Our Staff

Founders

Nicole earned her Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy from Kansas Newman University. She has been an active practioner for 24 years, and founded Kidz First Therapy in 2011. She spends her time working in our outpatient clinics, Missouri First Steps, and local school districts. Nicole has a variety of continuing education including reflex integration, rhythmic movement, SOS Feeding, and Bal-A-Vis-X. She is also vital stim certified. She has extensive experience working with children with feeding and swallowing disorders, as well as medically complicated children. Her passion is working with families to help their child reach their fullest potential and make the impossible seem possible.  Nicole works closely with parents to create the best plan of care for home, school, and daycare. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her husband, Josh, daughter, Addison, and dog, Finn. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with friends and watching her daughter play volleyball.

Email: Nicole.kidzfirst@gmail.com

Phone: 816-694-0598

Nicole Lindemann, OTR/L

Owner

Employees

I started with Kidz First in January 2021.  My goal for children is to improve their ability and confidence to participate in daily activities through increased language and communication skills! I do not currently specialize in any areas, but am excited to work with all of the kids and families seeking speech services at Kidz First! My favorite thing about being a therapist is showing kids how powerful communication is; Teaching them that they have the ability to communicate their wants and needs in so many ways. 

Haley Elliot

CF-SLP

I began my journey with Kidz First Therapy in September 2018. She aims to work with children and their families to achieve goals most important to them while creating a safe and calm environment. Kristin has 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 every day life”

Kristin D’Augustine

COTA/L

I am a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, I started with KIdz First in September 2020. 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 joined the Kidz First team in October 2020. I recently graduated from Rockhurst University and I am thrilled to be working in a field I am passionate about with such a supportive team. My overall goal for my patients is to be comfortable with who they are, in hopes that their confidence will inspire those around them. I am passionate about treating neurological disorders and working with vision. My favorite thing about being a therapist is identifying what is meaningful to my patients and their families and helping them maximize their potential.

Emily Allison

MOTR/L

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Gabby earned her Bachelors in Health Science and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri. She also has a minor in Psychology and Public Service and Leadership. Gabby created and implemented the Mizzou SWIM Program (Swimming and Water Instruction Modifications for Children with ASD).  She continues to use her aquatic therapy skills working with kids in the water for Kidz First Therapy. Gabby joined Kidz First Therapy in 2017 and currently serves as our Clinical Director. She spends her time working in our outpatient clinics, Missouri First Steps, and Summit Behavioral Services-North. She also leads our weekly groups and summer camp program. Gabby has a variety of continuing education including reflex integration, rhythmic movement, pediatric yoga, and Bal-A-Vis-X. She has 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. Her passion is helping kids reach their full potential and to be successful throughout their daily routines. Gabby works closely with parents to create the best plan of care for home and school. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her husband and dog, Moose. She also enjoys time with her family, friends, and traveling with her husband.

Gabby Scheuler

MOTR/L

Caitlin earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy from State Fair Community College in 2015. Caitlin has previously worked in the geriatric population serving many long term care facilities. She joined Kidz First Therapy in 2018. She proudly works at the outpatient clinic, Missouri first steps, and the Lone Jack School District. She also has assisted with Weekly Groups and Summer Camps. Caitlin has 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. Her 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 her free time she loves crafting, spending time with her friends/family, and also spending time with her husband, two dogs and two cats.

Caitlin

COTA/L

She started at Kidz First in Sept of 2018. My goals for children is to increase their skills in problems areas and reach their full potential of weirdness, so they can be comfortable with whatever they do and who they are. I am passionate about vision and coordination/strength. 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". 

Rachel Monteil

COTA/L

I'm Shelby Lee, a COTA/L with my degree from MCC-Penn Valley in KC. I have worked at Kidz First Therapy since summer of 2016. 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 name is Kimberly Ladish, 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, and joined the Kidz First team in July of 2020. 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

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