Meet Our Staff
Occupational Therapists
Teresa Grueter, MS, OTR/L, SIPT
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/ FEEDING SPECIALIST/ CEO
Teresa is the owner and founder of Sensory Kid Iowa and an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She is the captain of the ship, boss lady, CEO, and overall fun person to hang out with.
Her favorite “F” word is flexibility and that’s not just for the kids. Teresa puts flexibility into action with her positive attitude and ability to go with the flow.
Simply put, Teresa wants kids to do better in the areas where they struggle so their self-esteem and confidence can soar. Not only that, she helps them to feel comfortable when adjusting to things that initially feel difficult.
-
A Southern Illinois native, Teresa and her family own cattle and a farm in Illinois. A mom of 3, wife, cancer survivor; the beach is her favorite place. She loves all things Disney and whenever time allows, she makes her way south to Texas to visit friends & family.
-
Mentoring other therapists
Empowering parents
Fostering community connections
Sensory processing disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders
ADHD
Difficulties with self-regulation
Sensory Integration therapy
-
Bachelor of Science from Illinois College (1998)
Midwestern University, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2000)
Sensory Integration Praxis Testing(SIPT) certified (2008)
Interactive Metronome
Therapeutic Listening
Yoga for Mindfulness
Mary Benbow Developmental Hand Program
Floortime/DIR approach
S.O.S. Approach to Feeding
STAR SPD Intensive training
Kelly Mahler The Interoception Curriculum:
The Zones of Regulation
SAS (Secret Agent Society) social skills provider
-
4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care, Iowa City, IA
Foundation 2 Youth and Family Services, Cedar Rapids, IA
Access for Special Kids – ASK Resource Center, Johnston, IA
Purple Bloom School, Coralville, IA
Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA
Combining experience, training, and personal touch, Teresa was recognized by the “The Autism Society of Middle Tennessee” in 2004 for the positive impact she offered in the lives of children on the spectrum.
Ashley Brandt, OTD, OTR/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Ashley was drawn to Sensory Kids for our “welcoming atmosphere” with excitement to practice occupational therapy in a family centered clinic.
There is never a challenge or obstacle too big for Ashley when it comes to working with kids of any background or age.
Ashley’s knowledge on many topics such as social emotional learning and mental health allows her to partner with families to navigate lots of situations.
-
You may just catch a glimpse of Ashley cruising through town on her bicycle! She worked for two summers in Mackinac Island, MI where she developed a love for bike riding.
-
Social Emotional Learning
Mental Health
Interoception Curriculum
Zones of Regulation
Interactive Metronome
Autism
Developmental Delay
ADHD
-
Ashley received both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University. Most recently Ashley has become certified in Interactive Metronome and The Interoception Curriculum.
Ashley prioritizes continuing education by always learning and growing as a therapist to best serve Sensory Kids clients and families.
Cori Hobart, COTA/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Cori has known from a young age that her passion was working with children. That passion led her to pursue her education as an occupational therapy assistant. She is able to create positivity in all environments and find success in each session. You can hear her positive and enthusiastic voice throughout the clinic.
-
Family is where it’s at for Cori. She grew up with 3 brothers and sisters. The cherry on top are her fabulous nieces and nephews who she adores!
-
Social Emotional Learning
Child Development
Psychology
Mental Health
Autism
-
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Minor in Human Relations from the University of Iowa
Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program at St. Catherine University in Minnesota.
Interoception Curriculum
Interactive Metronome
Zones of Regulation
It doesn’t take long to hear her love for her work, “I enjoy developing personal relationships with clients and parents at Sensory Kids”.
Speech Therapists
Caitlin Thornburg, CCC-SLP
SPEECH THERAPIST AND THERAPY MANAGER
As a parent herself, Caitlin knows the highs and lows of parenthood along with how each parent yearns to provide the best for their child. She brings that parent connection and desire for great outcomes into each session as a speech therapist at Sensory Kids Iowa.
-
Caitlin took many years of dance lessons and was a cheerleader in high school.
She enjoys being active by hiking local trails and finding parks to explore with her family. She frequently recommends her family’s favorite outdoor place, Kent Park, because it has it all: from hiking trails to the playground and even a storybook walk.
-
Auditory and Language Processing
Autism
Social Skills
Articulation of speech sounds
Fluency of speech
Oral Motor Skills
Early Intervention
Alternative and Augmentative Communication
-
The University of Northern Iowa with my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology
Actively pursues continuing education to be at the forefront of the field
The Zones of Regulation
Interactive Metronome
S.O.S Approach to Feeding
When asked about what she enjoys about her job as a speech therapist, she says, “I have a passion for strengthening families through cultivating joy and communication. Ultimately, this expanded ability to communicate means success for the family as a whole.”
Natalie Taylor, M.A., CCC-SLP
SPEECH THERAPIST/ FEEDING SPECIALIST
Natalie joined Sensory Kids Iowa as the lead speech therapist in 2020. Since then, the speech therapy program has flourished under her skillful direction.
Always ready to jump in and help in any way necessary, she radiates a special combination of expertise and joy.
“I have a special heart for working with children with autism, increased behaviors, and I am all about child-led and play-based therapy”
-
On weekends when she isn’t crafting or cleaning, she can often be found with her husband, Ryan and their fur babies: Riggs, a 7-year-old Chocolate Lab, and Max, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever.
-
Feeding therapy
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Parent education
Incorporating sensory and movement into speech sessions
-
Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa
B.A. in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Iowa.
S.O.S. Approach to Feeding
The Zones of Regulation
Interactive Metronome
Beckman Oral Motor Approach
Oral Motor Skills in Infants
Tongue Ties and Breastfeeding
Reflux and Allergies with Breastfeeding
Jaymie Elkins M.S., CCC-SLP
SPEECH THERAPIST
As a part of our speech therapy team, Jaymie excels at understanding each kid and giving them the tools to express themselves to the world.
When asked about what she loves about her work as a speech therapist, she said, “No matter the diagnosis or specific areas of need, each child is unique, and I love that moment when I see what makes them tick. While breakthroughs and progress in therapy are fantastic, the primary goal of what we do is to increase communication with loved ones outside of the therapy clinic.
-
As a child, Jaymie loved to do pretend games with her friends. Especially pretending adult scenarios like store, office, and imagine living without parents. Even as a "grown-up," Jaymie still loves bringing creative play into her work with kids!
When not working and playing with kids, Jamie now enjoys swimming and exploring nature out in the country of Iowa.
-
Autism
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Early intervention
Pragmatic Communication Disorders
Receptive and Expressive Language disorders
Articulation and Phonological Disorders,
Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Feeding Disorders
Apraxia of Speech
Social Skills
-
M.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology at University of Nevada
Reno Hanen Parent Education
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning for AAC
Talk Tools
Emily Aanrud, M.S. CCC-SLP
SPEECH THERAPIST
As part of our speech therapy team, Emily works on areas like language development, oral motor skills, and speech sound disorders.
When work feels “more like play” then you must be doing something right! Emily thrives in our play based therapy style and brings her passion for helping others to each session.
-
Speech therapy isn’t Emily’s only talent, horseback riding is another skill she possesses. She competed in dressage, show jumping, & cross country events with horses for most of her life.
-
Speech Sound Disorders
Expressive and receptive language
Oral Motor Skills
Parent education
Autism
Language Development
-
Emily received her bachelor’s of arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from the University of Iowa and her master’s in Speech Language Pathology from St. Ambrose. Emily has worked with pediatric clients for many years in various settings and brings with her a great deal of experience and knowledge.
Ava Rowe M.A. SLP-CFY
SPEECH THERAPIST
Ava is the newest addition to our clinic! As a part of our speech therapy team, Ava treats each client and family with great respect and care.
When asked about her work, she said, “I love that Sensory Kids is a safe play for kids to learn and grow, but also myself as a professional. We are all life-long learners!”
-
Outside of Sensory Kids Ava loves to stay busy! She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing puzzles, traveling and finding new places to eat. Her newest hobby includes line dancing with her friends. Yeehaw!
-
Articulation
Fluency
Expressive and receptive language
Augmentative and alternative communication
Cognition
Motor Speech
-
I received my Bachelor of Sciences degree from University of Northern Iowa in communication sciences and disorders and minor in gerontology in 2021 and my Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in speech-language pathology in 2023.
Support Staff
Melissa Bresler
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT and BILLING COORDINATOR
As our administrative assistant, Melissa keeps important gears turning for therapists and clients alike!
We feel very fortunate to have Melissa on our team because she plays such a critical role in making sure each family has a great experience from the initial call to the final bill. Providing care for others is a service from the heart for Melissa. She works hard to manage tasks from start to finish with an unmatched joy.
-
Sand volleyball is more than just a pastime for Melissa. She met her now husband on the court and still plays regularly today.
-
Melissa holds bachelor’s degrees in Child Life and business from the University of Iowa. She has served as a Child Life Specialist in hospitals and most recently worked with adults with disabilities in the local community.
Ronda Schiedt
FRONT DESK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
When you arrive at Sensory Kids you may just be greeted by Ronda’s smiling face and warm presence. Ronda brings the sunshine as she answers your calls, schedules, and maintains administrative duties in the clinic.
Since being at Sensory Kids, she has noted the positivity that radiates at the clinic making it a welcoming environment for not only the employees but also the families who enter through our doors.
-
If you need restaurant recommendations in the area, Ronda is your gal! She has a goal of eating at every restaurant in the Iowa City area. Her favorites so far are Basta, Big Grove, Tribute and Stella.
-
Ronda received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Truman State and served as a special education teacher for a piece of her life. She is a self proclaimed “meticulously organized person” and thrives in a well-maintained environment. This makes her a crucial part of our team at Sensory Kids.
Hannah
THERAPY TECH
Hannah has been a great team member at Sensory Kids. A kid at heart, Hannah loves joining in on games and activities with our clients while also helping us keep Sensory Kids a safe and fun environment for all.
-
Hannah enjoys working with people of all ages and currently also works as a recreation aide for the older adult population in a local retirement community. She also enjoys cooking and trying new foods in the kitchen when not busy with work or school.
-
Hannah is currently attending the University of Iowa for her degree in speech and hearing sciences with plans to apply for schools to pursue occupational therapy for her next journey in education.
Hannah has a passion for helping others and currently serves as a therapy tech in our clinic. The greatest reward for a day of hard work is all the smiles and achievements she gets to witness here at Sensory Kids.
Maria
THERAPY TECH
Maria’s heart for service shines when she is at Sensory Kids helping others. As a therapy tech, she works hard to provide a clean, safe space for children to be themselves. Maria knows how to have fun too and joins in on all the activities happening each day!
-
Maria treasures the little things in life. From her rubber duck collection to her love of books, she can find joy in all places.
-
Maria currently attends the University of Iowa. She is majoring in Speech and Hearing Science on track for a career in speech-language pathology.
Maria hopes to become a speech-language pathologist herself and was drawn to Sensory Kids for our unique approach to meeting each child where they are at.
Emma
THERAPY TECH
Emma's initiative helps keep Sensory Kids moving behind the scenes in many ways from organization and cleaning to craft ideas and being a play partner for games.
As a therapy tech, Emma gets to enjoy the wins of all sizes with our clients and families. Celebrating and witnessing those wins is her favorite part of working at Sensory Kids.
-
Put her in Coach, she's ready to play! Emma played softball her whole life including one year of collegiate softball.
-
Emma is a go-getter and currently holds an associate's degree in psychology while pursuing her bachelor’s in psychology and pre-occupational therapy.
Evelyn
THERAPY TECH
As a therapy tech, Evelyn shares her passion and hard work to assist in many ways around the clinic. From cleaning, playing, and everything in between, Evelyn does it with the positivity that Sensory Kids is all about!
When asked what she loves most about Sensory Kids, Evelyn states “The "dynamic of encouragement and kindness towards others."
-
Evelyn is a woman of many talents. She danced competitively, plays guitar, and sings!
-
Currently attending the University of Iowa, she is an undergraduate student in psychology with hopes to attend further education to pursue a degree in occupational therapy.
Nash, the Therapy Dog
Nash is a 5-year-old standard poodle and he is training to become a therapy dog.
He has a special knack for sensing the needs of each child. For some, he’s a calm, reassuring presence. For others, he brings out smiles, giggles, and fun.
-
His favorite thing to do is go for long walks in Auburn Hills park.
Loves playing and bringing out the best in kids who come to Sensory Kids, Iowa.
-
Completed all shots
Hypo-allergenic
Certificate in Puppy Training
Certificate in Basic obedience
Therapy dog in training with over 100 hours of socializing with children
