SHERI SIMKINS
PHYSICAL THERAPIST, FOUNDER/OWNER
Sheri Simkins is a licensed physical therapist with over 37 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound, WA in 1981.Sheri has practiced in the school setting in Phoenix, AZ both in a public school setting and in a private school for special needs children. She has worked for both Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in CA and for Seattle Children’s Hospital in WA for a total of 10 years prior to moving to Bozeman. She has worked in acute care, the NICU, Rehab, and Outpatient services in both locations. She developed an outpatient satellite clinic for Seattle Children’s in Federal Way, WA and provided outpatient PT services for pediatrics in the clinic for 4 years.
Sheri established Epicenter Therapy Services in 2002 and was the first to develop a pediatric therapy clinic in Bozeman, Montana. She became an American Physical Therapy Association Board Certified Pediatric Specialist (PCS) in 2000 and was recertified in 2010. She also has her Pediatric and Baby NDT Certification from the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association. In addition, she has advanced training in working with children with brachial plexus injuries, in treatment of the ribcage and spine, treatment of pulmonary and respiratory issues, and extensive background in orthotics for the pediatric population. Sheri has also been a TA for multiple courses for the past 5 years for Mary Massery, PT, DPT, DSc. Sheri is passionate about giving each child the best comprehensive and quality care they deserve!
KARNA JOHNSON
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Karna Johnson received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Widener University in Chester, PA in 1999. She has experience working in general outpatient orthopedics, rehabilitation post head injury including traumatic brain injury and stroke, pediatrics and hippotherapy. All of these areas have helped her build a foundation in understanding how postural alignment, postural control and our various sensory systems have a profound effect on how an individual functionally moves and interacts with their environment. She has a holistic mindset and team approach to treatment, desiring to partner with families in helping each child reach their full potential.
DANI PERRY
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Dani graduated with a Masters in Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montana. Her professional strengths include improving the speaking intelligibility of children with severe speech disorders such as childhood apraxia of speech and phonological processing disorders. In addition, Dani has a passion for cognitive therapy and believes in an integrated, family-based approach to therapy. Dani understands that each child has unique and valuable gifts to offer the world, and she strives to help children communicate and flourish in their environments.
TESSA MOECKEL
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Tessa Moeckel graduated with a Master of Arts in Speech-LanguagePathology from Western Washington University. Her professional
strengths include improving the communication skills of children of
all ages with varied diagnoses including developmental delays,
childhood apraxia of speech, and language impairments secondary to
autism spectrum disorder. Tessa strongly believes in providing
holistic, child and family centered therapy, and meeting children where
they are at every day to provide a supportive environment for growth
and success.
TIA SUTTON
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Tia received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Mary. She has experience working with children and their families to address fine motor skills, visual motor skills, self-care skills, play, and social skills. Tia treats children with a wide variety of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, genetic disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and sensory processing deficits. She enjoys working with children and families on their journey to reaching their fullest potential!
LORI SWENSON
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Lori is a licensed Occupational Therapist. She received her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire in 1994. She has experience working in acute and sub-acute rehabilitation, school systems and has been working with Epicenter Therapy Services on a consultative basis and in Big Sky since 2010. Lori specializes in the treatment of the upper extremity for neurological and orthopedic challenges. Her approach to her practice as an OT is family centered; which includes therapeutic media that is always tethered to developmentally appropriate functional and purposeful goals. As an Occupational Therapist, Lori focuses on motor skills, visual perception and cognitive executive skills to perform optimally in the roles the child inhabits at home, at school and in the community.
CARMEN SCHALL
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Carmen has been practicing pediatric occupational therapy in acute care, trauma, school and private practice settings for over 30 years. She opened her private practice in Bozeman, Montana in 2000 and in addition began contracting and working for the Bozeman School District in 2006. Carmen has developed sensory strategies for the classroom setting, and pre-writing and handwriting protocols for teachers. She has lectured on Greenspan’s Social Emotional Developmental Levels and Floortime strategies to private councilors, local school staff, and Head Start Programs. She is certified in DIR/Floortime, Sensory Integration, Interactive Metronome, and Therapeutic Listening. She also has advanced training in handwriting programs, bilateral integration and feeding. Carmen integrates her background learning with current knowledge in order to individualize treatment plans that will help her clients to effectively and efficiently achieve their goals.
BRANDI RUFF
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
CHELSEA TUININGA
RECEPTIONIST