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 later 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, praxis difficulties and more. She is passionate about educating parents regarding their child’s specific needs, mentoring occupational therapy staff, and teaching occupational therapy students. In her free time Jackie enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter, exploring new places, bowling, reading, crocheting, geocaching, collecting board games and spending time with friends and family. Certifications Certified in Sensory Integration (SIPT Certification #1602) Certified Autism Specialist (Certification # ACAS172631) DIRFloortime® Provider: Basic Certificate DIRFloortime® Provider: Certfiicate of Proficiency Professional Sensory Enrichment Therapy™ Certification Specialized Training The Alert Program® Astronaut Training Program (Vision & Vestibular) Beckman Oral Motor Protocol Craniosacral Therapy Techniques (All Ages: Birth & Up) The Listening Program® Member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Praxis Trainings Reiki Master Social Stories™ SOS Approach to Feeding Training Telehealth: Applying Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) in Telehealth 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. • Providing Telehealth Services to mulitple clients and families throughout the pandemic. • Becoming adjuct faculty and teaching at the University of Puget Sound Occupational Therapy Program.

Dr. Jackie Brown, DrOT, OTR/L

    email: appletreeot@gmail.com

Ruthanne Vargas, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist - Full Time

Ruthanne graduated from San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. She has over 14 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, church activities, kayaking in the lovely lakes and sound of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and having fun with her grandchildren. Certifications Certified in Sensory Integration (SIPT Certification #4672) Certified Autism Specialist (Certification # CAS169766) Specialized Training Beckman Oral Motor Protocol Craniosacral Therapy Techniques (All Ages: Birth & Up) Critical Issues training 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. • Completing the Beckman Oral Motor training • Completing over 20 hours of continuing education in Critical Issues.

  Ruthanne Vargas, OTR/L

 email: ruthanne@appletreeot.com

Nick Dennis COTA

Occupational Therapy Assistant - Full Time

Nick graduated from Bates Technical College with his associates degree as an occupational therapy assistant in 2016.  His interests include working with pediatric clients, trauma and how trauma affects early learning. He has also worked with the Muckleshoot Tribe to develop a new OT program for children. In his free time Nick enjoys playing classical guitar, collecting enamel pins, anything Disney, Star Wars or Marvel, and spending time with his fiance and their 2 children. Certifications Autism Certificate (Certification # AC21223791) Right Response Trainer and Certification Specialized Training Grief and Trauma Training Career Highlights • Completing his associates degree as an occupational therapy assistant. • Developing a new OT program with the Muckleshoot Tribe. • Becoming a Right Response Trainer. • Completing his Autism Certificate Training.

  Nick Dennis, COTA

   email: nick@appletreeot.com

Rhonda Valdez

Front Office Receptionist/ Referral Manager

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. Certifications Autism Certificate (Certification # AC20269158) 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. • Completing her Autism Certificate training.

  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. Certifications Autism Certificate (Certification # AC17351) Specialized Training 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 • Being a part time stay at home dad

  Wayne Brown

   email: wayne@appletreeot.com

Bailey Hicks, MSOTR/L

Occupational Therapist - Full Time

Bailey graduated from Brenau University with her masters degree as an occupational therapist in 2018. Her interests include working with kids of all ages and abilities. She has specialized in working with children who are on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She loves supporting children and families in finding the magic in everyday life. In her free time Bailey enjoys yoga, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her cats. She also loves anytime she can relax with friends and family whether in person or virtually for those that live in Georgia. Certifications Certified Autism Specialist (Certification #CAS22712702) Specialized Training Astronaut Training Program (Vision & Vestibular) Handwriting without Tears Training Sensory vs Behavior Training Yoga in Pediatrics Career Highlights • Completing her MSOT degree • Completing her Certified Autism Specialist training • Returning to work at Apple Tree Therapy, LLC where she was previously a fieldwork student intern. • Experience working in an interdisiplinary team to create holistic interventions in a full time ABA setting.

Bailey Hicks, MSOTR/L

 email: bailey@appletreeot.com

Hannah Terranova, MSOTR/L

Occupational Therapist - Full Time

Hannah graduated from the University of Puget Sound with her master of science degree as an occupational therapist in 2019. Her interests include the areas of sensory processing, trauma-informed care, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and family-centered care. Hannah has also been a part of Apple Tree Therapy, LLC on and off for several years as a volunteer, fieldwork student, and now as an occupational therapist. In her free time Hannah enjoys traveling to visit family, cooking and baking for friends, reading a good book, spending time outside hiking or kayaking, and trying out and reviewing different restaurants. Certifications Certified Autism Specialist (Certification #CAS20872846) Specialized Training Member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) SOS Approach to Feeding Training Career Highlights • Completing her Certified Autism Specialist training • Completing her MSOT degree • Completing advanced feeding training • Experience working with children with sensory processing disorders.

Hannah Terranova, MSOTR/L

 email: hannah@appletreeot.com

Makenzi Nafus, MOTR/L

Occupational Therapist - Full Time

Makenzi graduated from Ithaca College with her masters degree as an occupational therapist in 2019. Her interests include the areas of feeding, learning more about the DIR/Floortime approach, 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 outdoor activities (including running, hiking, kayaking), spending time with her husband and fur baby, Waldo, catching up with family and friends, food (eating it and making it), and reading a good book. Certifications Certified Autism Specialist (Certification #CAS2030300) Specialized Training Pediatric Telehealth Course SOS Approach to Feeding Training Therapeutic Listening® (Basic) Career Highlights • Completing her Certified Autism Specialist training • Completing advanced feeding training • Completing Therapeutic Listening® training • Completing her MSOT degree • Experience working with children in their natural environments

Makenzi Nafus, MOTR/L

 email: makenzi@appletreeot.com