In-Home or Clinic-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy

WellCare Occupational Therapy Specialists make therapy feel more like play. They help children succeed with essential daily activities, like getting dressed, brushing their teeth, writing their name and playing with friends. 

Occupational Therapy focuses on a sensory approach, a motor approach or a combination to improve a child's ability to take in and use experiences of touch, taste, sound, sight and movement.

​Treatment includes play and social skills, incorporating hand strength, grasp, cognition and following directions.

​Activities are fun and develop skills like hand-eye coordination and improve cognitive skills, social development and the establishment of self-care routines so that children can perform daily tasks more independently.

Meet Our Therapists

What can an Occupational Therapist do?

• Evaluate the child's level of performance
• Observe the child's natural environment to determine how it may be modified to promote maximal learning
• Develop a plan of treatment in coordination with other health care professionals who are treating the child
• Teach age appropriate self-care routines, play skills, social skills, and sensory regulation
• Educate about stages of physical, mental and behavioral development Consult: with individuals involved in the child's daily life​

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What can parents and families do?

• Stay educated about the child's treatment plan
• Be involved with your child's therapy and progress
• Follow through with suggested activities to encourage further development

 
For specific questions about your child, contact us today!

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Meet Our Occupational Therapists

MacKenzie Sauer, MS
Senior Occupational Therapist

Bio

Come back to learn more about her experience.

Kelli Farhat, MS
Occupational Therapist

Bio

​My name is Kelli Farhat. I am a graduate of Michigan State University in psychology and further progressed my education to graduate from the University of St. Augustine- Miami Campus in the field of Occupational Therapy in 2019. 

I previously have experience working with children from 0-12 years of age at a neuro-sensory clinic in Miami, FL, where my love and passion for working with children began. I have experience diagnosing and treating children of all ages with various diagnoses, including developmental delay, ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Behavioral, and overall sensory processing difficulties. I strongly believe in treating the whole child with a family-centered approach to therapy. 

My current goals are to continue expanding my knowledge and skillset in pediatrics and, one day, opening up my very own practice. 

I enjoy spending as much time outside, enjoying the San Diego lifestyle of hiking, running, surfing, gardening, cooking, and relaxing at home with an excellent book.

Rachel Knight, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Bio

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Jason Bulger, MS, OTR/L
Senior Occupational Therapist

Bio

​Jason is from Buffalo, New York, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and History from Canisius College in 2008 and his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville College in 2019. 

He began his career working with individuals with special needs in a residential setting in 2008. This experience helped him better understand the role that traumatic experiences have on children and the challenges related to effectively managing difficult behaviors. In 2009, he used these experiences as a caseworker in the city of Buffalo, providing in-home services to families in crisis. Those he worked with were confronted with an array of difficult challenges such as those related to the impact of developmental disability, mental illness, or chemical dependency.

Jason became a certified instructor of tai chi in 2015 and has experience teaching in the community. He is interested in the rehabilitative potential of tai chi as well as the possible benefits granted to those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Occupational therapy has allowed Jason the opportunity to combine his unique background and experiences to support and enrich the lives of those he serves. 

Jasmine Riecken, MS
Occupational Therapist

Bio

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Adrian Toribio, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Bio

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Jasmin Durig, MOT, OTR
Senior Occupational Therapist

Bio

Jasmin received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio in 2014 and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio in 2016.

​Jasmin has experience working in school-based and home health settings.

In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys reading, puzzles and spending time crafting.

Andrea Cebrecos, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Bio

Andrea graduated in 2013 with an A.S in occupational therapy assistant from Keiser University in Miami, Fl.
 
For six years she has served as a COTA/L and has gained considerable experience in subacute/rehab care in a skilled nursing setting, acute and inpatient acute care in a hospital setting, and outpatient pediatrics.  
 
Andrea relies on her experience from each of these settings to provide enhanced client-centered care. She educates and facilitates training in exercise, balance and daily activities—from imaginary play, social and emotion management skills, to being able to manage buttons, etc.—and anything in between so that her clients can increase their safety and independence. 

She also provides professional recommendations about equipment that can be used to improve function and quality of life, while under the care and supervision of an OTR, to ensure clients and their families are part of the therapy process. She also does her best to bring hobbies and interests a client and their family might have to ensure that activities are meaningful. 
 
In her spare time, Andrea serves the community through various volunteer opportunities with area nonprofits. She has two college degrees, strong computer skills and is fluent in both English and Spanish. 

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