Our Team
Brittney MS, OTR/L
Owner & Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(Carmel & San Jose)
I am the owner of Children’s Therapy Center, Co. I became an Occupational Therapist in 2011 and opened our doors in 2014. I started this practice with the desire of transforming how therapy was delivered to my own personal clients. Almost a decade later, it has blossomed into more than I could have hoped. We now have a team of therapists who join our team because they are passionate about being able to provide quality services in a way most therapists dream about: a space that allows them the time to fully support with the families and clients they are working with.
In my career I have had experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses including sensory processing disorder, autism, down syndrome, ADHD/ADD, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy and more. My experience spans private clinics, hospitals, CCS, non-public, public, private, and home school. I have trained extensively in the area of Sensory Processing Disorder under Dr. Lucy Jane Miller. I have a passion for helping people understand how sensory challenges impact so many areas of life. I value neurodiversity affirming care and love teaching others how to implement brain-based strategies for managing challenging behaviors rather than using compliance methods. I believe it is important to empower families, knowing family dynamics can have a huge impact on the child’s outcomes.
During my career I have been active in leadership and have received awards for my contributions to the field of OT. I have enjoyed serving on boards both for the OT profession and organizations within her community.
Fun Facts About Me:
- In 2017 my husband and I moved out of Almaden to Carmel Valley. We now have a little more room to stretch but our daily commute sure is longer!
- I am obsessed with golden retrievers. We have now had three golden retrievers: Abagail. Archie and now August!
- I didn’t even know what OT was until I was already in college.
- I love to be busy. As soon as things start slowing down I am ready to add a new venture or project to my plate. If you ever want me to do something, catch me when I have caught up on my to do list.
Kelly MS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(San Jose)
Coming Soon.
Hannah MS, OTR/L
Clinical Lead & Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(San Jose)
I graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and continued my education at Florida Gulf Coast University with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. After growing up and living in Florida for 22 years, I moved across the country to the Bay area of California to start the next chapter of my life on the west coast.
Throughout my educational and clinical background, I have developed a love for working with individuals across the lifespan. My experiences in acute inpatient rehabilitation and community practice settings have provided me opportunities to work with a wide range of ages and conditions. I have experience working with autistic individuals, children and teens with learning disabilities and different neuro types, individuals with intellectual disabilities, neurological conditions, orthopedic conditions, and youth trauma survivors. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, I worked with children as an assistant preschool teacher at a Montessori school.
I strive to support children, teens, and their families through life’s many transitions in a collaborative and fun environment. I am inspired by the joy that children find in even the smallest things in life. It is my goal as an OT to promote positive, successful experiences in the activities that are meaningful to my clients and their families.
Fun facts about me:
- In my free time I love to cook and create new recipes, especially when I make food to be shared by friends and family. One day I would love to start a food blog as a hobby.
- I have been to 10 National Parks and cannot wait to continue exploring more.
- I love a good podcast for a long car ride or even when I am just doing chores around the house.
Jennifer OTD, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(Remote)
My background is in psychology, child adolescent and mental health, and occupational therapy. My focus in pediatric occupational therapy has been inclusive of individual OT assessment and treatment, as well as work with related disciplines for consultation, assessment, and treatment for children and teens with a range of sensory-motor needs which are oftentimes linked to behavioral needs and co-occurring mental health diagnoses.
Most of my experience has been to support children with Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, language-based learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and sensory processing challenges. My goal and role as an OT is to meet children where they are, encourage them to own and be proud of their successes, and positively nurture their interest in working through their areas of challenge.
My approach is to be supportive, play-based, collaborative, and work with children to use their strengths to address their difficulties. I also believe that working with family and any other providers who are part of the child’s team is essential to making lasting, positive change.
Fun facts about me:
- I grew up on the east coast.
- I love to travel and explore, but I also love to stay home and spend time with my significant other, dog (Appa), and plants.
- I love listening to audiobooks while driving!
Alison MS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(San Jose)
I am a writer/editor-turned-OT who loves supporting kids and families as they navigate their unique journeys. I have experience in treating clients from infancy through older adulthood in in-patient, private clinic, and community settings, and with diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, stroke, prematurity, genetic disorder, and other psychosocial disorders and developmental disabilities. I am also trained in Integrated Listening Systems (iLs).
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, teaching English as a foreign language in China, and starting a career in Silicon Valley, I learned about OT and haven’t looked back since.
My favorite moments in OT are when creativity and problem-solving meet, bringing clients closer to their goals. When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me playing with my two boys, enjoying the outdoors, or painting.
Fun facts about me:
- Before becoming an OT I wrote children’s stories and comics.
- My love of Tolkien brought me to study abroad at Oxford as an undergraduate.
- If it’s pistachio flavored, I’ll love it.
- Mindfulness and yoga are my go-to strategies to keep me grounded.
April
Office Coordinator
(Carmel & San Jose)
I graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and I have spent most of my career working as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. I enjoy working with children and their parents in an environment where my efforts directly help people in my community. I believe that it is important to be part of a team that collaborates to better support the individuals we serve. As the office coordinator, I am dedicated to helping families and the Almaden Valley Children’s Therapy Center staff, by supporting them to the best of my ability.
Fun facts about me:
- I enjoy spending time with family & friends, cooking, and listening to podcasts.
- I grew up in Aptos, CA so one of the things I enjoy doing is going for walks on the beach with my husband.
- I love to travel with my family and our two dogs and my favorite destination is Lake Tahoe.
Alex MS OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(Carmel & San Jose)
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and my Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. I have experience working with a wide-range of individuals and in a variety of settings including acute, inpatient rehabilitation, subacute, and school-based. My current professional interests include sharing the power of neuroscience-backed and strengths-based approaches; advocating for neurodiversity-affirming care; and further refining my clinical reasoning skills through continuing education and mindful reflection. My work for CTC currently includes supporting one of our school contracts at a local charter school as well as supporting clients within our clinic.
Fun facts about me:
- I’m from the Monterey peninsula and went to college in Nashville, TN–I love traveling near and far, but spending time with family and friends nourishes my soul!
- I grew up in a “foodie” family with my parents being chefs/ restauranteurs– I enjoy cooking and baking (especially gluten- and dairy-free creations), visiting farmers markets, and trying new restaurants. In elementary school, I wrote an ode to my Grandpa’s chicken burritos.
- Getting a lot of proprioceptive input helps organize my brain and makes me feel calm–I have a numerous weighted blankets; coloring books and making crafts are also in my “toolbox.” Something I’m interested in learning more about outside of the clinic is gardening and how to play pickle ball with Ms. Brittney!
Lisa MS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(Carmel)
As an occupational therapist, I am passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their fullest potential. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from CSU Monterey Bay and received my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from West Coast University in Los Angeles. My journey into occupational therapy began at a young age when I unofficially acted as my father’s therapist after he suffered a stroke. Helping my father regain motor skills through his love of restoring classic cars showed me the power of combining creativity, personalized care, and healthcare.
I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including autistic children and adults, individuals in skilled nursing facilities, and those in early intervention settings. My experience also extends to adaptive aquatic occupational therapy, and I am dedicated to supporting mental health and overall wellness. My guiding principle is, “If it matters to you, it matters to me.” I strive to provide the tools and support needed for my clients to live, learn, work, and play in meaningful ways.
I am committed to making a positive impact on my clients’ lives and am inspired every day by their resilience and determination.
Fun Facts About Me:
- I love exploring new workout classes like Pilates, barre, yoga, and cycling, and I’m always up for an outdoor adventure, whether it’s camping or stand-up paddleboarding.
- I enjoy curling up with a good book, and my reading interests span both fiction and non-fiction. You can almost always find my emotional support Kindle stowed away in my bag!
- I have a corgi/golden retriever mix named Bixby, who loves joining me on my outdoor adventures and keeping me company while I read.
Christina MS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(San Jose)
I earned my bachelors in kinesiology from San Diego State University and my masters degree and Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. My professional experience spans working with toddlers, children, and teens in private practice and school settings, supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental delays, intellectual challenges, and sensory processing differences.
Before pursuing my career and Occupational Therapy I discovered my passion for working with children as a summer camp counselor during my undergraduate studies. This experience inspired my playful and creative approach to therapy.
I am dedicated to using a play-based strength-focused approach to help children build skills and feel confident and secure in their bodies and environments, whether at home, school, or in the community. Collaboration is key to my practice, and I work closely with families, teachers, and other service providers to ensure each child’s success.
Outside of work I stay busy as a mom of two, cheering on my children at their sporting events, volunteering at their schools, and taking on the role of team parent.
Fun facts about me:
- My first job was at a scuba diving store selling merchandise and teaching swim lessons. I earned my scuba diving certification as a perk of working there!
- Baking is a favorite hobby, and I love creating special treats for the holidays and family celebrations with my kids-just as I did growing up with my mom.
- My ultimate happy place is the beach, but I also enjoy hiking, biking, and yoga with my family when I’m not soaking up the ocean breeze.
