Occupational & Physical Therapy Team
Occupational Therapists
Dr. Timothy Cappadona, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP – OT/PT Program Manager & Occupational Therapist
Timothy has been working with children, families, and communities in Oregon since 2012, and has been part of the Old Mill Center team since 2023. He is passionate about providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care through a family-led approach. He offers children and families practical strategies to add their toolbox to deal with nervous system dysregulation, trauma, behaviors, and sensory overstimulation.
Timothy holds two graduate degrees: a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate from University of Southern California (2025) and a mental health-focused Master of Science in OT from Columbia University (2023).
Alyssa Jefferson, MSOT, OTR/L – Clinical Supervisor & Occupational Therapist
An experienced clinician, Alyssa has been part of Old Mill Center’s team since 2020. She graduated with a master’s in occupational therapy from Lenoir Rhyne University in South Carolina in 2019. After receiving her degree, she worked at a pediatric outpatient center in Raleigh, North Carolina where she helped children with varying diagnoses in a variety of settings (daycare, preschool, home, and outpatient).
Alyssa loves working with children, focusing on their strengths and learning through play, as well as working with families to create positive change in their natural environment. Alyssa serves children with a variety of challenges including sensory processing issues, fine motor delays, motor development and coordination difficulties, and self-care skills. She enjoys a multidisciplinary team approach and feels that parents are the biggest team members for a child.
Alyssa’s favorite leisure activities include walking her dog Big Mac, spending time with family and friends, baking and hiking.
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants
Brittany Abblitt, AAS, COTA/L
Brittany strives to provide meaningful patient-centered therapy. She has a passion for working with children and their families, and supports them in reaching their individual goals through a holistic therapy approach. Brittany admires children’s creativity, curiosity, and zest for life. She maintains an open mind and heart to learn from the children and families she serves and continue to work towards individual growth through continuing education opportunities.
Brittany has an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from LBCC. Prior to that, she was in the Navy Reserves for 8 years and completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Portland State University. She worked as a Group Life Coordinator with the Oregon Youth Authority for two years. Through these experiences, Brittany realized she wanted to pursue a career that could make a positive impact and allow her to work with people in a therapeutic manner. Outside of work, Brittany finds joy in nature-related activities, cooking, cuddling her dogs, and game nights with friends and family.
Jamie Hahn, AAS, COTA/L
Jamie’s love for children who are differently abled helped launch her career path into Occupational Therapy. Her passion is working with children within her community with disabilities, along with advocating for DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the community.
Jamie received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy from LBCC. She loves engaging children and families in therapy by using a fun, educational and play-based approach along with encouraging and helping each child gain independence. In her education and experience, she has worked with children in early childhood education as a preschool teacher.
When not working, Jamie enjoys volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, on her children’s school board and with the Gleaners. She loves spending time with family, and enjoys what life brings with gratitude and a smile on her face.
Karli Nielsen, AAS, COTA/L
Prior to becoming a COTA/L, Karli was a personal support worker for Developmental Disabilities for four years. She then graduated from LBCC with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in 2020. Karli has a passion for working with children and their families to help them achieve their goals. Nothing makes her heart happier than seeing the joy on a child’s face when they reach a goal. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, fishing, camping, completing puzzles, reading, arts, crafts, Disney, and playing with her dogs Weatherby and Millie.
“Occupational therapy is more than a job. For many it is a calling. We felt drawn to it.” – Amy Lamb, OTD, OT/L, FAOTA
Kecia Speck, AAS, COTA/L
Kecia graduated in 2014 from Linn Benton Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree, licensed in the state of Oregon as a COTA and is a member of the AOTA and OTAO. She has provided therapy services throughout Linn, Benton and Marion counties. She continues to learn new skills by participating in a wide range of continuing education in the area of pediatrics. Providing evidence based therapy to children in all stages of development in a safe space for autonomy is her life’s passion. Her happiest moments are spent in the outdoors with her horses and two giant dogs.
“If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
Mia Jones, AAS, COTA/L
Mia has always had a passion for working with children, starting with babysitting at a young age and later gaining experience as an au pair and nanny for several years. She graduated from LBCC in 2024 where she became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and got her Associate’s in Applied Sciences degree. She is always looking to grow her career and expand her toolkit through experience and continuing education in the area of pediatrics. Mia has a passion for encouraging growth and development through play and education for children of all ages. In her free time, she enjoys family and friends, playing with her dogs, hosting game nights and dancing.
Physical Therapists
Dawn Brohard, DPT
Dawn earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2015. She has over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages and a wide range of diagnoses. She takes a fun, skilled approach to addressing strength and coordination deficits.
Originally from the Midwest, Dawn moved to Oregon in 2016 and is happy to call the mid-valley home.
