Occupational & Physical Therapy

Occupational & Physical Therapy

The Desert Mountain SELPA (DMSELPA), as part of CAHELP, has an Occupational and Physical Therapy department. This department is made up of school-based occupational therapists, physical therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and physical therapy assistants. Therapists provide school-based OT and PT services for students of member districts from preschool to age 22. For more information about referrals for OT/PT services, view our DMSELPA Referral Procedures.

Codi Andersen

Codi Andersen, PT, DPT

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Supervisor

Codi Andersen serves in the role of Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Supervisor at DMSELPA. Prior to working in this capacity, she was a physical therapist for the Desert Mountain SELPA since 2014. Codi attended Brigham Young University and received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She received her doctorate in physical therapy from Missouri State University. More recently, she attended Brandman University and received her PPS credential and a master’s degree in school counseling. She loves serving students, staff, and administration within the Desert Mountain region as well as supporting DMSELPA therapy staff. In her free time, Codi enjoys spending time with her family, church activities, walking, and reading.




Katie Marsh

Katie Marsh

School Physical Therapist II

Katie Marsh attended California State University Northridge where she received a master's degree in physical therapy. She is a certified Pilate's instructor and utilizes her background in Pilate's to create unique exercises for students. She enjoys helping students reach their functional goals. She has been a pediatric physical therapist since 2012 with experience in aquatic therapy, medical-based therapy, early intervention, and school-based physical therapy. The school-based setting is a wonderful environment to use her skill sets. She works with students in Apple Valley Unified School District, Snowline Joint Unified School District, Academy for Academic Excellence, Bear Valley Unified School District, Excelsior Charter School, and Lucerne Unified School District. In her free time, she enjoys crafts, paintings, building Lego sets, and exercising with her daughter.




Kelly Hume

Kelly Hume

School Physical Therapist II

Kelly Hume pursued the field of physical therapy later in life. Upon graduating from Loma Linda University with her master’s degree in physical therapy, she immediately began working in pediatrics and loved it. She loves working with students and is happy to be a part of the DMSELPA to help fulfill the mission “The Relentless Pursuit of Whatever Works in the Life of a Child”.




Wendy Guilbert-Neal

Wendy Guilbert-Neal

School Physical Therapist II

Wendy Guilbert-Neal has more than 25 years of experience working in pediatrics. She absolutely loves what she does and finds inspiration in working with students of all abilities. Born and raised in New England, Wendy attended PT school in Massachusetts and is a Boston sports fan. In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, exploring ocean-side towns, going to Broadway shows, and searching out Maine lobster rolls and other delicious eats!




Zach Eustance

Zach Eustance

School Physical Therapist II

Zach Eustance went to school in Upstate New York and graduated in 2016 with his doctorate in physical therapy. He serves students at Victor Elementary School District, Victor Valley Union High School District, and Adelanto Elementary School District.




Helen King

Helen King

‪Physical Therapy Assistant

Helen King provides services to students in many districts across the High Desert. Helen is highly creative in her approach to working with students and loves to “play”.




Jamiee Bravo

Jamiee Bravo

Physical Therapy Assistant

Jaimee Bravo has been a licensed physical therapy assistant since 2015. She provides physical therapy services to students in multiple districts primarily at Snowline Joint Unified School District and Apple Valley Unified School District. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with family.




Justin Ferrin

Justin Ferrin

‪ Physical Therapy Assistant

Justin Ferrin has been a physical therapy assistant since 2002. He has worked in many different areas of physical therapy including acute care, neuro rehab, the orthopedic setting, and now the school-based setting. He enjoys being a physical therapy assistant because he gets to work closely with students, helping them achieve their goals, and become more independent.




Lisa Gage

Lisa Gage

Physical Therapy Assistant

Lisa Gage has been with DMSELPA since 2019. She graduated with honors from Loma Linda University in 2000. Her professional role consists of going to school sites to serve students as well as consult with teachers and staff to assist students in accessing their school environment and obtaining their gross motor goals. She enjoys being able to build relationships with students, parents, and teachers for the benefit of the students. She strives for the highest professional and ethical standards to best serve her community. On her off time, she enjoys the outdoors and being active such as boating, off-roading, and camping. Her biggest joy is spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies.




Crystal Aden

Crystal Aden

School ‪Occupational Therapist II

Crystal Aden is a High Desert native who has lived here for almost 40 years. She has worked for DMSELPA and SBCSS since 2014 as a school occupational therapist. She attained her bachelor's and master’s degrees in occupational therapy from Loma Linda University. She has worked in almost all of the local districts over the years, but primarily serves Hesperia Unified School District and works closely with the autism program and special education preschool program. Her love for people and passion for helping others is what brought her to the profession. When asked what her favorite thing about working in schools was, she indicated, “I adore our students and love how much they teach me every day to focus on what they can do versus cannot do. The teachers I work with have become friends and are truly passionate about our kiddo’s success. And lastly, my co-workers and organization are THE best around. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in life!” Outside of work, she enjoys time with her children and family, growing in her faith, traveling to new and familiar places alike, and has a newfound hobby and love of golf.




Edson Magana

Edson Magana

School Occupational Therapist II

Edson Magana earned his master’s degree in occupational therapy at Loma Linda University. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California Riverside. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, he was a behavioral interventionalist for three years where he provided behavioral support to children and adolescents with autism throughout the Inland Empire. It was there, where he became interested in occupational therapy. He has been with DMSELPA since 2020 and looks to spend many years with the organization. His goal is to provide evidence-based and effective services to help students maximize their performance in the school setting.




Jessica Stein

Jessica Stein

Occupational Therapist II

Jessica Stein graduated with her master's degree in occupational therapy from the University of Puget Sound. Before coming to DMSELPA, she worked at a school district in Wyoming. Her favorite part of the job is getting to see students' confidence grow as they develop and strengthen new skills. She also enjoys the holistic view that occupational therapy takes, connecting all the different aspects of the child. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and eating good food.




Karen Brooks

Karen Brooks

School ‪Occupational Therapist II

Karen Brooks has been an occupational therapist since 2000. She initially started her career as an Army OT within the medical specialist corps stationed in various hospital settings. Since 2002 she has been an OT primarily working with students in the educational setting. She enjoys working with all students; however, her passion is helping those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. She loves animals and in her free time you can find her horseback riding, walking her dog, or hiking in the mountains.




Marisa DiDanato

Marisa DiDonato

School Occupational Therapist II

Marisa DiDonato has worked for DMSELPA since 2014. She has worked with students from Victor Elementary School District, Victor Valley Union High School District and Hesperia Unified School District. She received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) in 2001 and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Mount Mary University (Milwaukee, WI) in 2018. Her clinical experience has been primarily in public school systems, but she has also worked in non-public schools and a skilled nursing facility. Outside of work, she and her husband and keep very busy raising four amazing children.




Meghan Stevens

Meghan Stevens

School ‪Occupational Therapist II

Meghan Stevens attended Eastern Michigan University where she received her master’s degree in occupational therapy. She enjoys working with students with all levels of abilities and diagnoses. Meghan began working with children with special needs at a very young age and it became her passion in life. She has worked with children in many different capacities and settings throughout her life. She has been an occupational therapist since 2012. She previously worked in an outpatient rehabilitation facility in Michigan before moving to California. Since moving to California she has been working in the school-based setting which she is enjoying very much. She primarily works in the Hesperia Unified School District. In her free time, Meghan enjoys time with family, traveling back to Michigan to see family and friends, off roading, and camping.




Michael Booksby

Michael Brooksby

School Occupational Therapist II

Mike Brooksby received his master’s degree from Loma Linda University in 2012 and, as a therapist, he strives to apply their school moto, “To Make Man Whole,” to his every-day practice. He has worked for DMSELPA since 2015. He enjoys serving students and their families in the high desert. He is solar powered-- meaning he loves being outside, exploring, and participating in sports.




Sabrina Rebuck

Sabrina Rebuck

Occupational Therapist II

Sabrina Rebuck attended school at the University of St. Augustine Health Sciences and has a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She has been an occupational therapist since 2021 with experience in skilled nursing and acute care. She is very close to completing a yearlong virtual hand to shoulder fellowship. In her free time, she enjoys downhill skiing and hiking.




Susan Raymond

Suzan Raymond

School Occupational Therapist II

Suzan Raymond graduated from Loma Linda University with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She knew she wanted to be an occupational therapist since she was 15 years old. She has worked for SBCSS since 2010 and for DMSELPA since 2013. Suzan has also worked in pediatric outpatient with California Children’s Services and in early intervention. She received her post professional Sensory Integration certification through USC and has attended many continuing education courses over her career. She has lived in the High Desert almost all her life. Suzan enjoys traveling and, of course, working with students.




Wendy Ottosi

Wendy Ottosi

Occupational Therapist II

Wendy Ottosi is a Loma Linda University graduate with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She has worked in several settings including acute rehab for adults, long-term stay rehabilitation for adults, outpatient clinics for both adults and children with a focus on physical disabilities, and pediatrics in the school setting. Her passion is helping students in the school setting achieve their highest potential in a supportive and positive environment.




Amanda Forsythe

Amanda Forsythe

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Amanda Forsythe is an altruistic occupational therapy assistant who loves to “play” at work. Getting to work with students every day to maximize their independence in completing school tasks and assignments is one of her favorite things. She especially loves the opportunity and challenge she gets to work with students from kindergarten to twelfth grade every day. Getting to work with students is an amazing way to give back to the community she lives and works in. In her leisure time she loves adventuring in the great outdoors hiking, diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, and traveling.




Cecilia Santiago

Cecilia Santiago

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Ceci Santiago Trujillo has been a certified occupational therapy assistant since 2014. She has primarily worked in school settings. She loves working with students and seeing them progress. In her free time, she enjoys camping, visiting art museums, and spending time with her family and dogs.




Fredylyn Gillette

Fredylyn Gillette

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Fredylyn Gillette has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and became a certified occupational therapy assistant in 2005. Since 2007 she has worked in the skilled nursing setting, holding positions from director of rehabilitation to treating COTA. She is excited to be a member of DMSELPA and contribute to the well-being of the children in our community.




Kelsey Ryneski

Kelsey Ryneski

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Krissy Jones graduated from Crowder College in December of 2020 with an associate's degree in occupational therapy. Krissy has been in pediatrics since graduating and enjoys the creative aspects of working with children. She mainly works in Hesperia Unified School District and Apple Valley Unified School District. In her free time, Krissy enjoys exploring new landscapes across the beautiful state of California.




Krissy Jones

Krissy Jones

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Krissy Jones is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She graduated from Crowder College in December of 2020 with an associate's degree in occupational therapy. Krissy has been in Pediatrics since graduating and enjoys the creative aspects of working with children. She mainly works in Hesperia Unified School District and Apple Valley Unified School District. In her free time, Krissy enjoys exploring new landscapes across the beautiful state of California.




Lisa Gonzales

Lisa Gonzales

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lisa Marie Gonzales has been a COTA for over twenty years. She was in the second graduating class for Rancho Santiago Santa Ana. The first 7 years of her career she worked at St. Jude in Fullerton, CA. She then worked as a traveling COTA all over central California, Texas to Tennessee. She enjoys working with students and helping them find a voice through the use of occupational therapy interventions. Lisa loves to travel and see the world.




Michael Madlem

Michael Madlem

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Michael Madlem has been involved in occupational therapy since 2014. He is currently supporting students in the school-based setting, helping them reach their best potential in education, learning, and life skills. He has been providing therapy services for DMSELPA since 2019. Prior to OT, Michael enjoyed taking care of others as a nurse. He enjoyed observing patients work with therapists, rehabilitate, and progress to home. As a result, he decided to a lateral transition to therapy. He enjoys adventuring with his wife and children, recording music, and gaming.




Pam Jackson

Pam Jackson

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Prior to Pamela Jackson being a COTA, she was a high school teacher and prior to that she worked for Disney as the Fairy Godmother in the electrical parade. She has a degree in English/Theater and has done theater and dance most of her life and continues to do so. She enjoys working with children. Her interest in becoming a COTA was sparked by her dad no longer having the use of his hands and her granddaughter being in the burn center with no use of her hands. Hands are everything. They give us the ability to not only to perform tasks but to express ourselves. She has been with DMSELPA since 2018




Tracy Hume

Tracy Hume

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Tracy Hume attended college at Tennessee Technology University and Brown Mackie College and received an associate’s degree in applied science and occupational therapy assistant. She enjoys working with people of all ages and with varying skill sets and diagnoses. Tracy has been a certified occupational therapy assistant since 2015 in various settings and was a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist for two years. She mainly works in the Apple Valley Unified School District and Snowline Joint Unified School District. In her free time, Tracy enjoys hiking, snowboarding, experiencing new activities, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.




Terry Helin

Terry Helin

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Terry Helin has been a licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant for over 28 years. She started in early intervention in 1998 and then moved on to DMSELPA since 2003, first as a contractor with VNA and then as an employee since 2012. She has always been passionate about working with children and has done so in some form or another almost all of her life and she really enjoys working within the schools.




Allison Stears

Allison Stears

School Occupational Therapist II

Allison Stears began her career in Chicago, IL. She attended Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI) for her bachelor’s degree and Western Michigan University (Grand Rapids, MI) for her master’s degree in occupational therapy. She has clinical experience working in outpatient pediatrics, schools, and outpatient neuro. In her free time, you can find her traveling, outdoors, working out, and spending time with friends, family, and her dogs!