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4.7 stars | 19 reviews
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4.7 stars | 19 reviews
Welcome to the Center of Developmental Pediatrics, where our team of pediatric occupational therapists is passionate about helping children thrive. With a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, our dedicated professionals are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to support each child's unique needs and developmental journey. Meet our team below, and contact us to schedule your initial evaluation at one of our convenient locations in Katy and Houston!
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Becky Mahalec is the heart and soul of the Center of Developmental Pediatrics. With over 20 years of experience, Becky's pediatric occupational therapy journey has been inspiring. Graduating with honors from Texas Woman’s University, Becky's career has taken her through various settings, including private clinics, schools, and a decade-long tenure at Texas Children’s Hospital. Her dedication to the field led her to become certified in Sensory Integration and Praxis (SIPT), Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), and Integrated Listening Systems (iLs). In 2011, Becky returned to the private sector and eventually became the proud owner of the Center of Developmental Pediatrics in 2015. Alongside her fantastic staff, Becky continues to educate and empower children and their families with compassion, knowledge, and expertise.
Amy Newberry brings her passion for pediatric occupational therapy to the Katy location of the Center of Developmental Pediatrics. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology from Baylor University and a master's degree in occupational therapy from The University of Texas Medical Branch, Amy's journey in OT has been driven by her desire to help children reach their full potential. With certifications in Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) and training in Sensory Integration and Handwriting, Amy is dedicated to understanding each child's unique needs and fostering their self-esteem and confidence.
Andrea’s journey in occupational therapy began at Grambling State University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in leisure studies. After pursuing a career in occupational therapy at Tomball College, Andrea's passion for pediatric OT flourished. With over 13 years of experience, Andrea's sensory integration and fine motor skills expertise have made her a valuable asset to the Center of Developmental Pediatrics team. Andrea's effortless passion for children and commitment to their success is evident in every session, as she strives to provide them with the tools needed to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Kyra’s dedication to pediatric occupational therapy is fueled by her upbringing in a family of occupational therapists. Graduating summa cum laude from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in allied health and later receiving her Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman's University, Kyra's journey in OT has been guided by her passion for helping children reach their full potential. With experience in various settings, including acute, inpatient, and outpatient rehab, Kyra's areas of interest include gross and fine motor delays, sensory processing, and handwriting. As a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and Texas Occupational Therapy Association, Kyra is committed to empowering children to conquer their world with confidence.
Erin Caramanian's journey in pediatric occupational therapy is fueled by her passion for working with children and fostering their development through play and fun activities. Graduating cum laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in rehabilitation and disability services and later receiving her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University, Erin's expertise in sensory processing, feeding, and fine motor skills has made her an invaluable member of the Center of Developmental Pediatrics team. Erin's dedication to promoting independence and self-esteem in every child she works with is evident in her commitment to their success.
Somty Okoye's passion for pediatric occupational therapy is rooted in her desire to help children reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Graduating with her master’s in occupational therapy from Abilene Christian University and her bachelor’s in public health from Sam Houston State University, Somty's journey in OT has been guided by her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities. With extensive experience in sensory integration and familiarity with various diagnoses, including Autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome, Somty is dedicated to working with families and therapists to help children increase their functional abilities and reach their full potential.
Jessica Cohen brings a unique perspective to pediatric occupational therapy, drawing from her personal experience as a dyslexic individual who attended occupational therapy as a child. Having graduated with honors from Brunel University of West London with a master's degree in occupational therapy and a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Texas Christian University, Jessica's journey in OT has been shaped by her passion for empowering children to do and be anything they want to be. With a focus on sensory processing, nature integration, and emotional regulation, Jessica is dedicated to helping children unlock their potential and thrive in a world that celebrates their unique abilities.
Eve Anderson is a licensed Occupational Therapist who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role at the Center of Developmental Pediatrics. With a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and dance from the University of Michigan, Eve's multidisciplinary background enriches her approach to pediatric therapy.
Eve's career journey includes significant roles within educational and clinical settings, including her tenure with the Harris County Department of Education and contract work in Katy ISD. Specializing in pediatric therapy, particularly for children on the Autism Spectrum, Eve fosters independence and success in her patients' everyday lives through targeted sensory integration techniques and personalized intervention plans.
Rachelle Shaffer's journey in pediatric occupational therapy is driven by her personal experience as a Type 1 diabetic and her passion for breaking stigmas and empowering children to reach their full potential. Graduating with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Texas, Rachelle's expertise in sensory integration and promoting functional independence has made her an invaluable member of the Center of Developmental Pediatrics team. With a focus on collaboration and support for families and teachers, Rachelle is committed to celebrating every child's successes and fostering their development through sensory integration and play.
Erin Aust's journey in pediatric occupational therapy is driven by her passion for helping children reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives. Having graduated with a bachelor's in nutrition from Texas A&M University and later receiving her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree from Baylor University, Erin's sensory integration and community outreach expertise have made her an invaluable Center of Developmental Pediatrics team member. With a focus on advocacy, education, and inclusion, Erin is dedicated to providing personalized care to support each child's developmental journey and empower them to thrive at home, school, and within the community.
Elizabeth Bontrager brings her passion for sensory integration and visual perceptual processing to her role as a pediatric occupational therapist at the Center of Developmental Pediatrics. Graduating cum laude from Baylor University with a degree in child and family studies and later receiving her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Elizabeth's journey in OT has been guided by her commitment to helping children meet their greatest potential. With experience running her own sensory OT clinic in Switzerland and focusing on empowering children through personalized care, Elizabeth is dedicated to fostering their growth and development in meaningful ways.
Hailey Spreeman's passion for sensory integration and pediatric occupational therapy shines through in her role as a board-certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L). With experience in sensory-based feeding approaches and a dedication to helping children become the best versions of themselves, Hailey's commitment to functional skill development and celebrating the outcomes of hard work makes her an invaluable member of the Center of Developmental Pediatrics team. In her free time, Hailey enjoys spending time with her dogs, pursuing photography, and engaging in outdoor activities like wakeboarding and snowboarding.
Kathleen Billette-Saul brings over 17 years of education experience to her role as a Behavior Specialist at the Center of Developmental Pediatrics. With a background in French, Spanish, and international affairs, Kathleen's journey in behavior analysis and social thinking has been shaped by her passion for improving the social-cognitive functioning of her clients. As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and CPI advanced skills certified instructor, Kathleen is dedicated to facilitating communication and interaction among children to achieve true social growth and build meaningful relationships.
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