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WELCOME TO THE SNCT TEAM!
Deborah Herzog, OTR/L, CPRCS
*Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist
*Founder and CEO of St. Nicholas Children's Therapies
I am an Occupational Therapist and the founder of St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies. I hold a National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy with emphasis in pediatrics and is a certified primitive reflex clinical specialist. Graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Over 32 years of experience with 6 years in schools with professional and personal family experience working with children who struggle with reading, learning, sensory processing, social skills, anxiety, maladaptive behaviors, and self-regulation. I treat and help remediate a wide range of neurodevelopmental diagnoses and disorders, including learning disabilities, Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, social skills, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors, visual perceptual for reading, sensory processing development for increasing abilities to take in and process new information.
I have been on the faculty at Cleveland University in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and a presenter at area developmental groups. I am the mom of 3 children. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Exercising, reading, boating, and going to the beach are my favorite hobbies.
Dr. Ayraka Straws, OTD, OTR/L
I am a certified occupational therapist and graduated in 2023 from Rockhurst University with my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. As an occupational therapist, my goal is to help individuals maintain, develop, and recover skills that allow them to perform activities important to them and promote access to every part of life. I love celebrating people and encouraging others to love who they are. My passion is to serve those in need and help individuals celebrate their uniqueness.
In my work, I focus on meeting a child where they are and providing individualistic care that best suits their needs. Not only do I look at the child's diagnosis, condition, and needs, but also all parts of the child. The beliefs, culture, trauma, family, roles, and identity of the child will always be taken into account. As I grow as a therapist, I strive to help children engage in all areas of their lives: self-care, play, school activities, self-regulation, and social interactions. I work to provide them with tools that they can use in all areas of their life and throughout their development.
Dr. Alisa Shermeta, OTD, OTR/L
Alisa Sheremeta is beyond excited to join the St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies team as an Occupational Therapist. She recently graduated with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
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Alisa has always loved working with kids from coaching gymnastics to continuing her passion within the occupational therapy profession. She is eager to join SNCT to continue making a positive impact in pediatrics, with a goal of ensuring children and their families feel confident and empowered!
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In her free time, Alisa loves to stay active outdoors, try new coffee shops, bake goodies, and find new adventures to go on!
Christin Hill, MS, OTR/L, ASDCS
Christy was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. She graduated from The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) with a Bachelor’s Degree in OT in 1995 and with a Master’s Degree in OT in 1999. Throughout her 30 year career as an OTR, she has worked in a variety of settings including teaching associate at KUMC, home health, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. However, her passion lies in pediatrics and has 20+ years of experience working with pediatrics in private clinics, schools and within her own private practice.
Christy is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and a Certified Interactive Metronome (IM) Provider. Her greatest passion is empowering children and families to achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their daily lives. She also believes that collaboration between parents, their children, family members and all other individuals in the child’s life is crucial to the child’s success. Christy has 4 adult children and lives with her golden doodle, Jordan. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, baking, reading and the outdoors.
Abigail Waldo, MOT, OTR/L
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) and received my degree from Washburn University. I also hold an associate degree in elementary education. I have received training in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) and Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi). My approach to OT treatment includes Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), play-based strategies, neurodivergent-affirming practices, and trauma-informed care. I am passionate about working with the pediatric population, and one of my greatest joys is watching kids laugh and have fun while progressing toward their therapeutic goals. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, spending time outdoors, and coloring!
Maggie Ansley, COTA/L
Hi! My name is Maggie Ansley, and I am a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. I received my degree at Crowder College in Webb City, MO, before moving up to Kansas City. I am beyond excited with my journey with St. Nicholas Children's Therapies!
Megan Rodman, COTA/L
Hi, my name is Megan Rodman, and I have been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) since 2021. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in Disability Studies. I am from a very rural community in northeast Missouri, which has shaped my appreciation for close-knit families and individualized care.
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I am passionate about working with children and supporting their development in a positive, encouraging environment. As a mom of three, I value each child’s unique needs and strengths. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, camping, and being outdoors.
Emma Garcia, COTA/L
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Emily Hall, COTA/L
I'm Emily Hall, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) and graduate of Pima Medical Institute. I have a passion for helping children grow, build confidence, and discover their unique strengths. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I bring a personal understanding of the different ways children experience, learn, and interact with the world. I believe this perspective helps me connect with kids on a deeper level and create a supportive, fun, and accepting environment where they can thrive.
Outside of work, I'm a proud mom of three who enjoys photography, cooking, spending time outdoors, and getting lost in a good book. I love bringing creativity, compassion, and fun into everything I do!
Sharon Bradley, COTA/L, CPRCS
My name is Sharon Bradley. I have been a Certified Occupational Assistant for 17 years. I have licenses in Kansas and Missouri.
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I am very passionate about helping children and their families become more knowledgeable about the benefits therapy has in their lives. Children should be able to thrive in their daily activities. I will help guide the children to their full potential in sensory, emotional, coordination, and educational strides.
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I am a proud mom of three adult children, and I have a grandson. I love singing and flower gardening and spending time with family and friends.
I am excited to be part of this innovative and collaborative team at St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies.
Chelsie Stotts, COTA/L
Hello, my name is Chelsie Stotts. I’m a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and graduated from Brown Mackie in 2013. I’m a wife and a mom of two young boys (5 and 3) that keep me very busy. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, staying strong with Peloton, cooking, and traveling with my boys. I’m excited to continue my passion for Occupational Therapy and meeting all the wonderful children and families of SNCT. .
Rachel Schramm, COTA/L
Hello!
My name is Rachel Schramm. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I graduated from Neosho County Community College in 2016. I currently work in an Elementary school setting in Johnson County, KS. I am a wife, and a mom of 2 children ages 16, and 12. I enjoy watching movies, hanging with my family and friends, gardening, walking trails, watching my kids in their activities, and playing with my dog and cat.
I am a KOTA member (Kansas Occupational Therapy Association) and attend the annual conference each year! I am passionate about finding the “just right challenge” for your child and your family, as well as promoting growth and Independence in meaningful ways. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies! I look forward to working with you and your child.
Carli Sommerla, COTA/L
Hello, my name is Carli Sommerla. I’m a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and graduated from Washburn University in 2020. I have clinical experience with pediatrics, long term care, and rehabilitation hospital settings. I am thrilled to join the team at St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies and very excited to grow my passion with working with pediatrics. In my free time, I love playing tennis, reading, hiking, and cooking/baking. I share my home with my husband and dog, named Otis.
Chelsie Stotts, COTA/L
Hello, my name is Chelsie Stotts. I’m a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and graduated from Brown Mackie in 2013. I’m a wife and a mom of two young boys (5 and 3) that keep me very busy. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, staying strong with Peloton, cooking, and traveling with my boys. I’m excited to continue my passion for Occupational Therapy and meeting all the wonderful children and families of SNCT. .
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Rachel Schramm, COTA/L
Hello!
My name is Rachel Schramm. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I graduated from Neosho County Community College in 2016. I currently work in an Elementary school setting in Johnson County, KS. I am a wife, and a mom of 2 children ages 16, and 12. I enjoy watching movies, hanging with my family and friends, gardening, walking trails, watching my kids in their activities, and playing with my dog and cat.
I am a KOTA member (Kansas Occupational Therapy Association) and attend the annual conference each year! I am passionate about finding the “just right challenge” for your child and your family, as well as promoting growth and Independence in meaningful ways. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies! I look forward to working with you and your child.
Sharon Bradley, COTA/L, CPRCS
My name is Sharon Bradley. I have been a Certified Occupational Assistant for 17 years. I have licenses in Kansas and Missouri.
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I am very passionate about helping children and their families become more knowledgeable about the benefits therapy has in their lives. Children should be able to thrive in their daily activities. I will help guide the children to their full potential in sensory, emotional, coordination, and educational strides.
​
I am a proud mom of three adult children, and I have a grandson. I love singing and flower gardening and spending time with family and friends.
I am excited to be part of this innovative and collaborative team at St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies.
Chelsie Stotts, COTA/L
Hello, my name is Chelsie Stotts. I’m a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and graduated from Brown Mackie in 2013. I’m a wife and a mom of two young boys (5 and 3) that keep me very busy. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, staying strong with Peloton, cooking, and traveling with my boys. I’m excited to continue my passion for Occupational Therapy and meeting all the wonderful children and families of SNCT. .
Rachel Schramm, COTA/L
Hello!
My name is Rachel Schramm. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I graduated from Neosho County Community College in 2016. I currently work in an Elementary school setting in Johnson County, KS. I am a wife, and a mom of 2 children ages 16, and 12. I enjoy watching movies, hanging with my family and friends, gardening, walking trails, watching my kids in their activities, and playing with my dog and cat.
I am a KOTA member (Kansas Occupational Therapy Association) and attend the annual conference each year! I am passionate about finding the “just right challenge” for your child and your family, as well as promoting growth and Independence in meaningful ways. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies! I look forward to working with you and your child.
Korie Riggins, COTA/L
Korie Riggins is an Occupational Therapy Assistant, having earned her degree from Metropolitan Community College. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology from Washburn University. Her passion for working with children emerged during her fieldwork at an outpatient comprehensive rehabilitation facility, where she found joy in collaborating with children of all ages and their families. Korie is excited to embark on her journey with SNCT. In addition to her work with pediatric patients, she has gained valuable clinical experience in short-term, long-term, and assisted living settings.
Outside of her professional life, Korie enjoys spending quality time with her son, husband, and her dog, Meiomi. She loves traveling to the mountains, where she enjoys hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Sharon Bradley, COTA/L, CPRCS
My name is Sharon Bradley. I have been a Certified Occupational Assistant for 17 years. I have licenses in Kansas and Missouri.
​
I am very passionate about helping children and their families become more knowledgeable about the benefits therapy has in their lives. Children should be able to thrive in their daily activities. I will help guide the children to their full potential in sensory, emotional, coordination, and educational strides.
​
I am a proud mom of three adult children, and I have a grandson. I love singing and flower gardening and spending time with family and friends.
I am excited to be part of this innovative and collaborative team at St. Nicholas Children’s Therapies.
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SNCT A P P R O A C H
Neurodevelopment , Health, Movement, Wellbeing
St. Nicholas Children's Therapies embraces each child's unique and individual abilities. Each child's intervention plan is based on what is needed for success in activities of daily living, behaviors, and learning.
A variety of approaches and evidenced-based interventions are utilized for optimal outcomes.
Approaches include: Learning through play, activities of daily living, sensory, reflexes, motor planning, timing, rhythm, visual perceptual, gross motor coordination, fine motor coordination, and more.
Let's navigate for your child's success!
SNCT has Expertise and Advanced Training in:
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Baby & Child Neurodevelopment
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Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist
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Certified in the Masgutova Neuro-Sensory-Motor (MNRI) Reflex Method and trained in Astronaut Training and Rhythmic Movement
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School Readiness
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Social Skills Development
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Self-Regulation
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Zones of Regulation
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Handwriting Without Tears
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Primitive Reflexes
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Executive Functioning
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Sensory Processing
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Motor Coordination
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Fine Motor
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Anxiety
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Adapting Behaviors
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Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia
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Autism and ADHD
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Visual Motor and Visual Perceptual
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Vestibular
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Brain Gym
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Bal-A-Vis-X (Rhythmic balance, auditory, & vision skills)
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Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
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Craniosacral Therapy (CST) & Manual Therapies
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Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
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IEP's & 504's
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Health and wellness.
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Healthy habits and healthy routines
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Neuro Nutrition and Sleep Routines
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Activities of Daily Living