OUR TEAM

Shannon Schlotman MS, OTR/L
Shannon received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University in 1996. She also holds an…
Advanced Certification in Swallowing and Feeding and a Professional DIR-FCD certificate in emotional, social, and cognitive development, Level 1 (CL1) Course. Shannon has extensive experience in working with children with a variety of disabilities including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD/ADD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome, and other Developmental Delays. In addition to providing clinic-based therapy, she has also provided in home services to medically fragile children and for Early Intervention programs. Shannon uses a developmental,
relationship-based approach to support each child and their family while also utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities including sound therapy, primitive reflex integration, and sensory integration. Her love for children, holistic view of human development, and strong desire to make a difference has resulted in passion and fulfillment as a pediatric Occupational Therapist. Shannon is the owner and lead therapist of OpTimize Occupational Therapy Services.

Brooke Redman, OTR/L
work in pediatric and adult physical disabilities, schools, and mental health. She has extensive experience working with children in the clinic, hospital, and school settings with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities, ADHD/ADD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and other Developmental Delays. Brooke has a holistic approach to her work and enjoys collaborating with the children she works with, their parents, and other professionals. She also enjoys learning about the science of happiness as it relates behaviorally and neurologically to the human experience. Brooke’s passion for OT stems from a true desire to interact with and help children reach their highest potential.

Kristine Ching, MS, OTR/L
Kristine received her B.S. in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and went on to receive her M.S. at University of St Augustine in 2013. Kristine has worked in a variety…
of settings including public and private schools, private clinics, pediatric aquatic therapy, social skills community outings, and in the home providing early intervention services. She has experience working with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome, genetic syndromes, and Cerebral Palsy. Kristine has participated in advanced clinical training in Sensory Integration and is certified in administering and interpreting the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). She has completed continuing education courses in Social Thinking, Zones of Regulation, DIR Floortime, Beckman Oral Motor Approach, S.O.S. Approach to Feeding Assessment and Intervention, Feeding the Child on the Autism Spectrum using the S.O.S. Approach, Food Scientist Adaptation to S.O.S., and S.O.S. Feeding Mentorship. Kristine is passionate about working with children with all abilities and values using a collaborative, relationship-based, and family-centered approach.

Brittney Beam, MOT, OTR/L
of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA. Her occupational therapy experience includes inpatient rehabilitation and acute care for varying diagnosis including stroke, spinal cord injury, cardiopulmonary conditions, orthopedic conditions, traumatic brain injury, etc. In addition to working in the clinic at Optimize Occupational Therapy Services, she is currently a full time pediatric school based occupational therapist for children in preschool through 5th grade with various diagnosis and disorders including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing disorder, muscular dystrophy, emotional disturbance, and various syndromes and learning disabilities. Brittney teaches two undergraduate courses at San Diego Christian College for the Kinesiology department in order to educate students and foster their growth into future therapists. She is passionate as an occupational therapist and strives to help improve quality of life for all children and their families.

Emily Handy, DOT, OTR/L
Emily attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, with a minor in Psychology. She then moved to Southern California to attend The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where she earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. Emily’s favorite thing about working in pediatrics is the relationship formed with both the children and their families. She loves being a team member, supporting and cheering on children as they grow and learn through play. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, and loves adventuring outdoors with her husband and dog.

Ashley Y, MOT, OTR/L
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine San Marcos. Her occupational therapy experience includes inpatient acute care and pediatric outpatient settings. Ashley is passionate about learning from the children and families she works with and helping them reach their fullest potential. She loves being a pediatric OT and finding creative ways to address goals! In her free time Ashley loves to explore outside, try new restaurants, and travel!
“I was looking for a positive caring environment for my son to receive therapy—Optimize blew me away. We went for OT, PT, and speech for about 4 and a half years. His therapist took the time to get to know him and weaved his interests into his therapy. Every visit they had a plan with activities that targeted his goals but also created solid building blocks for his self-esteem. His therapists communicated his goals to me and always had suggestions on how to continue the work at home. He loved going to therapy. Over our time at Optimize my son grew in so many areas. Yes, he continued to meet goals and yes strangers started to understand him a little better but he also grew to love and trust his three therapists. They became part of our family. Optimize creates a phenomenal atmosphere where the focus is on the whole child. To them my son wasn’t just another patient he was unique and special, and they took the time to get to know him for him…and for that I will forever be grateful…”