Apple Tree Therapy, LLC
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Apple Tree Therapy, LLC is the lifelong dream of owner, Jackie Brown, and her husband, Wayne, to
open a private practice occupational therapy clinic for children of all ages in Kitsap County (Bremerton, Port
Orchard, Poulsbo, Silverdale and more). Integrating families into the treatment process and development of
their children’s skills is an important part of the occupational therapy provided at our clinic. Their vision is to
provide the highest quality therapy services to the community (children, parents, grandparents, physicians,
and other clinicians) while helping children reach their highest potential.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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