Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Occupational Therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults that can participate in activities that are meaningful to them. The primary goals of childhood are to grow, learn, and play. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them. Through the use of play, the goal of occupational therapy is to improve body coordination, upper and lower body strength, functional strength, body awareness, and perceptual motor skills. Some examples include:

Fine/Visual Motor Skills:

Pencil grasp
Cutting
Handwriting, drawing
Self-care tasks like feeding self, buttoning, tying shoes, etc.

Sensory Processing Skills:

Knowing where your body is in space/clumsiness/respecting personal space
Paying attention
Responding appropriately to sounds, sights, movement, textures, etc.
“Sensory Seekers”: Fidgety, touching peers, playing too rough, mouthing objects, etc.
“Sensory Avoiders”: Respond negatively to typical sounds, sights, movement, feelings, etc. May tend to “shut down” easily.
Self-regulation, knowing how to calm down or rev up when needed

Motor Coordination and Planning:

Performing age-appropriate tasks like throwing, catching, kicking, copying actions, etc.
Sequencing tasks and planning daily routines

Feeding:

Addressing Pediatric Feeding Disorder and picky eating.
Integrating sensory integration and oral motor practices

Social Skills:

Making new friends, greeting people appropriately
Being flexible in play, tolerating changes in plans
Sportsmanship, tolerating frustration

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Jennifer Kovanis, MS, OTR/L

Jennifer is the founder and owner of Premier Children's Therapy Center. She started Premier Children's Therapy Center in 2001 with a dream to reach more children and families, and to make a real difference in their lives by helping them to become the best they can be.

She obtained her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 1999. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, Jennifer gained her business expertise from working for the Federal Reserve Bank. Jennifer's occupational therapy experience is rooted in her years working with catastrophic brain injury patients at The Shepherd Center.

At Premier, she reaches children of all ages and all levels of need. She continuously stays abreast of new and emerging concepts and trends in all disciplines. She provides continuing education opportunities for all staff members and offers many resources for parents. Jennifer has successfully raised two adult children and enjoys summer concerts under the stars.

Leah Planchard, MS, OTR/L

Leah received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006. She continued her education as a Tar Heel and received a Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2008.

Leah is the Clinical Director of Premier Children's Therapy Center. Her clinical experience includes working with children with developmental delays, feeding problems/picky eaters, sensory processing difficulties, fine and visual motor problems, Autism, ADHD, motor coordination problems, and mental health issues. She holds an Evergreen certification as a ADHD-Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHD-RSP). Leah is Sensory Integration certified and can administer the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). She has also been trained in Handwriting Without Tears, the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach, and Brain Gym and also has an interest in ergonomics. Leah’s experience includes outpatient clinic settings and schools. She enjoys working with children of all ages.

Leah is married and has an elementary-aged son and daughter.

Amy Reynolds, MS, OTR/L

Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from August State University in her hometown of Augusta, Georgia. She continued her education by earning her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2011. Her graduate level thesis involved revising the kinesthesia subtest of the Sensory Integration Praxis Test to make it more engaging to children.

Amy spent her first four years after graduation working at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, GA, where she treated patients of all ages. Her pediatric experience there included working with children with various diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Mitochondrial Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury and developmental and motor delay. She obtained her Physical Agent Modalities certification and was able to apply modalities to children recovering from orthopedic and neurological injuries.

Since 2015, Amy has focused solely on pediatrics specializing in developing and implementing strategies to address fine motor skills/handwriting deficits, behaviors, sensory diet plans, visual motor skills, and overall developmental delays. She has also been trained in Handwriting Without Tears, Therapeutic Listening, and Rhythmic Movement Training and Reflex Integration. She enjoys working closely with families to educate and carryover helpful strategies to the home environment.

Amy is married with two young children and enjoys dancing, singing (we all love to hear it), and making children laugh!!!!!

Elizabeth Schelhammer, MS, OT/L

Liz has over 20 years of clinical experience as a pediatric occupational therapist working with children with developmental delays in fine motor, motor coordination, autism, ADHD and sensory integration.

Liz received her Master Degree from Brenau University in 1999.

Michelle Shepherd, MS, OTR/L

Michelle provides diagnostic and therapeutic expertise for developmental delays in fine motor/handwriting skills, sensory integration and Apraxia. She has conducted handwriting and cursive camps for children over the summer months. She works on site in the Hall County schools as well as in home care and here at the clinic.

Michelle's Master Degree comes from Brenau University (1999).

Jessica Filosi, MS, OTR/L

Jessica received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She also has a minor in Dance and a certificate in Disability Studies integrating her passion for movement and advocacy! She attended Brenau University and received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy while working at Premier Children’s Therapy Center in an administrative role.

Jessica has clinical fieldwork experience in outpatient therapy services working with children with ADHD, developmental delay, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, picky eating, general motor and coordination deficits, fine motor difficulties, sensory integration, and children on the Autism spectrum. She has been trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach to address picky eating,

Jessica is drawn to outpatient pediatric therapy services because of the ability to form relationships with both children and their families in order to provide the best possible outcome for her patients. She is eager to work with other members of your child’s support team including other therapists, teachers, medical professionals, and (most importantly) their caregivers!

Jessica is married and has 2 dogs! (GO DAWGS!)

Amanda Valentini, MHSOT, OTR/L

Amanda joined our team as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist because she truly has a passion for working with kids. Amanda cares for children with empathy, compassion, and creativity. She incorporates each child’s interests and hobbies into occupational therapy. After all, occupational therapy should be FUN!

She attended The University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. Amanda earned a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University, where she was the recipient of the John F. Beard Award for Compassionate Care.

In occupational therapy school, Amanda implemented an early intervention OT program for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade at an elementary school in Augusta, GA. One of her favorite activities is helping children with special needs in an adaptive ballet class.

Amanda has pediatric clinical experience in outpatient clinics, elementary schools, preschools, child care centers, and inpatient hospitals. She has worked with children diagnosed with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Low Vision, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delays, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Neurological Conditions, and more.

In her free time, Amanda loves to play tennis, bake, and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs on game days! Amanda is now accepting new patients and looks forward to working with your child!

Amanda Valentini, MHSOT, OTR/L

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Public Health at the University of Georgia. She stayed at UGA to obtain a graduate degree in Public Health, working in the non-profit sector following graduation to develop and deliver health and wellness programs for children of all abilities. She discovered her passion for pediatrics and decided to pursue a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, which she completed at Brenau University.

Lauren is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and has experience working in early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, orthopedic, and vocational rehabilitation settings serving clients from birth to 21 with a variety of diagnoses. She has obtained additional training in evaluating and treating pediatric feeding disorders using the SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) approach to feeding. She has completed introductory course work in DIRFLOORTIME®, which is a highly recognized evidence-based approach that stresses the importance of connection and understanding of individual differences to best support the child. Lauren has also pursued additional training and coursework related to sensory processing, emotional regulation, and handwriting.

Lauren believes that trust and safety are essential to successful therapeutic outcomes, and focuses on building strong relationships with clients and their families. She enjoys tailoring each session to the client’s interests and ensuring families have simple and fun activities to engage in at home and in the community to promote continued progress outside of scheduled therapy visits.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and family, hiking, gardening, attending concerts and sporting events!