Occupational Therapy Staff
Michala Freedle OTR/L
Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist
Michala is an occupational therapist born and raised here in Lexington, NC. Her passion for OT began after witnessing the profound impact it had on her little brother growing up. Attending his therapy sessions sparked her drive to pursue a career in the field, where she now specializes in early intervention to support developmental milestones and feeding progression. In her free time, Michala enjoys spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, and reading.
Training
Tethered Oral Tissue Specialist (TOTS)
Education
M.S in Occupational Therapy // Lenoir-Rhyne University
B.S. in Exercise Science, Minor in Public Health// University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT
Michael Beamon, COTA/L
Mike has been with OT4KIDS for over 25 years. He has a diverse working background in acute, inpatient, outpatient, home health, and pediatric settings. Always smiling, "Mr. Mike" has a peaceful manner of handling the most chaotic of situations. He is a master of setting up a therapeutic environment, skillfully meeting client needs to support "teachable moments". This allows clients to achieve the optimal state of alertness for building new skills and attaining their full potential.
Training
Myofascial Release
Handwriting Without Tears (HWT)
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
Education
A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant, Stanley County Community College // 1992
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT
Karen Ellis COTA/L
Karen has over 16 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy. She worked with OT4Kids from 2003-2015. Before and during that time she and her husband were blessed to adopt 5 children from the foster care system. Although she took a break from her career to manage the home and homeschool, she employed many OT techniques to address her children's various needs during that time.
Karen loves working with children and their families and especially enjoys the twinkle in a child's eyes once they master something they have worked hard to achieve. She is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers to help their children reach their highest potential.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, walking in the woods, nature, reading, and camping.
TRAINING
Beckman Oral Motor, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Handwriting Without Tears (HWT), Myofacial Release, DIR Floortime
Education
A.A.S. Occupational Therapy Assistant // Stanly Community College
Licensure
State License with NCBOT //National Certification NBCOT
Patty Miranda, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Patty's diverse background includes experience in music, baking, and the arts -- a much appreciated addition to the creativity and artistic skills of our therapy team.
Training
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
Handwriting without Tears (HWT)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Education
A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant // Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT
Matthew Price, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Matt is a passionate Occupational Therapist whose dedication to the field grew from witnessing the profound impact OT had on his own family over many years. He is committed to helping each family meet their unique goals, providing individualized care that is specific to their needs.
With extensive experience in research focusing on inclusive play, risky play, and the barriers to therapeutic interventions in rural areas, Matt brings a broad understanding of how therapy can be tailored to different environments and challenges. Outside of his professional life, Matt enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, camping, and time with his dog.
Education
B.S in Sports Science// Tusculum University
OTD in Occupational Therapy// Emory and Henry Health Sciences
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT
Morgan Murnane OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Morgan is a passionate occupational therapist dedicated to helping children reach their fullest potential. Ever since high school, she's known that occupational therapy was her calling, and is grateful to turn that passion into purpose every day. Having received occupational therapy herself, she brings a unique, empathetic perspective and truly understands the difference occupational therapy can make. In her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and watching movies.
Education
M.S in Occupational Therapy // Lenoir-Rhyne University
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT
Jess Crosby OTR/L
Jess is a pediatric occupational therapist with a passion for working with little ones. Inspired and encouraged by her mom, she knew early on that she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. Throughout her clinical training, Jess has gained experience working with children across a variety of pediatric settings, including the NICU, early intervention in the home, and outpatient therapy. She enjoys meeting children where they are, building relationships with families, and helping little ones develop the skills they need to play and engage fully. She believes that to love others is to serve them, and she strives to bring that into each interaction with the children and families she works with.
Outside of OT, Jess enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of her time with the people she loves. She finds balance in spending time outdoors, going to the gym, and hanging out with her dog, Moose.
Education
Occupational Therapy Doctorate // Duke University
Psychology B.S. // University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Exercise and Sport Science B.A. // University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Training
Certified Infant Massage Coach (CIMC)
Early Intervention Certification // Georgetown University
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT
Alexi Briggs COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Student coordinator
Alexi is a certified occupational therapist assistant with a passion for helping children reach their individualized and unique goals. Alexi was first introduced to the world of occupational therapy after seeing the profound impact that OT services had on a close family friend. Alexi has always had a passion for children and believes that each and every child deserves the chance to achieve their dreams and goals. In her free time, Alexi enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on walks, and exploring new places.
Education
A.A.S in Occupational Therapy Assistant - Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
BS in Occupational Therapy Assistant - Central Methodist University
Licensure
State license with NCBOT
National certification with NBCOT
Jake Major
Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Student coordinator
Jake became passionate about OT when he first became a Summer Camp Counselor at Victory Junction Camp where he was able to work with various kids and their families bringing independence to individuals who were in and out of the hospital.
Jake has worked in Pediatrics his whole career in various settings like home health and the outpatient clinic, he has also had the opportunity to teach as an instructor at an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program for the past two years all in Denver, Colorado before moving back to North Carolina.
Jake is passionate about providing client-centered care, emotional regulation, neurodivergent affirming care and providing opportunities for clients to reframe "I can't" into "I can" statements.
Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking and camping with his wife Jillian and his dog Boone.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Health Studies from Appalachian State University.
AAS in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Cabarrus College of Health Science.
Licensure
State license with NCBOT // National Certification with NBCOT