Our Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Geri Aman, OTR/L, Program Manager
Geri graduated with a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington in 1977. She has over 30 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. In addition to pediatrics, she has worked in home health and hospice as a therapist, rehabilitation coordinator, and director. Geri has participated in a wide range of continuing education courses related to pediatrics. She is trained in a variety of sensory integration techniques, the Wilbarger Deep Pressure Protocol, Bal-A-Vis-X, and Therapeutic Listening. She has also received extensive training on dealing with children with feeding difficulties. When Geri is not working at the clinic, she enjoys camping, spending time with her children and grandchildren and doing crafts.
Alyssa Jefferson, OTR/L
Alyssa graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University in Columbia, South Carolina in 2019 with a master’s in occupational therapy. 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). She loves working with children, focusing on children’s 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.
Erin Garrison, MSOT, OTR/L
Erin grew up in a small town in Maine babysitting from an early age. She lived as an Au Pair helping children with developmental disabilities while she studied to become an Occupational Therapist at Ithaca College. She has had the honor to work with Easter Seals and the A.I. Dupont Children’s Hospital. She brings years of experience from a variety of settings specializing in visual perception, fine motor skills, handwriting, life skills, play, socialization, expected vs unexpected behaviors, sensory integration, and neuromuscular development. She finds working as a pediatric occupational therapist to be one of the most rewarding pursuits in her life. Her goal is to help children grow healthy and strong physically, mentally, and socially. When she is not working, Erin loves spending time traveling, playing, dancing, and being in nature with her husband and daughter.
Kecia Speck, COTA
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
Brittany Abblitt, COTA/L
Brittany strives to provide meaningful patient-centered therapy. She has a passion for working with children and their families. She supports and assists 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 graduated in June of 2021 from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Linn-Benton Community College with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Prior to graduating from this program, Brittany was in the Navy Reserves for 8 years and completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2016 at Portland State University with the interest in working with and rehabilitating at-risk populations. She worked as a Group Life Coordinator with the Oregon Youth Authority for two years. It was through these experiences that 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 two dogs, and game nights with friends and family.
Karli Nielsen, COTA/L
Prior to becoming a COTA/L, Karli was a personal support worker for Developmental Disabilities for four years. She then graduated from Linn Benton Community College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in 2020 and is licensed in the state of Oregon as a COTA. 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 Karli is 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
