At Capital Region Sam B. Cook Healthplex, we realize that children with
special needs require very special care. That's why our outpatient pediatric therapy
program is dedicated to children with special needs, from birth to adolescence.
Our team works closely with families and primary caregivers
to help each child enrolled in the program reach their maximum potential physically,
mentally, socially and emotionally. Each member of our team has completed extensive training giving them the most appropriate tools for treating our most extraordinary patients.
Occupational therapists
Speech/language pathologists
Physical therapists
Physical therapist assistant
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Adrienne Wilde A 1998 graduate of Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) with a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology, Adrienne Wilde has worked at Capital Region as a therapist for 14 years, 12 of those years working specifically with pediatric patients. Main areas of interest include dysphagia, oral aversion, apraxia, articulation and child language disorders. Adrienne works with the pediatric through the geriatric population improving their communication, language, and or swallowing deficits. Adrienne has recently attended continuing education programs instructing her in up-to-date therapy techniques for Apraxia of Speech and Augmentative Communication. She holds certifications in First Aid, CPR and as a First Steps Provider.
Cathy Best Cathy is occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who has a B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri. Cathy helps all types of patients from children (pediatrics), to adults and geriatric patients. She has experience working with children who have Autism, developmental delays, and neurological problems as a result of a stroke, head injury, brachial plexus nerve injury and spinal cord injury. She is experienced with sensory integration therapy, working on fine motor skills and activities of daily living.
Jennifer (Nikki) Gaylord Nikki Gaylord is a 1999 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders. She has worked in the field of speech-language pathology for over 13 years with pediatric and adult populations. Nikki’s primary areas of interest include neurological disorders, augmentative/alternative communication, child language disorders, dysphagia, and sensory processing/praxis disorders. She has extensive experience in sign language, therapeutic listening, and sensory integration. She holds certifications in First Aid and CPR.
Carolyn Heidbrink Carolyn is a Physical Therapy Assistant with a degree from Linn State Technical College Physical Therapy Assistant Program. She has 12 years experience in physical therapy in an outpatient setting and in aquatic therapy exercise, strain counterstrain techniques and kinesio taping. She is certified in First Steps and CPR.
Charles "Justin" Lewis Justin graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational therapy. He specializes in rehab of the hand and upper extremity, and sees patients of all ages. He has experience with sensory integration, motor learning, constraint induced movement therapy, and neuro-rehab with children, as well as handwriting skills and education. He holds certifications First Aid and CPR. He has been with Capital Region for 5 years and has 11 years overall experience as an OT.
Jennifer Nicklas
Jennifer graduated from University of Central Missouri in 2002 with a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She has 10 years of experience with both pediatric and adult populations. She has worked in a variety of settings including early childhood centers, public schools, skilled nursing facilities as well as outpatient clinics. Jennifer’s interests are sensory processing disorders and oral aversion in the early childhood population. She has experience in sign language, holds a teaching certificate and is certified in CPR.
Abby Dunn
Abby is a 2012 graduate from Saint Louis University with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has experience working with medically complicated pediatric patients. She provides services to a variety of patients from pediatrics to geriatrics. Abby has interest sensory integration, fine motor coordination, motor learning, and neuro-rehab. She is CPR and First Aid certified.
Megan Alphin Megan graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri. She has had diverse patient experience including evaluation and treatment of patients diagnosed with brain and neurological injuries, autism, Down Syndrome, developmental delay, seizure disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, torticollis, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, cancer, genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and dystonia. She has treated patients from birth throughout the lifespan. She is trained in using the Pediatric Walkaide. She works closely with orthotists and durable medical equipment companies to obtain appropriate orthotics and medical devices for patients. Megan enjoys working with children of all ages to facilitate improved mobility, gross motor skills, and overall childhood function.
Common
Disorders Treated
The staff focuses on the developmental requirements of
children with a variety of diagnoses and treatment needs, including:
Ambulation deficits
Articulation disorders
Auditory Processing disorders
Autism Spectrum disorders
Brain injury
Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy & other neuromuscular diseases
Congenital hand abnormalities
Developmental delays
Down's Syndrome
Fine motor weaknesses
Handwriting difficulties
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Language disorders
Learning disabilities
Oral motor/feeding problems
Orthopedic conditions
Phonological awareness (articulation)
Pre-speech communication skills
Self care and daily living activities
Sensory integration and processing dysfunction
Speech disorders (voice, fluency & articulation)
Spina Bifida
Strength, endurance and coordination training
Stuttering/fluency disorders
Swallowing disorders
Traumatic brain injury
Torticollis
Upper extremity splinting
Use of assistive devices
Visual perceptual training
Voice disorders
Individualization
After an initial evaluation, the therapy team makes treatment
recommendations based on each child's individual needs. Since families and primary
caregivers play an important role in child development, they receive education
and support from our staff regarding each child's needs.
Play
Therapy
Pediatric therapy is different from adult therapy in
that it incorporates play as a therapeutic tool to promote adjustment, growth
and development. Play makes therapy enjoyable and effective, the two keys for
long-term success.
Aquatic Therapy
State-of-the-Art Therapy Aquatic therapy at Capital Region Healthplex West is one of a kind in Central Missouri. The professional staff uses the pool for patients who need to increase range of motion strength, balance and gait training. Aquatic therapy allow for individuals with weight-bearing restrictions to start a rehabilitation program sooner. This is the same type of therapy pool used for rehabilitation and fitness purposes by the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals.
Pediatric patients are especially fond of aquatic therapy. It helps to give them a sense of play while they are actually working to improve their condition.
Adaptive
Equipment
In addition to helping families access needed equipment
through various community resources, the following equipment available on loan
prior to purchase:
Move and Sit
Therapy balls
Sock aids
Dressing sticks
Reachers
Getting
Started
Referrals are accepted from a number of sources, including
parents, physicians and community agencies. To initiate a referral, please call
(573)632-5633 or e-mail Adrienne Wilde at awilde@mail.crmc.org.
Pediatric therapy services are covered by most health care plans; however, pre-authorization
and pre-certification are often required. In addition, we also accept funding
through Medicaid, state sources and school districts.
Locations
Outpatient pediatric therapy is offered in the following
settings:
Outpatient Pediatric Clinic in the Healthplex, Capital Region Southwest Campus
Public or private schools in cooperation with school
administrators
State-of-the-Art Therapy Aquatic therapy at Capital Region Healthplex West is one of a kind in Central Missouri. The professional staff uses the pool for patients who need to increase range of motion strength, balance and gait training. Aquatic therapy allow for individuals with weight-bearing restrictions to start a rehabilitation program sooner. This is the same type of therapy pool used for rehabilitation and fitness purposes by the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals. 
