Brooke Behnke, MS, OTR
Brooke attended Franklin College where she received her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2015 and then went on to Indiana University to earn her Masters in Science in Occupational Therapy in 2017. Brooke has always had a passion for working with children and has gained a lot of experience through volunteering for organization such as Special Olympics for many years as well as gained experience through fieldwork in the Johnson County schools and First steps in Lafayette. Brooke started her career at one of her fieldwork locations with Earlywood Education Center servicing Franklin, Indian Creek and Greenwood schools for three years. Brooke has gained knowledge in sensory regulation dysfunction, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and fine/visual motor control by attending conferences and seminars and her experience in the schools.
Brooke currently resides in Broad Ripple with her husband, Andrew and 5 month old daughter, Nora. Brooke is a varsity high school volleyball coach for Covenant Christian HS and enjoys reading, crafting, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors.
Paige Boggs, MS, OTR
Paige is a certified occupational therapist registered at a state and national level. Paige has been working for PSA for 2 years. Paige loves working with families on what matters most to them to allow their child to lead a full and engaging life. Paige has received training and continues to develop her skills in areas of sensory integration, oral motor and oral sensory related to feeding, fine motor, and overall child development. Occupational therapy is all about problem solving and Paige will work with the family to do just that. Paige is looking forward to developing a relationship with your family and child!
Jennifer Mocarski, OTR
Jennifer graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1994 with a B.S in Occupational Therapy. Her passion has always been working with the pediatric population. Following graduation, she gained pediatric experience in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school, and home-based settings. She started working with Pediatric Specialty Associates in 2008 and truly enjoys working with families to help them achieve their child’s goals. Jennifer has experience working with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, Cerebral palsy, down syndrome, sensory processing disorders and feeding disorders.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, and spending time with her husband, two amazing children and dog, Willow.
Julia Murray, MS, OTR
Julia received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University in 2013. Throughout her education, Julia attended and presented at national conferences. She has received additional knowledge in sensory processing disorder, reflex integration, and feeding difficulties, including a certification in the SOS Approach to Feeding. As an avid learner, Julia continues to seek out continuing education and professional development opportunities. Julia serves on multiple committees for the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association and enjoys mentoring current occupational therapy students as well as co-workers. She has worked with clients with a wide variety of diagnoses including:, Cerebral Palsy (CP), Down syndrome, Developmental Delay, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Dandy Walker Syndrome, Pallister-Killian Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), seizure disorders, congenital upper limb anomalies, as well as clients who have complications due to prematurity. Julia has always had a passion for working with infants and toddlers and will strive to make the therapy process enjoyable, helpful, and collaborative.
Julia resides in Westfield with her husband and two children. She enjoys being outdoors, creating new experiences for her children, and working on home projects.
Katrina Smith, OTR
Katrina has an undergraduate in speech and hearing sciences from Purdue University and later received her master’s/graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Indianapolis in 1995. Katrina has worked in long term care, hospital acute care and in school systems before coming to First Steps, her true love. She has worked in early intervention for Central Indiana First Steps since 2003. Katrina has worked with a variety of diagnoses both in the schools and through First Steps to include, but not limited to: Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Prematurity, Achondroplasia, TBI/brain injuries, Autism, Stroke, Williams Syndrome, Moebius Syndrome, feeding/oral motor issues, etc. Courses she has attended through the years have included courses in sensory processing/integration, feeding/oral motor, reflexes/neuroplasticity, improving motor control, torticollis etc. Katrina lives in McCordsville with her husband and two miniature Australian Shepherds. Katrina will work with your family to maximize your child’s abilities and interactions. She encourages the family to participate in sessions to provide the best learning experience for your child and family.
Teresa Smith, OTR
Teresa attended Abilene Christian University with undergraduate emphasis in biology/pre-med. After 3 years of undergraduate work, she went on to receive her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Indianapolis in 1995. Teresa has 23 years of experience working in early intervention with children with many diverse diagnoses which include: Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, premature infants, autism, and children with feeding problems. She has attended many continuing education courses to include: oral-motor/feeding, sensory processing, improving muscle control, and behavior management.
Teresa is a mother of 2 girls and understands the demands of a busy mother’s life. She will incorporate therapy activities into your daily routine. Teresa enjoys working with families to attain the goals that they wish for their child to achieve and she encourages family participation in the therapy process.
Amber Yarbrough, OTR
Hi, my name is Amber Yarbrough, OTR and I have been an occupational therapist for 11 years. I am a neuro developmental certified therapist and have worked with babies and children with a variety of diagnosis such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, prematurity, autism, and developmental delays among others.
I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family – my husband and 2 children, Clare and Austin who are 5 and 2. I love working with kiddos and always try to make it fun while helping them achieve their goals and familly’s goals.