The Pediatric
MotoWerks Team
Theresa Sabens, OTR/L
Theresa grew up in Richmond, Michigan. She graduated from Baker College of Flint with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2001. She worked with children and adults in home health care in Michigan. She later moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 2002 and has worked with children in private therapy as well as school therapy in various school districts throughout Alaska. From 2005 until 2017 she co-owned Building Blocks Rehabilitation, a pediatric team-based therapy clinic, which emphasized co-treatment among occupational, physical and speech-language therapy to meet the needs of clients and their families. Theresa has had extensive training in sensory processing disorder and has completed a Level I Mentorship under Dr. Lucy Jane Miller from the Star Center Institute in Denver, Colorado. She has also had training in NDT, Perception Action Motor Approach, and many other classes. Theresa and her family were drawn back to Michigan to be near family and are excited to meet the needs of Macomb county and the surrounding areas.
Brandy Miller-Wilks, PT, DPT
Brandy is a pediatric physical therapist from Muskegon, Michigan. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from GVSU in 2007. Brandy worked in Fairbanks, Alaska for the first 10 years of her career. Her treatment focused on collaboration with other disciplines and a holistic approach to physical therapy interventions. She has extensive experience in evidence-based, team-oriented care for children with a variety of abilities. Brandy has had extensive training and certifications in sensory processing disorders, handling techniques, gait abnormalities, treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders, clinical education, reflex integration, and much more. Brandy enjoys playing hockey, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is happy to be back in Michigan serving children and families in her home state.
Rachel Scott, MS, OTRL
Rachel graduated from Grand Valley State University with her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2020. She has worked in the pediatric field since graduating, specializing in Autism. She attended the 2023 STAR symposium for Sensory Processing and is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol for therapeutic Listening. Her play-based therapeutic approach to treatment allows children to engage in play while developing skills to live a meaningful and fulfilled life. She enjoys continuing her education and teaching others through mentorships. She is passionate about educating professionals in other pediatric fields in ways to help children regulate their sensory needs and collaborate to create cohesive treatments. Rachel lives in Royal Oak and enjoys being outside, playing hockey and spending time with friends and family. Play is her favorite occupation!
Ashley Lombardo, MS,OTRL
Ashley is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist specializing in feeding therapy for infants and beyond. Her journey began when her first child faced feeding challenges, igniting her passion for expanding her expertise in this field. With a focus on integrating cognitive behavioral therapy principles, Ashley fosters strong partnerships with parents, empowering them to support their children in their daily lives. Alongside her professional endeavors, she cherishes her role as a mother to two daughters. Ashley finds joy in the core mission of occupational therapy: enhancing everyday life skills. She delights in discovering personalized approaches to help children improve these essential skills, tailoring her interventions to meet each child’s unique needs and abilities.
Rachel Tomaszewski, PT, DPT
Rachel graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University in 2019, and holds a degree in Child Development from Central Michigan University. Rachel has always been passionate about working with children and helping them achieve their optimal physical potential. Rachel specializes in developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders, orthotic conditions, and infant development, employing evidence-based practices to create personalized treatment plans. Her compassionate approach and dedication to her young patients and families ensure a supportive and encouraging environment for every child’s journey to improve mobility and independence. In her free time, Rachel enjoys watching Disney movies and going to the zoo with her son.
Jillian Eng, MS, OTRL
Jillian graduated from Grand Valley State University with her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2016. She began her career in a community-based setting, focusing on cognitive therapy, before transitioning to the pediatric field in 2022. Since then, she has completed specialized courses in infant feeding, baby-led weaning (BLW), strategies for picky eating, and Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach. Recently certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol for therapeutic listening, she uses this approach to support children in achieving a calm, regulated state, which is foundational for learning and social engagement. Jillian is passionate about empowering little ones to reach their fullest potential, providing quality care and effective solutions that help them thrive. She believes that, through collaboration with families, children can build the skills they need to master the world around them and turn their magic all the way up! As a mom of two boys, her own parenting journey has deepened her commitment to helping families and being part of their story.
Kayla Sonn, MS, OTRL
Kayla received her Master of Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University in 2019. Upon graduation, she began working with the pediatric population focusing primarily on kiddos with ASD. She has since pursued continuing education in feeding and is trained in the SOS Approach, a program designed to address feeding difficulties in children. Kayla emphasizes the importance of play and movement through a holistic and client-centered practice. She enjoys exploring her creativity to implement meaningful, motivating and fun activities to help children overcome barriers and gain skills needed for everyday life. She is passionate about working with children to achieve their fullest potential. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and playing ice hockey.
Amanda Kornelson, COTAL
Amanda is a compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant with a deep-rooted passion for pediatric care. She graduated from Macomb Community College in 2020. Since then, she has completed additional training in sensory feeding and picky eating, breast and bottle feeding, craniosacral therapy, infant massage, primitive reflex integration, and sensory processing. Known for a warm, hands-on approach, Amanda strives to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can thrive, and families feel empowered. Believing that early support can have a lifelong impact, Amanda takes pride in helping each child reach their fullest potential. When not working with clients, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors, especially exploring up north Michigan with friends and family. Whether hiking, boating, or simply enjoying nature, Amanda finds balance and inspiration in the great outdoors.
Melissa Ahler, PT, DPT
Melissa is a dedicated physical therapist with over 23 years of experience in pediatric outpatient, homecare, and school settings. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Oakland University in 2001 and has since built a career centered around helping children overcome physical challenges while fostering a positive, motivating environment. She believes in the power of making therapy fun while encouraging hard work, consistently finding ways to make therapy both enjoyable and effective. Over the years, she has worked with children facing a wide range of diagnoses and disorders, always tailoring her care to meet each child’s individual needs. Outside of her professional life, Melissa is a busy mother of three children, aged 12 to 19. She loves staying active and enjoys spending time outdoors.