Meet the Owners
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Meet the Owners 〰️
Jennifer McDonald
Jennifer was born and raised in West Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in 2004 with her Master of Occupational Therapy Degree. She has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2006 and is certified by NBCOT with a practice emphasis in pediatrics. She has worked with children in a variety of settings including public and private schools, pediatric outpatient clinics, and early intervention in 4 different states. Jennifer is passionate about facilitating meaningful occupations for children of all ages and ability levels. She enjoys learning about current research and therapeutic interventions in the field of occupational therapy and has attended numerous trainings including Handwriting Without Tears, Ready Bodies, Learning Minds and Pediatric Kinesiotaping. She is also certified in Interactive Metronome and in the SOS approach to feeding.
Jennifer has been married to her husband John for 14 years and has two beautiful daughters. Her home also consists of a special needs leopard gecko who has adapted well to having only 3 feet and an opinionated parrot who loves potato chips.
Her hobbies include gardening, watercolor, home improvement projects and crafting with her girls. She loves working with children of all ages and looks forward to providing services that enrich the lives of students in Southern Illinois.
Mary Birchenough
Mary grew up in Minnesota where she received her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2004. She decided to return to college and graduated in 2013 with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist and has completed the training for Handwriting Without Tears. Mary loves to learn and collaborate with others in order to provide the best services for her clientele. She is full of life and spunk, goal-driven, and passionate about providing Occupational Therapy services that makes a difference.
Mary has also used her gifts and talents to help in her community. She was the founder of Let Your Light Shine, a youth leadership after-school program, a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) which supports youth in the foster care system, and has led youth Sunday classes at her local church. She is also passionate about Hospice services and became an End of Life Doula to support individuals (all ages) and their loved ones through the final chapter of life.
Mary has been married to her husband Peter for 19 years and together they have two boys (14 and 16 years old) as well three cats and two dogs. Mary and her oldest son went through all the training requirements with Charlie, a Golden Retriever, who is now a certified therapy dog!
Mary is devoted to brightening the lives of those around her and is excited to be partnering with school districts in the Southern Illinois area. She believes and understands that it takes a village to raise a child and looks forward to being a part of your professional team!