Awesome therapists & more than you'd ever want to know about us
Occupational Therapists
Stephanie Seymore Wick, OT/L, M.S., IMC
works with Learning Charms' Foundation program, charter schools, private clients, & digital product development
I am the owner of Learning Charms and been a pediatric occupational therapist since 1998. I am certified in Interactive Metronome, and Therapeutic Listening. I received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Emory & Henry College, and a master's degree in occupational therapy from Shenandoah University. The first 10 years of my career was working in public schools as an O.T. I enjoy working with children, parents, and teachers to improve a child's success in school, sports, and home. In addition, it brings me so much pleasure to increase a child's motivation and enjoyment of fine motor and handwriting activities. Hearing a child say "I did it!" never gets old! My husband, Rob, and I have two children, a dog, and two ninja cats. I enjoy gardening, spending time with family, and crafting.
Kelly Long, COTA/L, B.A.
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program, charter schools, & digital product development
I am a graduate from CPCC’s OTA program with fieldwork experience in pediatric, geriatric and acute hospital settings. I live near uptown Charlotte with my wonderful husband, my two daughters – ages 11 and 7, two dogs and a cat that thinks she’s a dog. Occupational therapy is a second career for me. I have a B.A. in Communication and Art History from Randolph College and spent 15+ years in corporate America as a Communication Consultant. When we adopted our younger daughter at age 3, I experienced first-hand the life-changing effects occupational therapy can have on a child and his/her family. It was these experiences that prompted me to leave the corporate world and pursue my dream of becoming an OTA. I look forward to partnering with other families to help their children reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, traveling, making pottery and anything else crafty.
Crystal Smith, OTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program, charter schools & digital product development
I am a graduate of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences occupational therapy assistant program. I have experience working with the pediatric population from birth-18 years of age. In addition to working in preschools and elementary schools, I have experience working in outpatient, in home settings and providing early intervention occupational therapy services. I have a great love for children and I cherish the relationship and bond I develop with each child as I help them to become successful and achieve their goals. I enjoy reading, baking and spending time with my husband and 3 children.
Stefanie Cranford, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program & charter schools
I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania and have come to know North Carolina as my home now. I have lived in the Charlotte area and suburbs for 20 years. I've been blessed with two wonderful boys, ages 11 and 9. I was a dental assistant before having children. Then I was graciously led to OT and graduated from the OTA program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. I have worked in the geriatric setting and pediatric outpatient setting. I thoroughly enjoy working with children. When a child gains a milestone, it is a delight! I have gained continuing education in the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, sensory integration, and motor development. When not working, I stay busy with my boys, serving and participating with my church, fixing up my home, being outdoors and running.
Anne Lawrie, OTR/L
works with Learning Charms' Foundation program, charter schools, & private clients
I have been working in the pediatric school-based setting from the start of my career in Albuquerque Public Schools 1996. From there I had worked for Denver Public Schools serving early childhood education setting up through 5th grade. While in Denver I worked in private health care for 0-2 year olds as well as adults with traumatic brain injury. My school based pediatric career continued in Michigan working for Rockford Public school working with center based classroom for students with autism as well as general education setting elementary thru high school. Before moving to Charlotte 6+ years ago I had worked in early childhood education setting in Portsmouth Ohio. I have enjoyed Charlotte and love working with Learning Charms in a variety of settings all over the city. I speak Spanish and have used this skills in my work throughout my career. I love kids and being creative to develop their skills for success in daily school life.
Jeannie Legate, COTA/L
Works with virtual based private clients
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I have been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for 14+ years. I have worked in pediatrics for 15+ years in a public school setting and one year in a private pediatric Occupational Therapy clinic. I received my education through Palm Beach State College; graduating in 2000 with an AS degree in OTA and an AA degree . I previously attended Pepperdine University in Southern California for 2 years. I have had extensive continuing education in handwriting (Handwriting Without Tears), sensory integration, and various other school relevant courses. I thoroughly enjoy my career and playing a part in tomorrow's generation. I moved to Charlotte from South Florida with my husband, fat cat and barking dog to be closer to family. In in my leisure time, I enjoy playing tennis, mountain hiking, traveling, and exploring new areas of North Carolina. I look forward to enjoying the change of seasons.
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Shelley Misiaveg, OTR/L, M.S.
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program
I have been a licensed Occupational Therapist since 2004. I have an undergraduate degree from Clemson University and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. I have worked in a variety of settings & age groups ranging from pediatrics to senior citizens. I enjoy doing anything outdoors, anything creative, baking, traveling, sports & spending time with friends & family. I am lucky to be able to enjoy all of these things with my two daughters & my wonderful husband!
Christy Spencer, OT/L, M.S.
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program, charter schools and private clients
I have been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2002. I worked as a therapist in the public school system for 15 years while also working in a pediatric outpatient clinic in late afternoons and summers. I received a Bachelors degree in Biology from the College of Charleston in 1999, and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Medical University of South Carolina in 2002. I am certified in Interactive Metronome and Therapeutic Listening. I love working with kids, teachers, and families to help improve kids' successes, abilities, and confidence. I enjoy traveling, Clemson football, and spending time with my husband and daughter.
Kelly Ingersoll, OTR/L, M.O.T.
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program, charter schools & private clients
I received my Bachelors degree in Rehabilitation Services from East Carolina University and my Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. I have been a practicing pediatric occupational therapist since 2012 with experience working within the outpatient clinic, private school, and the natural environment settings. I have experience working with children with ADHD, Developmental Delay, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, ODD, Down Syndrome, and a variety of other diagnoses. I have always found so much joy working with children! There is nothing more rewarding than helping a child become as independent as possible within their daily life occupations and seeing that proud smile that I helped put on their face. :) In my free time, I enjoy doing anything outdoors, sports, and spending time with my family and friends.
Shelley Ferner, COTA/L, B.A.
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program and continuing education development
As a former teacher, I have worked with elementary school children in a classroom setting to achieve traditional academic outcomes. My past experience also includes providing occupational therapy services to children of all ages, in both outpatient setting for equine assisted therapy at a therapeutic riding center, and in the home setting for early intervention services with birth to 3 year olds.
I graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Luther College and A.A.S in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Central Piedmont Community College. I live in Charlotte with my husband, three boys and three cats.
I graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Luther College and A.A.S in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Central Piedmont Community College. I live in Charlotte with my husband, three boys and three cats.
Latoya "Nikki" McDowell, COTA/L, B.S.
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program & charter schools
I graduated from CPCC’s OTA program. Occupational therapy is a second career for me. I spent many years working in the school system as a teacher assistant providing educational support for exceptional children. While with the school system, I worked very closely with the OT team and quickly discovered my passion for the profession. I was able to witness firsthand the impact OT can have on a student’s academic performance and it prompted me to begin my journey towards becoming a certified OTA. Previously, I graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Sociology. I am a die hard Mountaineer fan and on any given day I am wearing at least one piece of App State apparel or accessory. The mountains are definitely my happy place. I also enjoy DIY projects, arts and crafts, and my lazy Beagle.
Susan Waters, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation programlearningcharmsfoundation.weebly.com/
Occupational therapy is my second career. I graduated from Carson Newman University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance. I used that degree as a music teacher at a preschool, and then I took over my own classroom. I taught preschool for 13 years and in that time I noticed subtle issues with several of my students. However, I did not have sufficient knowledge in that field to support them or their families. I felt drawn to occupational therapy as a means to be more helpful to those who were struggling with certain behaviors and skill development. I earned my A.A.S in Occupational Therapy Assistance at Central Piedmont Community College in 2017.
My husband and I live in Charlotte and we have two amazing daughters and two old dogs. When I am not helping children become a success at school I enjoy boating adventures on the lakes around Charlotte with family and friends. I’m a committed member of my church and I’m dedicated to my Crossfit gym.
My husband and I live in Charlotte and we have two amazing daughters and two old dogs. When I am not helping children become a success at school I enjoy boating adventures on the lakes around Charlotte with family and friends. I’m a committed member of my church and I’m dedicated to my Crossfit gym.
Christine Giesbrecht, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program & charter schools
Discovering the field of occupational therapy was a light bulb moment for me. I realized that I could harness my love of working with children and direct it towards supporting their development in academics and success in life. Over the years I have worked with children with a variety of abilities from my time as a nanny and teacher’s assistant, to my wonderful pediatric placements as a student at Central Piedmont Community College. I earned my A.A.S in Occupational Therapy Assistant at CPCC in 2018.
My husband and I moved to Charlotte from Florida in 2015 and share our home with two sweet cats and an energetic hound dog. We are an outdoors family and spend our time gardening and cooking as well as hiking and practicing yoga.
My husband and I moved to Charlotte from Florida in 2015 and share our home with two sweet cats and an energetic hound dog. We are an outdoors family and spend our time gardening and cooking as well as hiking and practicing yoga.
Dana Hooker, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program & charter schools
I graduated from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences with my degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2018. Since that time, I have had the privilege of working with individuals with disabilities. I have collaborated with the individual, their guardian, and care coordinator to develop goals that would facilitate the development of skills that would allow them to function independently in the community, at work, and at home. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC but now I live in the small city of Belmont, NC with my husband and two dogs. The quaint-town atmosphere of Belmont provides my family and friends the opportunity to enjoy local restaurants, parks, and various activities.
Andrea Smith, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program and Charter Schools
I am a graduate of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. I have been an occupational therapy assistant for 5 and a half years with experience in geriatrics and pediatrics, home heath, skilled nursing, clinical setting and daycares. My heart has always been in pediatrics though. I love witnessing the joy it brings a child to accomplish a new skill, and being able to work with them to achieve that skill. My favorite quote is “children are not a distraction from important work, they are the most important work.” I hope to instill that in not only my family and home but also to other kids who I work with. I enjoy spending time with my husband and three kids, drinking coffee, reading and crafting all things.
Victoria Southerland, OTR/L, MSOT
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program
I received my Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2016. Shortly after that I left Maryland and moved to Charlotte! I have previous pediatric OT experience working in outpatient clinics, private schools and child development centers. In these settings, I have had the pleasure of treating children with ADHD, developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, Autism, OCD, Down Syndrome, fine motor delays, visual motor integration delays, and a variety of other diagnoses. I have additional training in Handwriting Without Tears, Reflex Integration and Therapeutic Listening. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, taking barre classes and spending time with my husband and sweet baby girl, Olivia!
Bryce Abernethy, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program
I was born in Augusta, Georgia but moved to Charlotte at an early age. I graduated from Central Piedmont Community College's Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Initially, I was intrigued with working with the geriatric population until I was assigned to complete my fieldwork in the pediatric setting. I immediately fell in love with working with children of all ages. I love seeing the joy and happiness the children experience when accomplishing new goals. My favorite thing about treating is being able to be creative in order to meet the need of each kiddo.
My husband and I met in high school and recently had our first child, Banks. We love spending all of our free time with her and our French Bulldog.
My husband and I met in high school and recently had our first child, Banks. We love spending all of our free time with her and our French Bulldog.
David Robertson, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program
I spent the first half of my adult life working in music and music publishing. Since entering occupational therapy I have focused my career in pediatrics, working in schools, pediatric clinics, pediatric hospitals and pediatric home health. There is a great sense of purpose in working with children, knowing that the strides they make will increase their function and independence and last a lifetime. My ultimate goal is to help every child build confidence in their abilities and in themselves. In my spare time I enjoy sports, restoring my old log cabin, hanging out with my two legged and four legged friends, and spending time with my family.
Alexis Griffiths, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program and charter schools
I am a graduate of CPCC’s OTA program. I am from Maine but have been in the Charlotte area for almost 20 years. I met my husband here 17 years ago and we now live in Huntersville with our 2 children, and numerous animals. As a family we love to be outdoors, hiking, camping, fishing are top activities for us, but we also love all things arts and crafts, hitting roller coasters, and relaxing on the beach, NC is a great place to live. I have always had a passion for working with children and I feel like occupational therapy is a way to make a meaningful impact on a child’s growth and development. I am a new graduate, but I spent the majority of my fieldwork in the pediatric/school/preschool settings and I love helping children of all ages access their education, and the skills they need to be successful.
Cassandra Mesich, BA, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 2012. I became a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2020 after graduating from the OTA program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Between my degrees I worked for several years in ABA therapy as a Registered Behavior Technician specializing in children with Autism. I love how creative and resourceful we get to be in the field of OT. We’re always thinking on our feet and have the ability to make any activity therapeutic by keeping a client centered approach. I’m a beach girl at heart relocating from North Myrtle Beach to the Charlotte area in 2015. I’m happiest outside anywhere near water and have grown to love the NC mountains since living here. I like to travel, see live music, and watch football with my 3 sons and 2 dogs. I have a spunky 8 year old and recently became a mom to 2 adorable twin boys.
Ashley Heiligenstadt, BS, COTA/L
works with our Learning Charms' Foundation program
Occupational Therapy is a second career for me. I graduated from James Madison University in 2014 with a degree in Kinesiology. After graduation, I moved to Charlotte and worked as a strength and conditioning coach for athletes of all ages for 5 years. After working alongside several OT's while volunteering for GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte, I quickly discovered my passion for the profession and decided to go back to school. I graduated from CPCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 2020. Outside of work I enjoy spending my time with my husband, daughter and fur babies as well as hiking and traveling.