ACORN - Key Persons

Aley received her undergraduate degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology at Drake University in Des Moines. She received her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St Louis. Aley has experience working in public schools, private practice, home health, and early intervention (First Steps). She has had the opportunity to work with children from birth to early adulthood and loves helping families transition to new phases of life. Aley has completed extensive training in: Sensory integration

Audra Beth received her undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders and her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She was raised in small-town West Texas and recently moved to Missouri with her husband to begin their careers. She is currently completing her clinical fellowship (CF) here at Acorn Children's Therapy. Audra Beth has loved working with kids her entire life and finds joy in helping kids reach new milestones. Areas of knowledge include: Speech sound disorders

Audrey received her undergraduate degree in psychology and biomedical sciences at Missouri State University in Springfield. She worked as a certified occupational therapy assistant for 4 years before obtaining her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine. She has experience working in public schools, private outpatient therapy, aquatic therapy, and home health. Audrey has personal experience as a mother of a child who had to work extra hard to achieve milestones; this experience has drawn her to pediatric therapy, where she aspires to connect and help families experiencing similar struggles. Audrey loves the collaborative nature of pediatric occupational therapy and enjoys supporting children and their families in developing the skills they need to give the child the best possible start. Audrey has treated a wide range of diagnoses and ages spanning from birth to age 21. She has experience with: Developmental delay Fine motor development Handwriting NICU graduate transition to home Sensory integration Executive function Get Permission Approach for feeding anxious eaters Emotional regulation and interoception

Danielle received her associate's degree in applied sciences as a PTA from St. Louis College of Health Careers and her bachelor's degree in child development from Central Methodist University. She is a PTA and special instructor for Missouri First Steps, has more than 8 years of experience in pediatric care, and specializes in early intervention. Danielle loves working in pediatrics because when progress happens early it will help people the rest of their lives.

Jamie attended the University of Kansas where she received her undergraduate degree in speech-language-hearing: sciences and disorders. She then received her Master of Arts in speech, language and hearing sciences from Saint Louis University. Jamie worked with middle and high school students since 2017 before joining the Acorn team. She is excited for the opportunity to work with younger children and help them develop their speech and language skills. Her areas of expertise include: Speech sound system disorders Expressive and receptive language Apraxia Dysfluency Sound system disorders

Jenna Beth received her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders at Auburn University. She went on to receive her master's in speech language pathology at the University of South Florida and is certified in Natural Language Acquisition (gestalt and analytical). Jenna Beth worked in the school setting for 4 years before transitioning to private practice in the fall of 2021. Jenna Beth has worked with patients all across the lifespan but has particular experience and interest in pediatrics. Jenna Beth has experience with a variety of speech language disorders, including: Childhood apraxia of speech Gestalt language processing Expressive and receptive language Speech sound disorders Early language

Jill received her undergraduate degree in speech and language sciences from Indiana University in Bloomington. She received a master's in communication disorders from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and is certified in Natural Language Acquisition (gestalt and analytical). Jill has worked in the Saint Louis area since 2000. She has had the opportunity to work with children from birth through high school and also into adulthood. Jill has had over 20 years of experience with autism spectrum disorders and pragmatic language. Other areas of expertise include: Sound system disorders Expressive and receptive language Apraxia Dysfluency Voice disorders Helping toddlers reach verbal milestones Her favorite part of therapy is watching the growth of the client and experiencing this joy with the family.

Job Titles:

• Speech - Language Pathologist

Marisa Julius is a speech-language pathologist that has worked in the St. Louis area since 2019. She is a Missouri native and earned two bachelor's degrees from Truman State University in communication disorders and German studies. She received her master's degree in communication sciences and disorders from Saint Louis University. Marisa has experience working in school and clinical settings with children with complex communication needs. Her favorite part of the job is experiencing the joy of children connecting with their loved ones through language. In her free time, you can find her cooking, reading, hiking, or showing everyone unsolicited pictures of her dog. Areas of expertise include: Augmentative and alternative communication Expressive and receptive language Speech sound system disorders Apraxia Dysfluency

Job Titles:

• Office Manager

After 25 years of managing the busy and successful lives of her three daughters, Meri Lyn is bringing her organization skills and love for children to Acorn. She is involved in several organizations that promote the empowerment of young girls and women, such as Missouri Miss Amazing and Miss Volunteer America.

Sarah is a medical billing and coding specialist. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in healthcare informatics and has worked in the healthcare industry for 24 years doing quality control and coding. Sara is in the process of completing her neuromovement certification.

Sara received her undergraduate degree in exercise physiology with a minor in nutrition from Missouri State University. She completed her occupational therapy assistant degree at Meramec Community College. Sara has experience working with all age groups: elementary children, teens, as well as adults with disabilities. She has worked primarily in the hospital setting, but has always had a strong passion for working with and helping children. Sara is excited and very happy to have joined a practice where she can develop one-on-one collaborations with children and their families. Her areas of expertise include: Emotional regulation and interoception Fine motor development Sensory processing