Meet the Staff

Kathy Ford Stelik, Occupational Therapist, Director I graduated from Tufts University in 1972, and have been a practicing Occupational Therapist since that time. My philosophy is to fully assess and understand the needs of each child and adult, and to design a treatment strategy that will support development and progress towards their goals, maximum independence, and full engagement and participation in all areas of life.

Todd Stelik (Occupational Therapist, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner) I graduated from the University of Hartford in 1997 with a Degree in Occupational Therapy, and a minor in Psychology. After graduation, I assisted clients at Rhode Island Hospital, offering care in: rehabilitation, acute mental health, burn care, acute inpatient and outpatient, and pain management. I also supported early development in school systems in Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island, specializing in the care of children within the spectrum of autism, developmental disabilities, neurological conditions, genetic disorders and behavioral issues.

Areas of particular interest include: integrating manual therapies with BioEnergetic medicine and lifestyle changes to promote health and wellness; treating infants and toddlers to remediate influences of their individual life traumas; supporting people suffering from chronic pain and related emotional issues; and exploring nutrition’s role as it relates to internal states of balance and quality of life.

I believe in the benefits of touch, and view the therapeutic process as a means of releasing the inherent corrective capabilities within each client. I view the physical body as an integrated vessel in which emotion, spirit and life energy produce our individual experience. Imbalance in any area can lead us away from wellness and health.

Aaron Stelik (Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Assistant Director) I specialize in sensory integration and autism, connecting the behavioral aspect with the neurological disorder. I have nine years of experience working with children, and spent several years in the school system. I immerse myself in continuing education, and have had a wealth of training on several different avenues. I enjoy working with children and adults, and primarily focus on ages 2 through 12.

 Jess McKeever, MS Speech & Language Pathologist   I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with my Masters in Communication Disorders. I have worked for a contracting company, a school system and now a private clinic! I love working with children of all ages and have specific interest in children with Autism. I am PROMPT trained and have found that this technique works well for children with Apraxia and phonological and articulation disorders. I believe in a team approach to treatment, with carryover activities and collaboration with teachers, caregivers and other professionals. 

Jennifer Tuohy, Physical Therapist  I graduated from Keene State College in 1992 with a BS Degree in Sports Management, and the  University of Connecticut in 1998 with a BS Degree in Allied Health, and Physical Therapy.  For the last 10 years, I worked as a Licensed Physical Therapist in outpatient PT and home care.  I am also a Reiki II Practitioner, and have a interest in CranioSacral Therapy.  I am married with three children.  I was drawn to SCTWC for its holistic approach to evaluation and treatment.

Kerri Simons, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant  I graduated from Eastern CT State University with a Degree in Psychology, because growing up I always knew I liked helping other people. Later, I attended Manchester Community College for a Degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I  enjoy working with people of all ages, and have found that children can teach you something new every day.   “SCTWC is a company that is always looking to see what is new in regards to overall health and daily living, in order to help others live a more productive and comfortable life. They allow me to push myself to learn new ideas and techniques to apply when working with school age children.”

Ashley Holmberg, Physical Therapist  I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1995, and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 2000. I have been a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner since 2006.  I enjoy working with children as a Pediatric Physical Therapist in schools in Southeastern CT, and in the Clinic at the Southeastern CT Therapy & Wellness Center. I also have a background in Orthopedic and Neurological Physical Therapy, working with adults in a variety of treatment settings.  Areas of special interest include: motor learning, sensory processing disorders, and the impact of functional vision difficulties on balance and coordination.  I am also, a trained Provider of Therapeutic Listening. My hobbies include: spending time with my husband and daughter, gardening, playing the violin, walking with my two dogs, skiing, and yoga.

Sandy Boxall, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant My path has always been to help others in need. My mother was diagnosed with Scleroderma, and I was her Primary Caregiver for 15 years.  I also, was the Nursery Caregiver at my local church for 10 years.  Plus, I currently have my Nursing Assistance License. In 2002, I graduated from Manchester Community College with a degree of Occupational Therapy Assistant. Since then, I have worked primary with Pediatrics in the school setting.  Through the years, children have always been an joy to work with. I am always willing to learn more, and work closely with others as a team player.

Janine L. Hrymack, Licensed Massage Therapist, #005580 
Janine is a graduate of Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. She is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork, and a professional member of the AMTA. At our office, Janine offers Swedish massage, and hot stone massage but her passion is deep tissue massage. She also offers chair massage, on a walk-in basis. As a massage therapist, Janine works in a holistic mindset, believing that by educating her clients and increasing their own body awareness, they can improve their efficiency in movement throughout all aspects of their life.
On a personal note, Janine is a mother of a child in the spectrum. She is familiar with the demands and responsibilities one deals with caring for a child with special needs. This is why she encourages caretakers to take some time for themselves, and attend to their needs. This way they can have the stamina to care for those that need their care.

Stephanie Wertz, Physical Therapy Assistant   
I live in Waterford, CT but am originally from Massachusetts, and a 2002 graduate of Endicott College. Since 2004, I have worked at SCTWC, PC. I enjoy working both in the Clinic, as well as, in the school setting. I have had a passion for working with children since 2002, when I worked at Boston Children's Hospital and specialized in Pediatric Orthopedics, Neurology, and Pulmonology.

 
Janet Bucko, Occupational Therapy Assistant 
I have been with SCTWC, since 1981. I earned my OTA Degree from Manchester Community College. Primarily, I provide School-based Services. My areas of expertise are fine motor skills, and adaptive functional living skills. I live in the Lake Hayward area. I am a skilled quilter/seamstress, and very involved in my community and my family.

Jan Lichtenwalter, Front Desk Receptionist and School SupportSpecialist
I joined the Therapy and Wellness Clinic in May 2009. I worked for almost 20 years as an administrative assistant. My previous job was at a Senior Center. Elder friends…children…and those in-between—I enjoy interacting with them all. My most awesome accomplishment, I feel, is being a wife and mother of a blended family of four daughters, and the grandmother of two boys and two girls.

Laurie Epler, Bookkeeper - (30 years of experience in the field)
Over the past 18 years, I have done work for the SCTWC. I joined the office staff in the spring of 2008. I am married, and have two beautiful daughters. I enjoy working with people, and love seeing the children at the clinic.

Sharon Mueller, Office Manager
I joined the company before the Therapy & Wellness Clinic formed, when the company was strictly a School-based Therapy Provider. I am the Administrator for the School-based side of the business, and more recently, have taken on an expanded role as the Office Manager for the Clinic. I have a son and twin daughters, all in college.