Occupational Therapy

We provide personalized support to address a variety of challenges, including fine motor skills, sensory processing, feeding issues, behavior concerns, mood regulation, social skills, coordination, and self-care abilities. By using fun, engaging, play-based interventions, we aim to enhance your child's independence, confidence, and overall well-being. Discover how our compassionate team can make a positive difference in your child's development and quality of life.

What is occupational therapy?

If you’re wondering what occupational therapy is or if your child would benefit you are not alone. I regularly get asked if I “help people find jobs”, which makes sense considering we have “occupation” in our title, but in our profession we define occupations as meaningful activities (occupations). This includes anything that can help a child participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory components of development.

Still unsure if your child would benefit from occupational therapy? Feel free to contact our office. I’d be happy to answer your questions and explain more about our role in supporting your child. If you determine you would like to move forward, our assessment includes a comprehensive evaluation with individualized testing based on your child’s needs and your concerns, along with a parent follow-up to review the evaluation results and discuss therapeutic recommendations. Areas of assessment include fine motor, visual motor, bilateral coordination, play skills, primitive reflex integration, gross motor, sensory processing and self-regulation.

Upon completion of the evaluation, we will create an individualized plan for your child including therapeutic activities and goals to address areas of concern and promote overall development. We utilize a play-based therapy approach to create a warm and engaging learning experience for children and their families.

Cost:

Private Pay:

New Patient Evaluation: $250

Feeding Consult: $105 - if a full evaluation is needed the cost of this visit would go towards the cost of that evaluation

45 minute Follow-up Visits: $105

We are currently out- of-network with all other insurance plans. We are happy to assist you in understanding your out-of-network benefits if you would like to reach out via email or phone call. We are able to provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. We also accept HSA/FSA cards.

We are now in-network with:

What to Expect

Are you ready to schedule an appointment?

Please call or email with any questions and we can talk it through together!

Meet our providers…

Trina Blackwell

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Hi! My name is Trina Blackwood. I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I was born and raised in St. Charles and currently live in Wentzville with my husband Phil, our two boys, Rowan and River and our dog Hazard. We are a hockey loving family and spend most of our weekends at the rink watching our oldest son play. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, crafting and sewing.

I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for 12 years and have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, school based, home health and First Steps. I received my Masters degree from Saint Louis University and have completed additional training in the areas of self-regulation, feeding, sensory processing, and reflex integration. I am also certified in the Early Start Denver Model. I absolutely love working with children and believe in the power of play to create relationships, promote development and help children connect with their families.

Lauren Poeppe

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Hello, I am a passionate pediatric occupational therapist with 13 years of experience specializing in autism, sensory processing, vision therapy, fine motor skills and advanced therapeutic techniques like Astronaut Training and MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensory Reflex Integration). I received my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri and have dedicated my career to helping children thrive.

My diverse expertise allows me to create comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that address each child’s unique challenges and strengths. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 kids, working out and reading.

Risa Shyres

Hi! My name is Risa Shyres. With over 25 years as a pediatric occupational therapist, I have experience working in a variety of settings including in-home therapy, classrooms and daycare, hospitals and clinics, aquatic therapy, and Missouri First Steps. 

I have specialized expertise in several key areas

  • Sensory processing and sensory integration

  • Fine motor and visual motor skills

  • Self regulation and emotional regulation

  • Dyslexia and executive functioning

  • Feeding, self care, and ADLs

I earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Miami. Additionally, I am certified in Handwriting Without Tears, Autism, and ADHD.

Outside of work, I volunteer at my daughters’ school and in the community. I’ve also been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 15 years.

I’m passionate about helping children flourish in all areas of development. I believe strongly in the power of collaboration - working closely with families to support their children in becoming successful, confident learners.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist