hearing impairments who use hearing aids or cochlear implants. JoLynn is particularly interested in augmentative communication devices, and working with children with hearing impairments. She looks forward to working with you and your family to improve your child’s ability to communicate effectively!

Mandy has been a licensed speech/language pathologist since 1985, earning her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association shortly thereafter. She strongly believes in family involvement, and that functional skills are best learned in a play-based, fun environment. Mandy is the recipient of the 2011 National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana's Shining Star Award, which honors people who have provided outstanding service to individuals with autism. Her particular areas of interest include autistic spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, prematurity, oral-motor difficulties (both feeding and speech) and general communicative / interactive delay. She has attended numerous continuing education seminars on sensory integration and sensory processing, neurodevelopmental treatment, therapeutic listening, and oral motor/feeding techniques. She is CPR certified. Mandy feels it is crucial to acknowledge that interactive skills underlie quality communicative development!

Elaine earned her Bachelors in Audiology and Speech Pathology from Purdue University in 2004, and her Masters in Speech/Language Pathology from New York Medical College in 2006. While in graduate school, she was also chosen to be in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) - an interdisciplinary leadershp training program, which focused on promoting innovative practices to enhance cultural competency, family centered care, and interdisciplinary partnerships. Elaine received her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association in 2007. She enoys working with children with all ability levels to achieve functional communication. Her special interests include infants and children with multiple disabilities, complex medical needs, and airway anomalies, including tracheotomies and feeding/swallowing disorders. She loves to collaborate with her colleagues, problem solve, and continue to learn from her chilldren and families. She looks forward to meeting you!