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

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 at Kidz First Therapy in September of 2018. I am passionate about vision and coordination/strength. My goal for the children is to increase their skills in problem areas and reach their full potential, so they can be fully comfortable with themselves.  My favorite thing about being a therapist is when a kiddo starts to gain that confidence to try new things and faces challenges head on because "we can do hard things". 

Rachael Monteil

COTA/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 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

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

I have worked at Kidz First Therapy since the summer of 2016. I am a COTA/L and received my degree from MCC-Penn Valley in KC. My goal is to help every child I see build on their strengths and to progress in the difficult areas so they can live and function in the best way possible in their world! I am trained in MNRI (reflex integration), love helping with handwriting, and am a master at teaching children how to tie their shoes! My favorite thing about being a therapist is that I get to build a special connection with each child by being silly, laughing, and doing some hard work right along with them!

Shelby Lee

COTA/L

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

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 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!

Kaitlynn Dinwiddie

Billing and Coding

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

OTR/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

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 Whitehead

OTR/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

Layne Koechner

OTR/L

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