Dr. Jackie Brown, DrOT, OTR/L

Owner, Occupational Therapist

Jackie graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA with a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy in 2000. She completed her post-professional clinical doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Puget Sound in 2019. Jackie enjoys working with clients who have sensory processing disorders, autism, and is passionate about educating parents regarding their child’s specific needs. In her free time Jackie enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter, exploring new places, bowling, reading, fishing, geocaching, collecting board games and spending time with friends and family. Specialized Training Certified in Sensory Integration (Certification #1602) Certified Autism Specialist (Certification # ACAS172631) DIRFloortime® Provider: Basic Certificate DIRFloortime® Provider: Certfiicate of Proficiency The Alert Program® Astronaut Training Beckman Oral Motor Protocol Provides Craniosacral Therapy Techniques (All Ages: Birth & Up) The Listening Program® Praxis Reiki Master Social Stories™ Therapeutic Listening® (Basic and Advanced) Career Highlights • Opening Apple Tree Therapy, LLC in 2013 • 2010 Alaska Occupational Therapy Association Vice President • Presenting on numerous occasions about sensory processing • Completing training for Certified Autism Specialist • Training and mentoring many new graduate and student therapist and therapy assistants. • Advancing her skills in body and energy work with both Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy techniques. • Author of children’s book Meet the Overs and the Unders: Making Sense of Sensory Processing. • Completing her research project and doctorate degree in occupational therapy in 2019. • Becoming adjuct faculty and teaching at the University of Puget Sound Occupational Therapy Program.

Dr. Jackie Brown, DrOT, OTR/L

email: appletreeot@gmail.com

Dr. Jennifer Jarest, DrOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Jenn graduated from University of New England with her master of science degree as an occupational therapist in 2015. She graduated with her post- professional clinical doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Puget Sound in 2020. Her interests include the areas of pediatrics, autism, sensory processing, assistive technology, feeding and hippotherapy. In her free time Jenn enjoys reading, hiking, camping, scrapbooking, photography, playing with her dogs, socializing with friends, and baking. Specialized Training Certified Autism Specialist (Certification #CAS178113) ESA Certificate Therapeutic Listening® (Basic) Career Highlights • Completing her Certified Autism Specialist training • Working within the school systems • Providing hippotherapy (Equine Assisted Therapy) under supervision • Finishing training for Therapeutic Listening®. • Completing her research project and doctorate degree in occupational therapy.

Dr. Jennifer Jarest, DrOT, OTR/L

email: jenniferjarest@appletreeot.com

Makenzi Swartwood OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Makenzi graduated from Ithaca College with her masters degree as an occupational therapist in 2019. Her interests include the areas of feeding, reflex integration, and neurological issues. She has experience working with children on the autism spectrum, Down’s Syndrome, Chiari Malformation, visual perceptual delays, feeding delays and developmental delays. In her free time Makenzi enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, exploring with her husband, hanging out with family and friends, baking, cooking, and reading a good book. Specialized Training Certified Autism Specialist (Certification #CAS2030300) Pediatric Telehealth Course Member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Career Highlights • Completing her Certified Autism Specialist training • Experience working with children in their natural environments

Makenzi Swartwood, OTR/L

email: makenzi@appletreeot.com

Ruthanne Vargas, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Ruthanne graduated from San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. She has over 8 years experience as an occupational therapist working in pediatrics, geriatrics, and head injury. In her free time Ruthanne enjoys reading, working out, volunteering with her children’s sports, band, boy scouts, and church activities. Specialized Training Certified in Sensory Integration (Certification #4672) Certified Autism Specialist (Certification # CAS169766) Provides Craniosacral Therapy Techniques (All Ages: Birth & Up) Therapeutic Listening® (Basic) Career Highlights • Completing her certification in Sensory Integration • Completing training as a Certified Autism Specialist • Working in private and school based pediatric settings • Working as a home manager in a head injury home • Working as a daycare preschool teacher for 13 years • Prior foster care and repsite care provider • Finishing traininig for Therapeutic Listening®. • Advancing her training with manual therapy techniques, such as craniosacral therapy.

Ruthanne Vargas, OTR/L

email: ruthanne@appletreeot.com

Matt Barry, COTA

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Matt graduated from Pima Medical Institute with his associates degree as an occupational therapy assistant in 2011. He completed his bachelor of science degree in Health Science Professional Development and Patient Care in 2019. His interests include working with children of all ages, and autism spectrum disorder. He is excited to be at Apple Tree Therapy LLC to grow his skills in the traetment of sensory processing, Therapeutic Listening, and DIRFloortime. In his free time Matt enjoys spending time with his children, cooking, church activities, and being outdoors Specialized Training Autism Certificate (Certification # AC192980) Therapeutic Listening® (Basic) Career Highlights • Completing his associates degree as an occupational therapy assistant. • Completing his bachelors degree in Health Science Professional Development and Patient Care. • Completing his Autism Certificate Training. • Becoming trained in Therapeutic Listening.

Matt Barry, COTA

email: matt@appletreeot.com

Rhonda Valdez

Front Office Receptionist

Rhonda worked over 6+ years working in retail, customer service and administrative positions. She is well versed in the miltary’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) as well as the school system’s Individual Education Program (IEP) process. She has a grown daughter who has Down’s Syndrome, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum giving her vast first hand experience in the special needs community. In her free time Rhonda enjoys hiking the beautiful mountains of the PNW, spending time with family, trips to Disneyland, reading, being a mom to her two beautiful daughters, baking all kinds of yummy desserts, camping, running, weight lifting, reading, traveling, and relaxing with her two dogs. Specialized Training Autism Certificate (In Progress) HIPPA Awareness Certificate Career Highlights • 18 years as a stay at home mother and miltary wife. • Volunteering at adult day programs for special needs adults.

Rhonda Valdez

email: rhonda@appletreeot.com

Wayne Brown

Owner/ Billing Specialist

Wayne helped open Apple Tree Therapy LLC in 2013 and has done many behind the scenes jobs including IT support, handyman, and billing. After 28 years working for a major retailer, Wayne joined the business full time in 2017 as a billing specialist. He loves that this job allows him to spend more time with his wife and daughter while being a larger part of working with children and their families every day. In his free time Wayne enjoys bowling, travelling, playing video games, Star Wars, building Legos, watching movies, and spending time with his family. Specialized Training Autism Certificate (Certification # AC17351) Reiki Master Career Highlights • Worked for a major retailer for 28 years • Travelled around Alaska providing IT support for his company • Completing his Autism Certificate training • Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

Wayne Brown

email: wayne@appletreeot.com