Our Staff

Owner

I have been an active practitioner since 1996, and founded Kidz First Therapy in 2011. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from Kansas Newman University.  I spend my time working in our outpatient clinics, Missouri First Steps, and local school districts. I have a variety of continuing education including reflex integration, rhythmic movement, SOS Feeding, and Bal-A-Vis-X. I am also vital stim certified. I have extensive experience working with children with feeding and swallowing disorders, as well as medically complicated children. My passion is working with families to help their child reach their fullest potential and make the impossible seem possible. I work closely with parents to create the best plan of care for home, school, and daycare. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Josh, daughter, Addison, and dog, Finn. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with friends and watching my daughter play volleyball.

Nicole Lindemann, OTR/L

Owner

Employees

Hi, my name is Megan and I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in August 2021 with my doctoral degree in occupational therapy. After graduation, I worked as an OT at a pediatric developmental preschool and outpatient clinic in the central Arkansas area. In February 2023, my husband and I moved back to our hometown of Kansas City, MO and I started working at Kidz First. I have extensive training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and am passionate about helping children and families learn to make mealtimes fun! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family and love being outdoors. Some fun facts about me are that I have an identical twin sister, I studied abroad in Thailand during college, and my favorite dessert is ice cream!

Megan Cornell

MS, OTR/L

I started with Kidz First in March of 2022 with my Bachelors of Science in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University and my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Cox College. I love being a pediatric occupational therapist because I get to build so many great connections with you and your child and work to increase your child's occupational performance! I have experience in a variety of areas including upper extremity injuries, high acuity illnesses, feeding difficulties, social and emotional regulation difficulties, and sensory processing challenges. My passion is to help children reach a more fulfilling life with the necessary strategies and tools needed to function in every day life.  

In my free time, I like to spend time with my fiancé and our very loved cat, Winston. I also am a big foodie and can talk favorite foods for hours. I love to cook/bake, try new foods, and go to different restaurant. 

I can’t wait to work with you and your child! 

Megan Gray

MS, OTR/L

I started with Kidz First Therapy in February 2021. I graduated from Elmhurst University in the Chicagoland area. My passion is to work with kiddos with special needs and/or sensory processing differences and their families. My goal is to help each kiddo feel successful in their everyday lives and empower them to be the best version of themselves. My favorite thing about being a therapist is seeing kids’ confidence improve and progress throughout their therapy and

facilitating independence in their everyday activities. In my free time, I enjoy working out and spending time with my family and dog, Chief. I also just recently moved to the Kansas City area and love trying new restaurants. 

Michaela Kumer

OTR/L

I joined Kidz First Therapy in 2017 and currently serve as our Clinical Director. I earned my Bachelors in Health Science and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri. I also have a minor in Psychology and Public Service and Leadership. I created and implemented the Mizzou SWIM Program (Swimming and Water Instruction Modifications for Children with ASD). I continue to use my aquatic therapy skills working with kids in the water for Kidz First Therapy.  I spend my time working in our outpatient clinics, Missouri First Steps, and Summit Behavioral Services-North. I also lead our weekly groups and summer camp program. I have a variety of continuing education including reflex integration, rhythmic movement, pediatric yoga, and Bal-A-Vis-X. I have extensive experience working with children with sensory, behavioral, and social emotional regulation deficits, as well as feeding for children who tend to be picky eaters. My passion is helping kids reach their full potential and to be successful throughout their daily routines. I work closely with parents to create the best plan of care for home and school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, Moose. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and traveling with my husband.

Gabby Scheuler

MOTR/L

I received my Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Rockhurst University in February of 2022 and then joined the Kidz First Therapy team. Working with children has  been my passion after I spent 2 summers as a camp counselor. Now I have the wonderful opportunity to work with kids everyday to help give them the tools they need and to empower them to be the best version of themselves. One thing that helps me work well with kids is that I am a kid at heart, so I can make a connection with most kids through their hobbies or interests. When I’m not at work, I’m usually hanging out with friends, visiting the family farm, or going on the occasional adventure. 

Katie Smith

OTR/L

I began working for Kidz First Therapy in August of 2021. I earned my Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2015. Currently, I am providing occupational therapy services in several small school districts in central Missouri. Prior to starting with Kidz First Therapy, I worked with children and adults in an outpatient clinic, and adults in hospital and home health settings. I have a wide variety of continuing education, including: reflex integration, vision, orthopedic conditions, orthotic fabrication, and more. My passion is working with children to help them become more confident in themselves, in their abilities, and within their homes and classrooms. Outside of work, you can find me playing with my two children, Beau and Lainey, and hanging out with my husband, Wade! We love spending time outdoors and hanging out with our family and friends!

Megan Taylor

MOT, OTR/L

I began my journey with Kidz First Therapy in September 2018. I aim to work with children and their families to achieve goals most important to them while creating a safe and calm environment. I have completed extensive training in PTSD/Trauma and Autism interventions in addition to MNRI courses. My favorite part about being a therapist is the connection and trust formed with kiddos and their families that become the foundation for successful engagement in everyday life.

Kristin D’Augustine

COTA/L

I started with Kidz First in September 2020. I am a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant and my goal for each of my clients is to increase their functional independence so that they may live a more enjoyable and fulfilling life. I specialize in reflex integration and social/emotional regulation techniques. My favorite thing about being a therapist is seeing all the hard work of my clients turn into progress.

Cole Frakes

COTA/L

Rachel obtained her Bachelor of Science Health Studies with a concentration in OT and a minor in Psychology from the University of Central in 2017. She recently graduated from Metropolitan Community College in May 2022 and obtained my COTA license/certification in July 2022. She previously worked in a pediatric setting as a rehabilitation technician, which started her passion to work with kids. She was previously a student at Kidz First and joined the team in June of 2022.  She enjoys being able to meet kids and families where they are and help them grow and thrive! In her free time, she loves to play recreational volleyball, watch movies, and hang out with friends and family.  

Rachel Gillum

COTA/L

I started my journey at Kidz First 5years ago as a student and obtained a position as a COTA/L in April of 2022. I graduated from State Fair Community College through the Missouri Health Professions Consortium and have been practicing as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2018. From the beginning of my career I developed the passion to work with children. I  started my career in the Skilled Nursing setting for one year, and have worked in a pediatric outpatient setting for the past three years. My passion is working with kiddos with sensory processing and feeding difficulties. I am certified in the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, which is the assessment of the strength, range and control of the jaw, tongue and lips to help increase ease and independence with feeding as well as decreasing sensitivities to various foods.  As a clinician my goal is to always strive to provide efficient, evidence based therapeutic interventions fit specifically for each patient and family on my caseload. In my free time I love to spend time back home on the farm with my family feeding the donkeys as well as hopping on the back of a Harley and riding through Kansas City. 

Layne Koechner

COTA/L

I joined the Kidz First team in July of 2020. I graduated with Miss Kristin and Miss Rachel obtaining my degree and COTA license/certification in 2018. I have spent the last two years working alongside Miss Gabby with adults with disabilities. My goals for your kids and also my favorite thing about being a therapist, is seeing them overcome challenges and thrive in their unique giftings!

Kimberly Ladish

COTA/L

Hello! I graduated from Crowder College, Webb City MO in 2018 with an AAS-Occupational Therapy Assistant. I accepted my first full time position in Pediatrics 3 years ago and I thoroughly enjoy the young curiosity spirit. Helping a child reach their potential is truly rewarding for me. I am married and a mom with a blended family of 5 kids, still raising two teenage boys at home.  I love spending time with my family, playing games, going to movies and being in the great outdoors. I enjoy baking and trying new cooking recipes! Some of my hobbies and interests are do it yourself home projects, planting flowers in the spring, and reading. 

Marci R Myers COTA/L 

Marci Myers

COTA/L

I joined Kidz First Therapy in 2018. I earned my Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy from State Fair Community College in 2015. I have previously worked in the geriatric population serving many long term care facilities. I proudly work at the outpatient clinic, Missouri first steps, and the Lone Jack School District. I have also assisted with Weekly Groups and Summer Camps. I have a variety of continuing education including reflex integration, BAL-A-VIS-X, Tool Box for Dyslexia, and Assessment and Treatment of Children with Oral Motor Feeding/Swallowing and Respiratory Function Challenges. My passion is to help children to reach their full potential in order to be as independent as possible in a variety of settings including community, schools, and home. In my free time, I love crafting, spending time with my friends/family, and also spending time with my husband, two dogs and two cats.

Caitlin Miller

COTA/L

My name is Kelly Talley. I graduated from Crowder College and obtained my COTA license/certification in 2019. I previously worked in Peds early intervention in Northwest Arkansas before accepting a position at Kidz First in August 2021. Before obtaining my degree, I ran an in-home daycare for 16 years and then worked in a school district for 5 years, where I helped to implement and run a motor lab. Occupational therapy is truly my passion and I feel truly blessed to be able to do what I love!! In my free time I love to hunt, hike, play golf, and kayak.  I love a good adventure!!!  My favorite thing about being a therapist is connecting with kiddos and their families and helping them to reach their fullest potential. 

Kelly Tally

COTA/L

Lauren obtained her Bachelor's degree from Missouri State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in American Sign Language.  She then received her Master's degree from the University of Central Missouri in Speech-Language Pathology.  Lauren has experience working in a variety of settings including daycares, schools, clinics, and acute hospitals. She believes it is essential to collaborate with all members of the care team and wants to actively engage caregivers in children’s treatment plans. Her goal is for children to succeed in their overall communication.

Lauren Fisher

M.S., CF-SLP

Erin joined Kidz First Therapy in July of 2022 after being in the public school setting for 7 years.  She received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Central Missouri. She loves working with children and helping them gain the necessary skills to communicate. She has worked with children with articulation disorders, language disorders, and literacy difficulties. She has also worked with children who have a variety of complex communication needs. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their dogs.

Erin Good

SLP

My passion has always been animals and children.  After official  "retirement" several years ago, I became involved with Mo-Kan Pet Partners, where I now serve as Chairperson. I have witnessed firsthand how the human-animal bond positively affects the health and well being of patients. My partner, Kiefer, is a Wheaten Terrier who has been certified in therapy work for 4 years.  I also have  a Golden Retriever who is working toward certification. I currently serve several area hospitals as well as the Jackson County Court System.I have 5 great grandkids that keep me busy on the weekends. I also love to hike and travel. 

Brenda Anderson

Front Desk

I started with Kidz First in June 2021 as Accounts Receivable. My previous experience involves accounts receivable, billing, and coding at a local hospital. I'm currently attending DeVry University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and will graduate in the summer 2022. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, Josh and our 2 kids, Lynnlee and Boone!

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