Knowledgable Occupational Therapists

Fundamental Therapy Solutions has a small, dedicated staff of psychological therapists to help you and your child overcome difficulties with learning, improve their quality of life, and more. Call to schedule your child's assessment today.

Shannon Arola has worked with Fundamental Therapy Solutions since January of 2018 and prior to that spent almost 10 years at The Morris Center in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida. Shannon graduated from the University of Florida in 1999. She has training in reflexes, electrical stimulation, and massage, which she uses for all ages to help the body move with as little compensation and pain as possible. Shannon specializes in Sensory Integration techniques.

Alyssa is originally from Pennsylvania and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2018. She graduated with her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. Prior to working with FTS, Alyssa worked in Virginia in outpatient pediatrics. Alyssa loves to spend time exploring the outdoors, gardening, and loving on her dog, Link!

Kristen is originally from the Interlachen area and continues to reside in Putnam County. She graduated from Keiser University in 2015 with an Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Before joining the FTS team, Kristen has been serving the geriatric population in Skilled Nursing Facilities. She has a heart for helping others, enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and baking. 

Ally was born and raised in New York and moved to Gainesville after she graduated with her Bachelors degree from Skidmore College in 2017. She earned her Masters degree from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and previously worked at the ARC of Alachua County for four years creating and implementing curriculum activities for adults with developmental disabilities. Ally has a passion for using art, creativity and play to build core skills for optimal functioning.

Macy is originally from Saluda, SC and now lives in Starke, FL. She earned her associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Piedmont Technical College in 2021. She enjoys helping kiddos reach their fullest potential through play while they think they are just having fun! In her spare time Macy enjoys spending time relaxing outside with her husband and their dog, Ava.

Courtney received her bachelor's degree in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida in 2017 and her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2020. Courtney has  always had a passion for helping kids learn and grow, and joined the FTS team in January of 2022 with a desire to help children reach their optimal level of independence. In her free time in enjoy hiking, traveling, and baking.

Sara is originally from Buffalo, NY. Go Bills! She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2004 as well as her Associates of Applied Science degree from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at SUNY Erie Community College in 2013. Sara has worked in a variety of settings including pediatrics, school, home health, skilled nursing, and inpatient rehab. When she needs some R and R she enjoys kicking back and watching her hometown sporting events and traveling to visit family and friends.

Casey has been with Fundamental Therapy Solutions since 2017. She graduated from University of Florida in 2014 with a Bachelors of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. She then became an Occupational Therapy Assistant after receiving her Associates in Science Degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Casey is originally from New Orleans, LA, and currently lives in the Gainesville area.

Lila graduated from Salt Lake Community College in 2006 with her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assisting degree. Lila has worked with Fundamental Therapy Solutions since 2013. Prior to working with FTS, Lila spent several years in a variety of settings, including pediatrics, schools, nursing homes, and home health while traveling with her husband in the military. Lila loves to spend time with her husband and two sons and is learning how to do quilling in her spare time.

Laura earned her Bachelors degree from the University of Florida and her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University. Over the last 18 years, Laura has worked with children of all ages with a wide range of abilities in both clinical and school settings. She is certified as a handwriting specialist (Handwriting Without Tears) and has training in sensory integration, Neuro Net, Brain Gym, and NDT. 

Haley has worked with Fundamental Therapy Solutions since 2016. Haley graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2016 and has received further education and training in the Handwriting Without Tears Pre-K and K-5 curriculum. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Occupational Therapist

Haley Pope, OTR/L 

Casey Castenedo, COTA  

Shannon Arola, OTR/L

Lila Onyimadu, COTA

Emma Heaton, OTR/L

Alyssa Carson,  OTD

Kristen Sutton,  COTA

Ally Lehman, OTR/L

Macy Boyette, COTA

Courtney Mueller, OTR/L

Rebecca Minsal , OTR/L

Kristen Jones ,  COTA

Sara Schiele,  COTA

Stephanie Brinson, OTR/L

Laura Holmes, OTR/L
 

Rebecca graduated from Miami Dade College with her Bachelors in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and continued on to graduate from Florida International University with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Prior to completing her higher education, Rebecca was a preschool teacher and has worked with kids most of her working life. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, puzzles, video games, and bowling.

Kristen has been with Fundamental Therapy Solutions since 2019. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with a Bachelors Degree and from St. Catherine’s University in 2018 with Associates in Science Degree to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Stephanie graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She is SIPT certified and has had training in Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, Integrated Listening Program (iLs), Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, Therapressure Program (Wilbarger Protocol), Alert Program, Astronaut Training, SOS Approach to Feeding, and Handwriting Without Tears Pre-K and K-5 curriculum. Stephanie loves helping children who have challenged with sensory processing reach their optimal level of functioning. 

Emma is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from University of Florida with her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She has been with FTS since 2018 providing services at the clinic and at an elementary school. Emma is currently earning a certification in TS-BTI (Behavior Therapy Institute/ Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders).

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