Pediatric Development Center employs registered and licensed occupational therapists. These clinicians demonstrate exceptional knowledge and understanding of child development and processing as well as an interest and dedication to working with children. They have experience with various programs such as the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, The Zones of Regulation, SuperFlex, Therapeutic Listening, The Astronaut Program, The Alert Program, How Does Your Engine Run?, Handwriting Without Tears, Loops and Other Groups, and sensory integration. They provide parents with ongoing support and education for an understanding of their child’s current level of performance and how to incorporate appropriate strategies at home.
Jillian O’Brien, MS, OTR/L, Executive Director is the owner and president of the Pediatric Development Center. She graduated from Ithaca College in 2001 and has been working at Pediatric Development Center since that time. She has had considerable experience with working with a wide variety of motor and sensory delays with children and infants, such as Autism, Asperger’s, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, motor delays (gross and fine), handwriting, oral motor, attention, behavior and Sensory Processing Disorder. She has been trained in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) since 2005. She is also trained in Therapeutic Listening, Zones of Regulation, and the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding. She consults with and presents frequently to schools and organizations on motor development, sensory processing, handwriting, perceptual skills, behavior, organization, attention, tummy time and strategies to improve skills. She provides ongoing supervision and support for her therapists and families.
Holly St. Onge, MS OTR/L, Clinical Director is a graduate of the University of New England. She joined the Pediatric Development Center in 2013. Holly is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist who has training in the areas of Masgutova Nuerosensorimotor Reflex Integration, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting Without Tears, and Sensory Processing Disorders. She is extremely comfortable working with children with physical disabilities and is trained in kinesiotaping and constraint-induced movement therapy. Holly is also trained with the Zones of Regulation.
Katelyn Kiermaier, MS OTR/L, Clinic Manager graduated with her undergraduate degree in English from Connecticut College before obtaining her graduate degree in occupational therapy from Washington University School of Medicine. She joined Pediatric Development Center in 2017. Kateyln comes to PDC with pediatric experience providing therapy to children with sensory processing difficulties, Autism, developmental delays, Fragile X, Down’s Syndrome, ADHD, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and social-emotional challenges. She has experience with Handwriting Without Tears, Therapressure Protocol, Alert Program, Zones of Regulation, Social Thinking, Astronaut Training, Interactive Metronome, Brain Gym, Listening Program, Talk Tools, social stories, and creating and implementing sensory diets. She is trained with the SOS Approach to Feeding and Zones of Regulation.
Caitlin Wood, MS OTR/L is a graduate of Husson University and joined the Pediatric Development Center in October 2012. Prior to returning to college to gain her degree in occupational therapy, Caitlin worked one on one with children with Autism and other developmental delays in a preschool. Caitlin also spent time in Africa providing daily care, education, support and guidance to orphaned children ages 0-10. Caitlin’s experience makes her a great match for children with physical, behavioral, social, psychological, and cognitive impairments, as well as children with behavioral challenges. Caitlin is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and Zones of Regulation.
Julie Ewald, MA OTR/L is a graduate of University of Southern California. She joined Pediatric Development Center in 2016. Julie began her career working at the Jean Ayres Clinic in California where she was trained in sensory integrative therapy. Not only did she provide direct therapy and conduct evaluations but also developed and implemented a sensory motor group program for preschool and kindergarten aged children with prenatal exposure to drugs. She has provided school based occupational therapy services through direct treatment, consultation and monitoring. Julie has also worked as an adjunct faculty position as a contracted Academic Lecturer for University of New England Occupational Therapy Department for a pediatrics course on the subject of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity and Prenatal Exposure to Drugs in Children. Julie is trained with the SOS Approach to Feeding and Zones of Regulation.
Erin Fancy, MS OTR/L graduated with her undergraduate degree in psychology from Le Moyne College before pursuing her graduate degree in occupational therapy from D’Youville College. She joined Pediatric Development Center in 2016. Erin comes to PDC with experience providing therapy for children with a variety of diagnoses, including: Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Williams Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays. Erin is trained with the SOS Approach to Feeding and Zones of Regulation.
Lindsay Ortiz, MS OTR/L graduated from the University of New England. She joined Pediatric Development Center in 2019. Prior to returning to college to obtain her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Lindsay worked as behavioral health professional and teacher working with children with various behavioral needs. Additionally, Lindsay participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program where she completed a minimum of 300 hours of advanced training working with children with special needs as part of an interdisciplinary group. Lindsay is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding.
Erin Chasse, MS OTR/L graduated from the University of Southern Maine. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Erin earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science. Erin joins PDC with previous experience in health care, working as a clinical integration associate. Erin has experience in both the public school system and with a private practice pediatric occupational therapy clinic. She has worked with children with a wide range of ages and diagnoses.
Jill Vigneault, MS OTR/L graduated from the University of Southern Maine. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Jill earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science. When COVID-19 hit, Jill developed and implemented a guide for providing school-based OT services through telehealth. She has experience in the public school system and has worked with children with varying ages and diagnoses.
Danika Sanborn, MS OTR/L gradated from Husson University in Maine. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Danika earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Studies. Prior to obtaining her degree in occupational therapy Danika spent many years working with children as a camp counselor and assistant teacher. In the community she has volunteered with the Adaptive Outdoor Volunteer Center.
Kaitlin “Kaitie” Johnson, OTD, MS OTR/L graduated from Shenandoah University. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Kaitie earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Kaitie has prior experience working with children as a daycare provider. She has experience in a private practice occupational therapy clinic and psychiatric center. Kaitie is an active member of the community and has earned the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards. She is completing a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree at Shenandoah University
Maria Cormier, MS OTR/L graduated from the University of Southern Maine. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Maria earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science. She has worked as a behavioral health professional and was a therapy aide for PDC while completing her master’s degree. Maria has experience in the public school system as well as private practice.
Andrea Hincks, MS OTR/L graduated from the University of New England. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree in health wellness and occupational studies. Prior to earning her degree in occupational therapy, Andrea worked as a behavioral health professional for three years in a preschool environment working with children with various disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, as well as children with behavioral needs.
Emily Brown, MS OTR/L is a graduate of Quinnipiac University. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Emily earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science. While working to obtain her degree, Emily was part of the Student Occupational Therapy Association working to promote an understanding of the profession and participating in community service events. Emily has experience working with children with a wide range of ages and diagnoses.
Alison Bolender, COTA/L is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who graduated from Kennebec Valley Community College with an associate’s degree. As a previous employee of PDC, Alison rejoined the team in 2023 with 5 years of previous experience providing occupational therapy intervention in outpatient clinics and educational settings. She has worked with children with a wide range of ages and diagnoses.
Jaimie Dube, MS, OTR/L graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science. She joined Pediatric Development Center in 2023, and comes to PDC with previous experience in pediatric outpatient settings and preschools, working with children with a wide range of ages and diagnoses.
Brenna Keefe, MS, OTR/L is a graduate of the University of New England. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science from Springfield College. Brenna joined PDC in 2023 and brings a background in working with children of different ages and diagnoses in various settings.
Suzy Reynolds, MOT, OTR/L is a graduate of Wesley College. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Suzy obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational and Community Leadership. She joined PDC in 2023. Prior to her time here, she has worked in early intervention, public schools, and an outpatient pediatric clinic where she saw children with a variety of ages and diagnoses.
Melissa Spirup, Client Coordinator. Melissa started working at PDC in 2021. She is responsible for scheduling both evaluations and treatment and can knowledgeably answer any general questions or concerns you may have.
Patricia Campbell, Administrative Director, Finance Manager, and Collections Coordinator She has worked at PDC since 2008 and has been in charge of the in-house billing since 2012. Trish sends out the monthly statements and communicates with the insurance companies to check policies for authorizations. She is available to answer any of your billing-related questions.
Hannah Merrill, Billing Coordinator and Client Advocate Hannah started working at PDC at the beginning of 2022. She is in charge of submitting invoices, meeting with new families to review their insurance benefits and go over our clinic policies, and ensuring we have documentation and referrals/scripts up to date. She also works as a liaison between our practice and our patients to help address any concerns and answer any questions you might have while receiving services here.
Johanna Keibler, Referral Coordinator Johanna started working at PDC in 2023. She performs a wide range of administrative duties including referral processing, patient registration, verification of benefits, works closely with Child Development Services, communication with referral sources, and other tasks assigned.