meet our

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

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.

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Occupational Therapist 


Occupational Therapist 

 


Occupational Therapist 

Occupational Therapist 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapist 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 


Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Occupational Therapist 

 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

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

Occupational Therapist 

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).

GAINESVILLE OFFICE

Tory graduated from Keiser University in Jacksonville FL in 2020 with a AS degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Prior to working at FTS she spent over 20 years working with children of all ages and abilities. Tory has worked as an assistant director of a preschool, ran a after school program, been a early childhood educator to children 3-6 and as a nanny to special needs children. Tory enjoys spending her free time with her family and being a master gardener.


Eli is a native of Lawtey, FL. He earned his Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Barry University in May of 2018. Prior to furthering his education at Barry University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Florida and an Associate of Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Hired with Fundamental Therapy Solutions in 2018, Eli desired to provide services to children in their naturalistic environment within the school system. In addition to serving Columbia County schools, Eli continues to work Per diem within skilled nursing facilities and an outpatient pediatric clinic.

Carolina graduated from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2021 but has been an occupational therapy assistant since 2016. Most of her experience lies in skilled nursing facilities with the geriatric population but she also has experience in pediatrics and in hand therapy. On her free time Carolina enjoys having fun with her daughter Madison, traveling and staying active.

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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Occupational Therapist 

Carolina Miller, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist 

Elijah Hamilton, OTR/L

Tori Landon, COTA

LAKE CITY OFFICE 

Heather graduated from the University of Florida Occupational Therapy program in 2000 with her Bachelors degree and again in 2007 with her Masters in Health Science in OT. She has 14 years of experience working in pediatric home health, and 7 years in outpatient ortho, and 2 years in inpatient acute care rehab. She served as the president of the North Dakota OT Association for 4 years during her time living there. She recently relocated to the Lake City area to be near family in 2022 and is excited to continue to learn and grow with Fundamental Therapy Solutions. She is married with 2 daughters and enjoys outdoor activities, traveling adventures, learning languages, and solving Escape Rooms.  

Kelli Roberts graduated from Lake Washington Technical College in 2012 with an AS in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has worked in various settings including pediatrics but mainly has worked with adults in functional rehab, home health, and nursing homes. She has been a licensed Massage therapist for 16 years and continues to practice here in Florida. She relocated from Washington state to be closer to her sister this summer. In her free time to going to Disney, hanging out with her sisters, nieces, and nephews, as well as traveling.

Occupational Therapist

Heather Dibra

Kelli Roberts

Stephanie Ivy is the Office Manager for FTSOK. She was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and graduated from Oklahoma State University with her Bachelor’s in English in 2007. She has a 4-year-old daughter who is on the ASD spectrum, which is how she got her introduction into the therapy world. Stephanie is a passionate advocate for those without a speaking voice (including animals), and you may often find her daydreaming or singing in her natural habitat. She is a self-proclaimed lover and is wholly fulfilled when helping others.

Jennifer Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Texas Woman's University. She has been practicing in the field of Occupational Therapy since 1998. Jennifer has a diverse background in pediatrics, hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and geriatrics. Her pursuit of Occupational Therapy began as a young child helping to care for her great grandmother after surviving a stroke and was introduced to the world of occupational therapy and rehabilitation. She was born to work in this field with her God given gifts and servants heart. Jennifer is a wife and mother to two very active and loving boys. Jennifer enjoys hunting with her family, arts and crafts, vegging out on the couch watching movies and expanding her knowledge in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy to better serve her clients.

Megan has been with Fundamental Therapy Solutions since 2017. She is certified in the Astronaut Training Program, as well as the SOS Feeding Program, and has also been trained in the Handwriting Without Tears Program. Megan specializes in Social Skills and enjoys implementing various sensory strategies in session and working with kiddos who struggle with visual processing. Additionally, she is on the Development Committee for the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association and won the 2016 Oklahoma advocacy award. In her downtime, Megan enjoys spending time with her family riding bikes, hiking, traveling and anything else outdoors.

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Office Manager

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant & CEO of FTS Oklahoma

Megan Atterberry, COTA/L

Stephanie Ivy

Occupational Therapist 

Jennifer Fitzpatrick,  OT

OKLAHOMA OFFICE

Sarah VanAlstine (OTR/L) graduated from Texas Woman's University in 2001. She worked in neuro-rehab adults & pediatrics in Houston, TX, before moving to Oklahoma in 2005. Sarah has experience working with people of all ages who have life skills impacted by injury, disability, chronic conditions, mental health issues, prior trauma, and learning differences. Sarah has served in leadership roles with the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association since 2014; she was recognized by OKOTA as the "Occupational Therapist of the Year" in 2020.

Occupational Therapist


Sarah VanAlstine, OTR/L

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OCALA OFFICE

Melissa graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2008 with her Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation Science, and with her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2009. Most of her experience has been in an outpatient setting for both adolescents and adults, until her time with FTS. Melissa is originally from Wisconsin, but has been in Florida since 2011. She enjoy's being active, especially with her daughter - Elaine, and considers herself the biggest fan of the Green Bay Packers!

Sarah is originally from Port Saint Lucie , FL. and moved to Gainesville in January 2019 with her fiancé. Sarah graduated from Keiser University in West Palm Beach FL. in August of 2018 with an A.S. to be a Occupational Therapy Assistant. A large portion of her professional experience has been spent with the geriatric population in home health before joining the FTS team! She has a heart for helping others and enjoys hanging out with her two dogs and going ATVing in her spare time. 

Welcome to FTS - 

Welcome to FTS - 

Welcome to FTS - 

Occupational Therapist 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Occupational Therapist 

Melissa Cordell, OTR/L

Sarah Schrader, COTA

Aspen Neace

Cassie Mrock 

Darieon Leone

We have over 15 years of experience with expert child therapy.
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