Staff Profiles
Executive Director
Linda received her BS from Augustana College in Illinois and her MS in OT from Washington University in St Louis, MO. She has concentrated her practice on pediatrics and has worked in a variety of settings including school based programs, private clinic and home health. She is certified in Sensory Integration and trained in Therapeutic Listening. She was integral in the development of Camp OdakOTa. Linda joined the staff as a supervisor in 2008 and took on the role of Executive Director in 2018.
Administrative Assistant
Kelsey joined COTI in 2021 as a full-time office administrative assistant. She is from Roanoke, IN and attended Ball State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has experience in the fields of geriatric social work, case management, and healthcare. She enjoys working in the front office where she can help children and families.
Occupational Therapist
Carolyn graduated with a BS in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University and has been a member of the staff of COTI since 1988. She has been working with infants and children for over 30 years. Carolyn is certified to administer the SIPT and trained in therapeutic listening. She works in our Blue Ash clinic.
Manager of Client Accounts
Michael is a graduate of Boston University and has been working in healthcare management for over 30 years. He joined the staff at COTI in 2008. Michael serves as Secretary and Treasurer of Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Foundation. He is committed to helping families negotiate the sometimes confusing health insurance issues.
Eletta Fleming, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Eletta Fleming graduated with a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa, in Dec 1993. She moved to the USA in 1995 and worked at COTI between 2002 to 2015. Eletta is certified in sensory integration and as an autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist. Eletta has obtained the DIRFloortime Certificate of Proficiency. Eletta is also trained in using the therapeutic listening program. Eletta has a wealth of experience working with clients from birth through adulthood. She rejoined the COTI team in January 2020 to continue her work in the clinic setting.
Hallie Foy, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hallie graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Master of Occupational Therapy. Prior to joining COTI in 2024, she gained experience in school-based and mental health settings. She has presented at state and national conferences regarding trauma-informed care and supporting mental health using a sensory-based approach. She is passionate about supporting children and families in reaching their goals. Hallie works in COTI’s satellite clinics and the Blue Ash outpatient clinic.
Occupational Therapist
Laura graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in 2009 in occupational therapy. Prior to joining COTI in 2022, she worked with individuals with serious mental illness and families with young children experiencing homelessness. Laura will be working in the Blue Ash clinic and Connections for Life.
Beth Johnson, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Beth received her BA in Psychology from DePauw University in Indiana and her MOT from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She has been practicing OT in pediatric settings for 11 years. Beth completed intensive sensory processing training with the STAR Institute out of Denver, CO, and her ongoing practice and continuing education pursuits have been focused on the areas of sensory processing, autism, self-regulation, and self-management. Beth’s prior clinical practice has taken place in the outpatient setting, an early intervention classroom for children with autism, and in individual clients’ homes. She looks forward to engaging with students in the school setting as she joins COTI in the Fall of 2022.
Occupational Therapist
Jackie received a BS in OT and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at Queen’s University in Canada and is SIPT certified. She has worked with adults and children in a variety of settings throughout her career. Jackie originally worked for COTI in 1997 for several years before moving out of state. She returned to Cincinnati and COTI in 2008 and now works part time in our Blue Ash clinic. Jackie has a 2012 article in OT Practice that addresses how to match sport to the needs of children with sensory processing disorder.
Paige Lee, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Paige graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2018 and a gerontology minor. Paige began her OT career working with adults in an acute care setting. She joined COTI’s staff in 2023 and will work full-time at the Blue Ash clinic. She has always
enjoyed working with people of all ages and looks forward to helping children and their families reach their goals.
Occupational Therapist
Liz received a BS in occupational therapy from Xavier University and has been working with COTI since graduating in 2004. Liz works for COTI in the pediatric clinic in Blue Ash. She has also been the lead therapist in a variety of COTI’s Summer Groups. Liz is trained in Therapeutic Listening and certified in Sensory Integration.
Clarissa Saar, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Clarissa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Before joining COTI in 2024, she implemented and worked as the head OT of a preschool early intervention (PEI) based program. She also spent her time contributing to the pediatric outpatient and inpatient rehab setting. Her wide range of experience in multiple settings allows her to draw from her understanding and connections with clients of all ages and abilities to provide holistic and client-centered care. She is committed to creating a safe and positive space for children to reach their goals as well as using her treatments to embody what makes each child unique and special. Clarissa currently works as a school-based OT in the Forest Hills School District.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jeremy joined the staff of COTI in 2006 after graduating from Wilbur Wright College – City College of Chicago from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Jeremy also has a BFA in Painting. He currently works full time for COTI in school-based practice and in the Blue Ash clinic. He has also helped to lead some of COTI’s summer groups and has worked as a group leader at Camp OdakOTa – COTIs camp for children with sensory processing concerns. Jeremy incorporates his artistic creativity into everything he does.
Occupational Therapist
Amanda graduated from Xavier University where she earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree and Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in Human Occupations and a minor in Psychology. She joined COTI in 2018 and is working in the Blue Ash clinic and the satellite at Cincinnati Country Day School.
Tamryn Seyfried, COTA/L
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Lisa graduated from Florida International University with a BS in OT. She has been at COTI since 1991 working as a generalist in all areas of OT. She has provided services in schools, homes, adult day centers, group homes, and skilled nursing facilities. Lisa’s special interests are also widely varied; they include traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, cognitive deficits and home-based services.
Julianna Van Rafelghem
Administrative Assistant
Juliana joined COTi in August of 2023 as an administrative assistant. She is a 2019 graduate of Miami University with an associate’s degree. She has more than 10 years of customer service experience.
President
Deb has a BS in OT from Quinnipiac University, an advanced MS in OT as well as an MBA from Boston University, and a PhD in OT from Nova Southeastern University. Over the course of her 30 year career she has worked in a wide variety of settings both as a clinician and an administrator. She has been at COTI since moving to Cincinnati in 2001. She serves as the President of Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and the Co-Chair of the Cincinnati district of the OOTA.
Occupational Therapist
Cathy is a graduate from Xavier University with a BLA and MEd. She has a post-baccalaureate in occupational therapy also from Xavier University. Cathy has been with COTI since 2005 working in pediatrics both in the clinic and schools. She trained in Therapeutic Listening and has studied Myofascial Release.
Raechel Wolfinbarger, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Raechel is a graduate of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. She has had experience working as a student in the school setting and enjoys working with children of all ages, helping them to succeed while building therapeutic
relationships. Raechel is excited to begin her career at COTI and will be working in schools and in the clinic.