Amy Sigmon, MS/OTR/L
Therapy Solutions since December 2014
Education: Amy earned her BS/MS in Occupational Therapy at Towson University in 2014 while on a Maryland State Senatorial Scholarship. She was also on the Dean’s List and a member of the Theta Kappa Honor Society at Carroll Community College.
Past Experience: While at Towson and prior to joining TSC, Amy provided one-on-one autism support in an intensive home-based play program and completed Occupational Therapy fieldwork internships providing support for clients with a variety of mental and physical disabilities.
Jen Luscher, OTR/L
Therapy Solutions since July 2011 (And she loves it!)
Education:
1986: Tufts University School of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Past Experience: Jen worked for 16 years in various public and private school settings around the country from 1988-2009, where she worked in Anne Arundel County for 6 years. She has a strong understanding of the IEP, 504 and AIS processes within the school system. She has experience working with students with diagnoses including: Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, autism, PDD, Aspergers, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, hearing and vision impaired. Jen worked for two years at a school for deaf children and has a basic understanding and use of American Sign Language.
Continuing Education: Jen has attended many conferences related to sensory processing, autism, feeding, dyslexia and vision issues and the pediatric population.
Teresa Smith, MS/OTR/L
Teresa is dedicated passionate licensed occupational therapist with several years of experience, specializing in 'pediatric occupational therapy services".
Teresa has experience working in a variety of OT environments and settings, including working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in both private and public educational and clinic settings. Shehas a strong passion and commitment to helping all children both with typical and neuro-atypical developments, including children with Sensory Processing Disorders and children who fall on the Autism spectrum.
Working in many different environments, Teresa has experience working with children with Fragile X, and other neurological syndromes as well.
Teresa is married with two children and has lived in Maryland all of her life. Teresa enjoys traveling with her family and seeing the world through her children's eyes!
Rita Arpino Patterson, Executive Director, OT/L
Over 25 years of Pediatric Experience
Education:
B.S. Occupational Therapy
Magna Cum Laude
Rita’s Commitment to Practice:
Rita is committed to her profession’s goal in providing the optimal level of quality of care while facilitating the highest level of function and learning. This includes teaching others to understand the unique sensory processing of each child to better understand the child's learning style and to facilitate learning and development. Another main objective is promote awareness and understanding about sensory integration and its impact on children with (and without) learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, and pervasive developmental disorder. Rita is committed to making a positive difference in every child’s life.
Our Staff
Cindy Murren, COTA/L
Therapy Solutions: Since April 2007
Education:
1983: Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA.
Associate of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy
Past Experience: Worked for 15 years in various settings around the country before settling in MD and focusing on a career path involving children. Employed for 8 years in a non-public school for learning disabled children with diagnoses including Autism, PDD, Aspergers, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder.
Continuing Education: Cindy has attended many conferences related to sensory processing, autism, and the treatment of children including training in Brain Gym 101, The Alert Program for Self-Regulation, Handwriting Without Tears, and The Wilbarger Brushing Protocol.
Miranda Sweet, MS/OTR/L
Therapy Solutions since September 2014
Education: Miranda earned her BS in Development at Cornell University in 2009 and subsequently an MSOT in Occupational Therapy from Washington Univeristy in St. Louis School of Medicine in 2013.
Past Experience: Prior to coming to Therapy Solutions For Children, Miranda worked as an intensive support therapist through the Maryland Austim Waiver Program. In addition, Miranda also served as the developer and director of the occupational therapy program at a small outpatient neurological rehabilitation facility. She also has experience in mental health service delivery in both inpatient and outpatient context.
Continuing Education: Certified in the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, attended the national American Occupational Therapy Association conference for the past 4 years.
Jane Menchel, OTR/L
Therapy Solutions since August 2011
Education:
1982: Boston University
Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy
Past Experience: Aside from Jane’s O.T. experience, she also has teaching experience for over 20 years.
Our Staff
Lauren Mekalian, MS/OTR/L
Therapy Solutions since May 2015
Education: Lauren earned her BA in Art and Music from Muhlenberg College in 2007, and susbsequently an MS in Occupational Therapy from Towson University in 2014.
Past Experience: Prior to pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy, Lauren worked in a school for children with Autism, with students in Baltimore County Public School's special education department, and as an in-home instructor for children with Autism. Lauren has clinical experience in inpatient rehabilitation and acute inpatient forensic mental health.
Continuing Education: In addition to training related to sensory integration, primitive reflex integration, dyslexia and vision issues and the pediatric population, Lauren has attended workshops in animal assisted therapy, and prosthetics and amputee rehabilitation
A Place Where Children Discover What's Possible