Occupational Therapy Staff

Michael Beamon, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Mike has been with OT4KIDS for over 15 years. He has a diverse working background in acute, inpatient, outpatient, home health, and pediatric settings. Always smiling, "Mr. Mike" has a peaceful manner of handling the most chaotic of situations. He is a master of setting up a therapeutic environment, skillfully meeting client needs to support "teachable moments". This allows clients to achieve the optimal state of alertness for building new skills and attaining their full potential.

Training

• Myofascial Release

• Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)

• Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

Education

A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant, Stanley County Community College // 1992

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT

Ashley Brown, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Ashley has done volunteer work with Hinds Feet Farm, Wings of Eagles Ranch, and Learning Charms Handwriting Camp. Her strengths include sensory integration techniques and behavioral strategies. Ashley's dream has always been to work with children and feels very fulfilled working with OT4KIDS!

Education

A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences // 2015

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT

Michala Freedle, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist 

Michala is an occupational therapist born and raised here in Lexington, NC. Her passion for OT began after witnessing the profound impact it had on her little brother growing up. Attending his therapy sessions sparked her drive to pursue a career in the field, where she now specializes in early intervention to support developmental milestones and feeding progression. In her free time, Michala enjoys spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, and reading.

Training

Tethered Oral Tissue Specialist (TOTS)

Education

M.S in Occupational Therapy // Lenoir-Rhyne University
B.S. in Exercise Science, Minor in Public Health// University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT

Mackenzie Lyon, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Mackenzie is a graduate from Thomasville NC and super excited to start off in the peds world. Her passion for OT came from shadowing OTs in high school and seeing the impact OT can make while remaining holistic and having fun. She has a background working with kids through volunteering at summer camps and the youth within her church. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and her dog Remington, shopping, and traveling.

Education

A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant // Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT

Abby Kane, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist 

Abby Kane, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, is a passionate occupational therapist at OT4KIDS. With two years of experience at OT4KIDS, she has worked with children facing a variety of diagnoses including but not limited to Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, feeding difficulties, and sensory processing disorders. Abby finds joy in helping children achieve independence and confidence, whether it’s mastering new skills, trying something for the first time, or simply engaging more comfortably with the world around them. Outside of work, she loves traveling to discover new places and spending time with her beloved dog Sye.

Education

M.S. in Occupational Therapy // Gannon University

B.S. in Occupational Therapy // Gannon University 

Licensure

State license with NCBOT and National Certification with NBCOT 

Patty Miranda, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Patty's diverse background includes experience in music, baking, and the arts -- a much appreciated addition to the creativity and artistic skills of our therapy team.

Training

• Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

• Handwriting without Tears (HWT)

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Education

A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant // Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT

Matthew Price, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Matt is a passionate Occupational Therapist whose dedication to the field grew from witnessing the profound impact OT had on his own family over many years. He is committed to helping each family meet their unique goals, providing individualized care that is specific to their needs.

With extensive experience in research focusing on inclusive play, risky play, and the barriers to therapeutic interventions in rural areas, Matt brings a broad understanding of how therapy can be tailored to different environments and challenges. Outside of his professional life, Matt enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, camping, and time with his dog.

Education

B.S in Sports Science// Tusculum University

OTD in Occupational Therapy// Emory and Henry Health Sciences 

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT

Aliza Simpson, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Aliza has a passion for working with children and helping them grow, having volunteered at Wings Of Eagles summer camp and interacted in both classroom and non-traditional settings. Aliza enjoys watching children thrive and develop new skills in various environments that help prepare them for their bright futures. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and hiking with her dog, Smoke.  

Education

A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant // Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Licensure

State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT