Consultation * Adaptation * Rehabilitation * Education
Meet the CARE Therapy Staff
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Language Special Instructor |
“I went to work for CARE for Children because CARE stands for the same philosophies that are important to me; empowerment through education, inclusion, and CARE’s active role in “improving the lives of children of all abilities. I believe the best part of working at CARE is watching the excitement and joy on a child’s face as they accomplish something that they never thought they could. CARE for Children is truly for the child.” Kimberly earned a Masters of Education in Special Education from Edinboro University and a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University. She was selected to attend the 2007 Pennsylvania Governors Institute for Early Literacy. She has over ten years experience in Early Childhood programs and began her career at CARE in 2000. Kimberly is involved in many programs at CARE, but her main focus is the Rainbow Corner Preschool where she is responsible for the overall programmatic operation (including the implementation and delivery of a curriculum that meets the pre-K standards in all developmental areas and provides the students with the school readiness skills needed for Kindergarten). Kimberly also was instrumental in starting a developmental playgroup at CARE for children between 24 and 42 months of age which focuses on language development, sensory exploration and social skills in a child-initiated play environment. As a Special Instructor, Kimberly provides therapy for children between the ages of birth and three years with a 25% delay in cognitive or social/emotional development. The therapy, offered in the child's natural environment, is family-centered and incorporates each family’s strengths, routines, needs and priorities to help the child reach his or her full potential. In 2009 Kimberly was one of 60 special instructors state-wide to be certified with a language credential. She is also always willing to help out during the Kid Fitness programs, Rec programs, and childcare for Family Support Meetings. Kimberly resides in Bradford with her husband, two dogs and two cats. |
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“I am fortunate to be reminded daily that all children are special and it is a gift that we all are in a position to touch their lives.” An employee of CARE since 2005, Jane earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mansfield University and has over 25 years experience in the provision of services to families with children having special needs, in both educational and home settings. She has provided Service Coordination as well as Instructional Services. Jane currently works with families of children under three years of age, in evaluation, individual program planning, implementation, and progress monitoring of family-oriented goals. She provides strength-based family support, education, advocacy, and resource information and referral. Jane serves as a staff resource on Early Intervention issues. In her role as Family Support Coordinator she implements educational and support opportunities for families of children with disabilities and developmental delays, offers resource coordination, networking, and promotes disability awareness/inclusion. By maintaining established linkages to area social services, a health care and educational program, Jane helps promote CARE’s well-respected presence in the community. Her time at CARE has allowed Jane to expand her interest in helping families to become more aware of available supports and information. |
Kimberly A. Livingston, MSPT |
"I feel that CARE is a huge asset to the community. The best part of working at CARE is having the ability to help change a child’s or a family’s life. To be able to see the look on a child’s face when they do something new is priceless." Kim joined the CARE staff in the summer of 2009 with the desire to help children attain their full potential and be successful in life. She had previously provided school based physical therapy services in a New York State School System. Her goal is to help involve children in more gross motor activities that will help enhance their quality of life and help them to fit in with their peers. Kim’s goal matches with CARE’s overall mission of improving the lives of children of all abilities by involving children with special needs in activities that would not otherwise be offered in a small rural county. She believes these activities are essential in helping introduce children with limitations to other children like themselves; and also promote inclusion and the idea that all children are more similar than they are different. Kim graduated from Nazareth College with a Bachelors degree in Health Science and Masters in Physical Therapy. She provides school based treatment in Bradford, Smethport, Port Allegany, and Eldred as well as Early Intervention Services. Kim resides in Bradford with her husband and two children.
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“I love working with children; it makes work feel more like play. Working with kids is great because they are full of surprises and keep me smiling and parents truly appreciate the work that I do to help their children.”
Sandy earned Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University 2002, Master of Physical Therapy from University of Delaware 2000, and Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State Behrend 1998. Sandy began her career at CARE as a full-time staff physical therapist. Currently, she works part-time, providing services for the Early Intervention caseload in the Kane area. Sandy also has a successful private practice in Kane. Sandy is proud of her relationship with CARE as she believes the agency is integral to helping children of McKean County achieve their highest potential. Sandy believes her position as a pediatric physical therapist allows her to help children improve their mobility skills to allow them to function within the community as best possible. A large part of her work involves educating parents and caregivers how to help their children improve their skills during their daily routine. Sandy resides near Kane with her husband and children. |
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"The kids are always fun. Seeing the struggles that many of them overcome keeps me motivated to find better ways of helping them achieve!" Ann is a full-time school based therapist with CARE, providing services to students in the Bradford, Smethport and Kane school districts. Additionally, she provides Early Intervention services and will be assisting with the school based adaptive physical education classes. Ann is proud to be involved with CARE, saying that she enjoys being part of a well-respected agency whose staff will do whatever it takes to assist families and their children access the assistance they need. She had previously provided home health services and rehabilitative therapy in a clinical setting. She is a graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She has been a practicing therapist since 1981. Ann, a mother of five, resides in Kane, PA with her husband. |
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“I believe in attempting to understand a child’s individual profile, and by addressing their needs as an individual, help the child to be as successful as they are meant to be.” Ashley earned a Masters of Occupational Therapy Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, one of the leading universities in the field; she also holds her NBCOT. At CARE Ashley is responsible for evaluation and treatment of children birth to three and school-age children. She also supervises the occupational therapy staff. She has worked at CARE since 2006. Ashley’s experiences with children include assessment and treatment of sensorimotor, neurodevelopmental, neuromuscular, cognitive and developmental delays. Ashley is trained in various programs including Therapeutic Listening, Hand Writing Without Tears and M.O.R.E.: Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Function. Ashley was instrumental in starting CARE’s Therapeutic Listening Program. She is a committed therapist, who believes in continuing her education and refining her skills. She is excited to be a member of the CARE staff, because of the agency’s commitment to improving the lives of children of all abilities. Ashley lives in Port Allegany with her husband and son. |
Kimberly Miller, OT |
"Being able to include children of all abilities in activities allows the kids to encourage one another and to see that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. To witness a child reach their goals and see them smile at accomplishments is great!" Kim graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy; she also holds her NBCOT certification. Since March, 2009 Kim has been providing both school based and Early Intervention Occupational Services throughout McKean County via her position at CARE. In her previous position she provided both OT and special instruction services for the Early Intervention System since 2002. Kim likes that CARE has given her the opportunity to work with a wider variety of kids in different settings and to meet and work with other professionals to increase her knowledge base and provide better service to clients. She also knows that as a therapist, every day brings new challenges and new rewards. She works hard to encourage children in her caseload to reach their full potential and to not be afraid to try new and more challenging tasks. CARE provides opportunities for interaction with the kids outside of therapy and Kim notes how important that is because it gives therapists and staff members a chance to get to know them better and to see them interact with other kids and adults. Kim resides in Rixford, PA with her husband, three children and dog.
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“I enjoy working with children of all abilities; watching them grow and learn new skills each day.” DeAnn earned an Associate in Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from the Community College of Allegany County; she also holds her NBCOT. She has worked as a COTA/L since 1997 in nursing homes, out patient therapy and school based treatment. DeAnn has been with CARE for Children since 2003 and provides school based treatment for the Bradford Area School District. DeAnn has participated in ABA training, Handwriting without Tears, and taken classes on Autism Spectrum Disorders. DeAnn also has coordinated or assisted at many therapeutic recreation activities including family support respite nights, YMCA Day Camp and fine motor-based activities. DeAnn adds that the best part about working at CARE is working with the kids from Kindergarten to 21 and that it brings her great satisfaction to see them develop in so many different areas. DeAnn resides in Bradford with her husband and two daughters. |
Melanie Rendos, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant Special Instructor Birth to Three |
"I really enjoy working with children because it's rewarding to watch a child accomplish their goals." Melanie graduated from the University of PIttsburgh in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education. In 2009 she received her Applied Associates Degree in the Occupational Therapy Program from Jamestown Community College. Melanie completed a clinical rotation at CARE for Children in 2009, and found that she enjoyed working with the pediatric population. She was hired full-time at CARE in 2011, and will be providing school based occupational therapy and Early Intervention special instruction. Melanie says she is proud to be part of an organization's staff who go out of their way to be involved in the community and to make a difference for families. Melanie resides in Port Allegany with her husband and daughter. |
CARE for Children · P.O. Box 616, 20 Russell Boulevard, Bradford, PA 16701 · (814) 362-4621