At Capital Region Healthplex, we realize that children with
special needs require very special care. That's why our outpatient pediatric therapy
program is dedicated to children with special needs, from birth to adolescence.
Our team works closely with families and primary caregivers
to help each child enrolled in the program reach their maximum potential physically,
mentally, socially and emotionally. Each member of our team has completed extensive training giving them the most appropriate tools for treating our most extraordinary patients.
Occupational therapists
Speech/language pathologists
Physical therapists
Adrienne Wilde A 1998 graduate of Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) with a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology, Adrienne Wilde has worked at Capital Region as a therapist for over 12 years, 10 of those years with pediatric patients. Main areas of interest include dysphagia, oral aversion, aphasia and articulation. Adrienne has a teaching certificate and extensive experience in working preschool aged children through work with area school districts and provides therapy for adults as well. She holds certifications in First Aid, CPR and as a First Steps Provider.
Cathy Best Cathy is occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who has a B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri. Cathy helps all types of patients from children (pediatrics), to adults and geriatric patients. She is First Steps Certified (pediatric program for kids from 0-3 yrs) and is experienced in sensory integration therapy for kids. Cathy provides therapy for a wide variety of illnesses including adults who have had strokes, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, work related injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, just to name a few. She has been with Capital Region for 14 years.
Jennifer (Nikki) Gaylord Nikki Gaylord is a 1999 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders. She has worked in the field of speech-language pathology for over 10 years with pediatric and adult populations. Nikki’s primary areas of interest include neurological disorders, augmentative/alternative communication, child language disorders, dysphagia, and sensory processing/praxis disorders. She has extensive experience in sign language, therapeutic listening, and sensory integration. She holds certifications in First Aid and CPR.
Carolyn Heidbrink Carolyn is a Physical Therapy Assistant with a degree from Linn State Technical College Physical Therapy Assistant Program. She has 10 years experience in physical therapy in an outpatient setting including 7 years experience in aquatic therapy exercise. She has also completed continuing education in strain counterstrain techniques.
Jenn Blake
Jenn graduated from Washington University School of Medicine with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. She has 11 years of experience with both adult and pediatric patients. She has provided therapy services in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Jenn has experience providing therapy services to children with many different diagnosis including cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, spina bifida, and developmental delays. She holds certifications in CPR, first aid, and is First Steps certified.
Common
Disorders Treated
The staff focuses on the developmental requirements of
children with a variety of diagnoses and treatment needs, including:
Ambulation
Autism
Brain injury
Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy & other
neuromuscular diseases
Developmental delays
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Learning disabilities
Oral motor/feeding problems
Orthopedic conditions
Phonological awareness (articulation)
Pre-speech communication skills
Self care and daily living activities
Sensory integration and processing
Speech disorders (voice, fluency & articulation)
Strength, endurance and coordination training
Stuttering
Torticollis
Upper extremity splinting
Use of assistive devices
Visual perceptual training
Individualization
After an initial evaluation, the therapy team makes treatment
recommendations based on each child's individual needs. Since families and primary
caregivers play an important role in child development, they receive education
and support from our staff regarding each child's needs.
Play
Therapy
Pediatric therapy is different from adult therapy in
that it incorporates play as a therapeutic tool to promote adjustment, growth
and development. Play makes therapy enjoyable and effective, the two keys for
long-term success.
Aquatic Therapy
State-of-the-Art Therapy Aquatic therapy at Capital Region Healthplex West is one of a kind in Central Missouri. The professional staff uses the pool for patients who need to increase range of motion strength, balance and gait training. Aquatic therapy allow for individuals with weight-bearing restrictions to start a rehabilitation program sooner. This is the same type of therapy pool used for rehabilitation and fitness purposes by the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals.
Pediatric patients are especially fond of aquatic therapy. It helps to give them a sense of play while they are actually working to improve their condition.
Adaptive
Equipment
In addition to helping families access needed equipment
through various community resources, the following equipment available on loan
prior to purchase:
Move and Sit
Therapy balls
Sock aids
Dressing sticks
Reachers
Getting
Started
Referrals are accepted from a number of sources, including
parents, physicians and community agencies. To initiate a referral, please call
(573)632-5633 or e-mail Adrienne Wilde at awilde@mail.crmc.org.
Pediatric therapy services are covered by most health care plans; however, pre-authorization
and pre-certification are often required. In addition, we also accept funding
through Medicaid, First Steps, state sources and school districts.
Locations
Outpatient pediatric therapy is offered in the following
settings:
Outpatient Pediatric Clinic in the Healthplex, Capital Region Southwest Campus
Child's home or daycare facility deemed as a "natural
environment" by the First Steps Agency providing the funding for therapies.
The availability of natural environment care provided by CRMC pediatric therapists
will be decided on an individual basis.
Public or private schools in cooperation with school
administrators
