Meet The Team
Executive Director
Email Kathy
Medical Billing Coordinator
Email Brenda
Accounting Manager
Email Delsie
Front Office Coordinator
Email Brittany
Brittany's photo coming soon!
Volunteer & Development Coordinator
Email McKenzie
Events Manager
Email Breinne
Front Office Coordinator
Email Lily
Lily's photo coming soon!
Philanthropy Officer
Email Kassie
Communications Manager
Email Emily
Development Manager
Email Katie
Equine Program Manager
Email Emma
Lead Horse Handler
Email Andrea
Sydney Ballance
Horse Handler
Noelle Geisler
Horse Handler
Christy Nowlin
Horse Handler
Sophie Schafer
Horse Handler
Halie Smith
Horse Handler
Janessa Snethen
Horse Handler
2023 Horse Handlers (not pictured):
Anica Isch
Erin Sheets
Glenn Livers
Maddie Lantz
Sarah Blair
Shani Boyle
Will Jacob
Occupational Therapist, Trauma Informed Care Specialist
Email Katy
(317) 872-4166
Katy came to Children's TherAplay in May 2019. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology at Ball State University and her Masters in occupational therapy from University of Indianapolis. As our trauma informed care specialist, she strives to make Children’s TherAplay a safe and welcoming environment for all children through our policies and treatment. Katy has also received additional trainings in feeding therapy and vision therapy and is developing new treatment ideas for using the unique movement of horses with vision therapy. Katy currently holds AHA level I and II certifications.
Occupational Therapist
Email Joanna
Joanna graduated in 2015 from University of Southern Indiana with her MS in Occupational Therapy. While in graduate school, Joanna completed two fieldwork rotations in pediatrics and was especially interested in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. After graduation, she worked in a skilled nursing facility for a year prior to taking an OT position in an ABA center, primarily working with children on the autism spectrum as well as children with other behavioral and emotional regulation challenges until she joined the TherAplay team in August 2021.
Joanna is passionate about the ability of the horses to bring out the pure joy in the kiddos, as well as help them to open up in ways that she's never experienced before in other clinical settings. In her spare time, Joanna enjoys playing with her dog Jack, watching movies, baking, and spending time with her nephew.
Occupational Therapist
Email Jaime
(317) 872-4166 x7500
Jaime graduated in 1990 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Medical Professions / Occupational Therapy. She completed her graduate training in pediatric occupational therapy as a research fellow at OSU from 1991 to 1993 and went on to work for Easter Seals of Central Ohio and Allied Health Professions private practice, both in Columbus, OH. She became SIPT certified in 1996.
After Jaime moved to Indianapolis in 1997, she worked as a pediatric occupational therapist at Riverview Hospital with early intervention and Tri-County Education Co-op in outpatient rehabilitation.
In 1998, Jaime became an independent provider for First Steps of Indiana and, from 2000 to 2004, was employed in an independent contract position with Children's TherAplay. We were delighted to have Jaime return to Children's TherAplay as a PRN (as needed) contractor in 2011.
Jamie has completed American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I Equine Skills and Treatment Principles.
Occupational Therapist
Email Feresha
Feresha graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Neuroscience with a minor in Biology, and from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY with an MS in Occupational Therapy. Prior to working at TherAplay Feresha lived in NJ and worked at a school on Staten Island, NY: Seton Foundation for Learning, a specialized school for kids with disabilities, from March 2019 to June 2021. Throughout those years she also contracted as an Early Intervention therapist (known in Indiana as First Steps). In April 2021, Feresha completed my Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship through the University of Illinois Chicago. LEND promotes collaboration across all healthcare disciplines and self-advocates to learn, understand and improve clinical practice, policy and serve/understand the community of people with dishabilles better.
Feresha loves to drink tea and read books. She enjoys crafting and learning different things such as string art, pottery, oil pastels etc. Feresha also loves hiking, traveling and learning about the world around her. She enjoys spending quality time with my friends and family.
Occupational Therapist & Autism Specialist
Clinic Lead Therapist
Email Kaylin
(317) 872-4166
Kaylin first came to TherAplay in the summer of 2016 for her final clinical rotation in occupational therapy school, and loved it so much that she came back after completing her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University!
Kaylin is a Certified Autism Specialist, and enjoys providing clinic wide training, education, and community outreach as TherAplay’s dedicated Autism Specialist. Kaylin is also Board Certified in Pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association, and holds American Hippotherapy Association level I and II certifications. Kaylin has completed advanced training through the University of Southern California and specializes in sensory integration, where she is passionate about providing children with the foundational sensory skills and tools to reach their full potential do the things that they want and need to do every day.
Kaylin loves watching the children she serves grow and become more independent – she loves the "A-HA" moments’ in the clinic! She loves the creativity involved with utilizing the movement of a horse as treatment tool combined with a more traditional therapy approach. There is never a boring day at TherAplay!
In her spare time, Kaylin can be found trail running, reading, and cheering on her husband and daughter on the trails during dirt bike racing season!
Physical Therapist
Email Teresa
(317) 872-4166 x7400
Teresa graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990 with a BS in Allied Health in Physical Therapy. She has specialized in pediatrics since the start of her career, working in both hospital and clinic based outpatient rehabilitation. She has been integrating hippotherapy into her treatments for 10 years.
Teresa’s specialty training includes Neuro Developmental Treatment Certification; the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level II Course; as well as advanced training in kinesiotaping, gait training, sensory integration, and dynamic bracing for pediatrics.
Facility Service Dog
In addition to her experience and enthusiasm, Teresa brings AJ, a facility service dog through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). AJ is a Lab/Golden cross who graduated CCI in 2016 and has been trained to successfully perform over 50 different commands to assist individuals with physical needs.
AJ works alongside our therapists to help children enjoy their treatment even more.
Physical Therapist
Email Jess
(317) 872-4166
Jess graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy from Azusa Pacific University and her bachelor degree in exercise science from Ball State University. She has clinical experience in pediatrics, orthopedics, and spinal cord injury.
Her interest in the treatment strategy of hippotherapy began when she was a child attending her younger brother’s hippotherapy sessions. She loves seeing the kiddos at Theraplay grow and have fun with our herd! She has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 and 2 courses.
Physical Therapist
Email Colin
(317) 872-4166
Colin graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2020. He also graduated from Ball State University (CHIRP CHIRP) earning his bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2016. Colin started his PT career in the pediatric setting at Children's TherAplay and has enjoyed it so much that he's have stayed ever since. He particularly enjoy the close knit group of clinicians that have provided an outstanding collaborative support system in helping to provide the best care possible to all of his clients. Colin also works for First Steps in the early intervention setting when he is not at TherAplay.
In his free time, Colin enjoys hiking, lifting weights, watching live music, standup comedy, and hanging out with his dog, Kat.
Physical Therapist
Email Alexis
(317) 872-4166
Alexis graduated with her DPT from the University of Indianapolis in 2017. She loves working with the kiddos at TherAplay, and seeing how excited the kids get to ride the horse!
In her free time, Alexis enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, hiking, and anything to do with water including paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, and swimming.
Physical Therapist
Email Jackie
(317) 872-4166 x7500
Jackie graduated with her doctorate in physical therapy from Indiana University and completed her undergraduate degree in Biology with an emphasis on genetics at Purdue (Go Boilermakers!).
Jackie has completed both the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level 1 and 2 courses. Jackie has always had a passion for pediatric therapy, completing her final clinical rotation with First Steps.
She absolutely loves working with the kiddos, their families and the horses here at Children’s Theraplay.
Physical Therapist
Email Nikee
(317) 872-4166
Nikee graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology in 2016, and went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Univeristy of Indianapolis in 2019.
Nikee is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and is also certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT-BIG) which has helped her in her work with adults. Nikee has clinical experience in outpatient rehabilitation including pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurologic. She completed her doctoral dissertation on the benefits of animal-assisted intervention, so she is very passionate about hippotherapy!
In her free time, Nikee likes to kayak, line dance, and work out.
Director of Therapy Services
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Carah
Education Info:
Undergraduate Degree: Purdue University
BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Services, Minor in Psychology and Spanish
Graduate Degree: Texas Christian University
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Doctorate Degree: Northwestern University
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology
Tell us about yourself:
Carah has worked extensively in outpatient pediatric clinics with children birth through 21 years old. She has gained additional experience working in private pediatric clinics, early intervention home health, school setting, and private home health. Carah also has extensive experience serving the adult population in the outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing setting. Carah recently attended Northwestern University and completed her degree as a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology in 2020 to continue to improve the lives of the people she serves with higher education in business, process improvement, research, policy, supervision, education, and organizational behavior.
What do you love about Children’s TherAplay?
I thoroughly enjoy watching kids thrive and reach their goals in a fun, loving, caring environment while utilizing horses as a modality of treatment. TherAplay is continuously striving for improved patient care and outcomes through ongoing education and continuous improvement projects. They truly care about their community and the patients they serve.
Hobbies?
I love being with my family, traveling the world, reading, knitting, working out, and mentoring teens.
Fun Fact About Me:
I have a Cavalier King Charles who loves to cuddle, take walks, and travel the Midwest with me.
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Karina
Education Info:
Undergraduate Degree at Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science with a double major in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders
Graduate Degree at Texas Christian University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Tell us about yourself:
I have worked at Riverview Health for the past three years within the outpatient and inpatient settings. Prior to that I was working at the Center for Speech, Language, Occupational and Behavior Therapy in California as a Lead Clinician. I also have experience working in an elementary school in Michigan for two years. I have experience working with children ranging from 18 months to 18 years including but not limited to the areas of speech and language, alternative and augmentative communication, feeding and swallowing, executive function, fluency, literacy, as well as social pragmatics.
What do you love about Children’s TherAplay?
I love that the environment provides the opportunity to explore, have fun and be creative within therapy.
Hobbies?
Functional fitness, anything outdoors (hiking/paddle boarding), making kombucha
Fun Fact About Me:
I have the sweetest dog named Addy May who also loves to go hiking and paddleboarding
Executive Director
Email Kathy
Medical Billing Coordinator
Email Brenda
Accounting Manager
Email Delsie
Front Office Coordinator
Email Brittany
Brittany's photo coming soon!
Volunteer & Development Coordinator
Email McKenzie
Events Manager
Email Breinne
Front Office Coordinator
Email Lily
Lily's photo coming soon!
Philanthropy Officer
Email Kassie
Communications Manager
Email Emily
Development Manager
Email Katie
Equine Program Manager
Email Emma
Lead Horse Handler
Email Andrea
Sydney Ballance
Horse Handler
Noelle Geisler
Horse Handler
Christy Nowlin
Horse Handler
Sophie Schafer
Horse Handler
Halie Smith
Horse Handler
Janessa Snethen
Horse Handler
2023 Horse Handlers (not pictured):
Anica Isch
Erin Sheets
Glenn Livers
Maddie Lantz
Sarah Blair
Shani Boyle
Will Jacob
Occupational Therapist, Trauma Informed Care Specialist
Email Katy
(317) 872-4166
Katy came to Children's TherAplay in May 2019. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology at Ball State University and her Masters in occupational therapy from University of Indianapolis. As our trauma informed care specialist, she strives to make Children’s TherAplay a safe and welcoming environment for all children through our policies and treatment. Katy has also received additional trainings in feeding therapy and vision therapy and is developing new treatment ideas for using the unique movement of horses with vision therapy. Katy currently holds AHA level I and II certifications.
Occupational Therapist
Email Joanna
Joanna graduated in 2015 from University of Southern Indiana with her MS in Occupational Therapy. While in graduate school, Joanna completed two fieldwork rotations in pediatrics and was especially interested in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. After graduation, she worked in a skilled nursing facility for a year prior to taking an OT position in an ABA center, primarily working with children on the autism spectrum as well as children with other behavioral and emotional regulation challenges until she joined the TherAplay team in August 2021.
Joanna is passionate about the ability of the horses to bring out the pure joy in the kiddos, as well as help them to open up in ways that she's never experienced before in other clinical settings. In her spare time, Joanna enjoys playing with her dog Jack, watching movies, baking, and spending time with her nephew.
Occupational Therapist
Email Jaime
(317) 872-4166 x7500
Jaime graduated in 1990 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Medical Professions / Occupational Therapy. She completed her graduate training in pediatric occupational therapy as a research fellow at OSU from 1991 to 1993 and went on to work for Easter Seals of Central Ohio and Allied Health Professions private practice, both in Columbus, OH. She became SIPT certified in 1996.
After Jaime moved to Indianapolis in 1997, she worked as a pediatric occupational therapist at Riverview Hospital with early intervention and Tri-County Education Co-op in outpatient rehabilitation.
In 1998, Jaime became an independent provider for First Steps of Indiana and, from 2000 to 2004, was employed in an independent contract position with Children's TherAplay. We were delighted to have Jaime return to Children's TherAplay as a PRN (as needed) contractor in 2011.
Jamie has completed American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I Equine Skills and Treatment Principles.
Occupational Therapist
Email Feresha
Feresha graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Neuroscience with a minor in Biology, and from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY with an MS in Occupational Therapy. Prior to working at TherAplay Feresha lived in NJ and worked at a school on Staten Island, NY: Seton Foundation for Learning, a specialized school for kids with disabilities, from March 2019 to June 2021. Throughout those years she also contracted as an Early Intervention therapist (known in Indiana as First Steps). In April 2021, Feresha completed my Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship through the University of Illinois Chicago. LEND promotes collaboration across all healthcare disciplines and self-advocates to learn, understand and improve clinical practice, policy and serve/understand the community of people with dishabilles better.
Feresha loves to drink tea and read books. She enjoys crafting and learning different things such as string art, pottery, oil pastels etc. Feresha also loves hiking, traveling and learning about the world around her. She enjoys spending quality time with my friends and family.
Occupational Therapist & Autism Specialist
Clinic Lead Therapist
Email Kaylin
(317) 872-4166
Kaylin first came to TherAplay in the summer of 2016 for her final clinical rotation in occupational therapy school, and loved it so much that she came back after completing her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University!
Kaylin is a Certified Autism Specialist, and enjoys providing clinic wide training, education, and community outreach as TherAplay’s dedicated Autism Specialist. Kaylin is also Board Certified in Pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association, and holds American Hippotherapy Association level I and II certifications. Kaylin has completed advanced training through the University of Southern California and specializes in sensory integration, where she is passionate about providing children with the foundational sensory skills and tools to reach their full potential do the things that they want and need to do every day.
Kaylin loves watching the children she serves grow and become more independent – she loves the "A-HA" moments’ in the clinic! She loves the creativity involved with utilizing the movement of a horse as treatment tool combined with a more traditional therapy approach. There is never a boring day at TherAplay!
In her spare time, Kaylin can be found trail running, reading, and cheering on her husband and daughter on the trails during dirt bike racing season!
Physical Therapist
Email Teresa
(317) 872-4166 x7400
Teresa graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990 with a BS in Allied Health in Physical Therapy. She has specialized in pediatrics since the start of her career, working in both hospital and clinic based outpatient rehabilitation. She has been integrating hippotherapy into her treatments for 10 years.
Teresa’s specialty training includes Neuro Developmental Treatment Certification; the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level II Course; as well as advanced training in kinesiotaping, gait training, sensory integration, and dynamic bracing for pediatrics.
Facility Service Dog
In addition to her experience and enthusiasm, Teresa brings AJ, a facility service dog through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). AJ is a Lab/Golden cross who graduated CCI in 2016 and has been trained to successfully perform over 50 different commands to assist individuals with physical needs.
AJ works alongside our therapists to help children enjoy their treatment even more.
Physical Therapist
Email Jess
(317) 872-4166
Jess graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy from Azusa Pacific University and her bachelor degree in exercise science from Ball State University. She has clinical experience in pediatrics, orthopedics, and spinal cord injury.
Her interest in the treatment strategy of hippotherapy began when she was a child attending her younger brother’s hippotherapy sessions. She loves seeing the kiddos at Theraplay grow and have fun with our herd! She has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 and 2 courses.
Physical Therapist
Email Colin
(317) 872-4166
Colin graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2020. He also graduated from Ball State University (CHIRP CHIRP) earning his bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2016. Colin started his PT career in the pediatric setting at Children's TherAplay and has enjoyed it so much that he's have stayed ever since. He particularly enjoy the close knit group of clinicians that have provided an outstanding collaborative support system in helping to provide the best care possible to all of his clients. Colin also works for First Steps in the early intervention setting when he is not at TherAplay.
In his free time, Colin enjoys hiking, lifting weights, watching live music, standup comedy, and hanging out with his dog, Kat.
Physical Therapist
Email Alexis
(317) 872-4166
Alexis graduated with her DPT from the University of Indianapolis in 2017. She loves working with the kiddos at TherAplay, and seeing how excited the kids get to ride the horse!
In her free time, Alexis enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, hiking, and anything to do with water including paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, and swimming.
Physical Therapist
Email Jackie
(317) 872-4166 x7500
Jackie graduated with her doctorate in physical therapy from Indiana University and completed her undergraduate degree in Biology with an emphasis on genetics at Purdue (Go Boilermakers!).
Jackie has completed both the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level 1 and 2 courses. Jackie has always had a passion for pediatric therapy, completing her final clinical rotation with First Steps.
She absolutely loves working with the kiddos, their families and the horses here at Children’s Theraplay.
Physical Therapist
Email Nikee
(317) 872-4166
Nikee graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology in 2016, and went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Univeristy of Indianapolis in 2019.
Nikee is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and is also certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT-BIG) which has helped her in her work with adults. Nikee has clinical experience in outpatient rehabilitation including pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurologic. She completed her doctoral dissertation on the benefits of animal-assisted intervention, so she is very passionate about hippotherapy!
In her free time, Nikee likes to kayak, line dance, and work out.
Director of Therapy Services
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Carah
Education Info:
Undergraduate Degree: Purdue University
BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Services, Minor in Psychology and Spanish
Graduate Degree: Texas Christian University
MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Doctorate Degree: Northwestern University
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology
Tell us about yourself:
Carah has worked extensively in outpatient pediatric clinics with children birth through 21 years old. She has gained additional experience working in private pediatric clinics, early intervention home health, school setting, and private home health. Carah also has extensive experience serving the adult population in the outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing setting. Carah recently attended Northwestern University and completed her degree as a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology in 2020 to continue to improve the lives of the people she serves with higher education in business, process improvement, research, policy, supervision, education, and organizational behavior.
What do you love about Children’s TherAplay?
I thoroughly enjoy watching kids thrive and reach their goals in a fun, loving, caring environment while utilizing horses as a modality of treatment. TherAplay is continuously striving for improved patient care and outcomes through ongoing education and continuous improvement projects. They truly care about their community and the patients they serve.
Hobbies?
I love being with my family, traveling the world, reading, knitting, working out, and mentoring teens.
Fun Fact About Me:
I have a Cavalier King Charles who loves to cuddle, take walks, and travel the Midwest with me.
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Karina
Education Info:
Undergraduate Degree at Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science with a double major in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders
Graduate Degree at Texas Christian University
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Tell us about yourself:
I have worked at Riverview Health for the past three years within the outpatient and inpatient settings. Prior to that I was working at the Center for Speech, Language, Occupational and Behavior Therapy in California as a Lead Clinician. I also have experience working in an elementary school in Michigan for two years. I have experience working with children ranging from 18 months to 18 years including but not limited to the areas of speech and language, alternative and augmentative communication, feeding and swallowing, executive function, fluency, literacy, as well as social pragmatics.
What do you love about Children’s TherAplay?
I love that the environment provides the opportunity to explore, have fun and be creative within therapy.
Hobbies?
Functional fitness, anything outdoors (hiking/paddle boarding), making kombucha
Fun Fact About Me:
I have the sweetest dog named Addy May who also loves to go hiking and paddleboarding
