Office Staff

Jodie Pettinger

Occupational Therapist

Jodie has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in Cedar Rapids since graduating from Creighton University in 1993.  Prior to joining the Proactive Team, she was fortunate to have worked in both an outpatient pediatric facility as well as the schools through the area education agency (AEA), giving her a unique perspective of children’s needs both at home and in school.  

 Jodie has felt it a privilege to be invited into the lives and families of a vast number of children during her 27 years as a practicing OT in this community.  She loves the opportunity to collaborate with parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and teachers to work as a team to ensure a child is able to thrive in all environments.   Her experience includes treating infants and children with feeding concerns, whether breast or bottle-fed, picky eating, problem feeding, developmental concerns, sensory processing issues, complex medical issues, coordination dysfunction, autism, and general learning and behavioral issues.   

 A National Board Certified Occupational Therapist (NBCOT), Jodie is also a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and has certifications in Interactive Metronome, Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).  She has specialized training in infant/toddler oral motor skills and feeding, picky eating, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, Wilbarger protocol, SOS Approach to Problem Feeders and Picky Eaters, administration of Early Feeding Skills Assessment, NDT and MNRI (Masgutova’s Neurological Reflex Integration).  

 Jodie and her husband live with their two cats in Mount Vernon.  She loves relaxing on their deck, reading, and Facetiming with their grown daughters, son-in-law, and beautiful grandson, Isaiah.

 Education: Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT), Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professionals, 1993; Bachelor of Arts (BA), Cornell College, 1988

Emily Brandt

Speech-Language Pathologist

Emily is a graduate of Arizona State University where she earned her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. During this time, Emily gained extensive experience with the pediatric population. She completed her internships working with a variety of elementary school aged children in the school setting and at Phoenix’s Children Hospital. In addition to this, she completed clinical rotations at the various clinics at Arizona State University as well as at Barrow Cleft and Craniofacial Center, GiGi’s Playhouse, and Cardon Children’s Hospital. 

Through these experiences, Emily has participated in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders. She has wide variety of experiences including working with children who have articulation issues, feeding difficulties, language concerns, voice and resonance impairments,, hearing impairment, apraxia of speech, and AAC. Emily is passionate about the inclusion of families in therapy and in providing best practice to clients. 

Emily recently moved back to Cedar Falls and enjoys returning to her alma mater, UNI, for various sporting events. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, Zona. Emily looks forward to working with you and your family. 

Education: Masters in Speech Language Pathology, Arizona State University, 2020. Bachelor of Arts, University of Northern Iowa, 2018. 

Tiffany Cook

Occupational Therapist

Tiffany graduated from St. Ambrose University in 2007 and has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in the Cedar Rapids area for the last 13 years. Her experience includes treating infants and children with developmental concerns, feeding difficulties, sensory processing difficulties, complex medical issues, coordination dysfunction, autism and general learning and behavioral issues. Tiffany loves working with children and their families. In addition, she is passionate about collaborating with members of the community including other healthcare professionals, specialists and teachers in order to help all infants and children of our community THRIVE. 

Tiffany is a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist (NBCOT) and has certifications in Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Interactive Metronome and sensory integration (SIPT). She has specialized training in MNRI (Masgutova’s Neurological Reflex Integration), feeding, picky eating, SOS Approach to Problem Feeders and Picky Eaters, administration of Early Feeding Skills, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training and Wilbarger protocol.  

Tiffany and her husband have 3 children.  In addition to her love for being a pediatric occupational therapist, she enjoys watching her children in extracurricular activities, spending time with her family and friends, cooking and the Iowa Hawkeyes.  

Education: Masters in Occupational Therapy, St. Ambrose University, 2007; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, St. Ambrose University, 2006 

Nicole Cisewski

Physical Therapist

Nicole is a graduate of Clarke University where she earned her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Throughout her time at Clarke, she gained experience with the pediatric population. She completed clinicals working with an array of children, from birth to age 18 at the EBS Clubhouse Therapy Center in Scottsdale, AZ, as well as OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Through these experiences, Nicole has treated a wide variety of diagnoses including Down syndrome, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, torticollis, spina bifida, and gross motor developmental delays. 

Prior to attending Clarke University in Dubuque, Nicole lived in her home state, Wisconsin, working with children in-home as a behavioral technician with certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. This opportunity led her to pursuing a profession in pediatrics as a physical therapist, becoming an advocate for children and family members to help bridge the gap between therapy and community. Through this, Nicole has volunteered her time while in Dubuque, IA, working with adaptive sports and playgrounds within the community. Nicole is eager to provide one-on-one personable care through therapy, removing barriers and providing activities tailored to your child and family needs.

Nicole and her dog Willow, recently moved to Cedar Rapids, IA and enjoy their time outside running, kayaking, hiking, and yoga. She also loves spending time at the local farmers market and tending to her extensive amount of plant babies over a cup of coffee.  

Education: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Clarke University, 2021. Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, 2017. 

Kassi Tuthill

Occupational Therapist

Kassi Graduated from St Ambrose University in 2015 and has worked as a pediatric therapist in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area for the last 6 years. Her experience includes treating infant and children with developmental concerns, feeding difficulties, complex medical issues, coordination dysfunction, autism and general learning and behavioral issues. Kassi is honored to be apart of the families journey and loves working with children. She is passionate about collaborating with team members and believes interdisciplinary care leads to the best outcomes for families and children helping to bring them JOY. 

Kassi is a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist (NBCOT) and has certifications in Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Interactive Metrenome and SOFFI. She has specialized training in MNRI (Muasgutova’s Neurological Reflex Integration), feeding, picky eating, SOS Apraoch to Problem Feeders and Picky Eaters, administration of Early Feeding Skills, Astronaut Training and Wilbarger protocol. 

Kassi and her husband William have 3 children. In addition to her love for being a pediatric therapist, Kassi enjoys crafting, gardening and horseback riding as well as cooking and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Education: Masters in Occupational Therapy, St. Ambrose University, 2015; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, St Ambrose University, 2014

Olivia Farrell

Speech-Language Pathologist

Olivia is a graduate of the University of Kansas where she gained extensive experience with the pediatric population through placements at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City Public Schools, and St. Francis Hospital. While at KU, she took specialized coursework and participated in grant work focused on assessment and treatment utilizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Since moving home to Iowa, Olivia has worked with children of all ages and has practiced therapy in public schools, private schools, daycare facilities, walk-in settings and within the home. She has provided treatment and evaluation of children with language disorders, articulation and phonology disorders, hearing impairments, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Autism Spectrum Disorder, fluency disorders, traumatic brain injury, children with multiple learning disabilities, and other developmental delays.

Olivia is passionate about working alongside families and other disciplines to help children thrive as individuals who are able to communicate! She prides herself on her ability to collaborate and think creatively, as well as her background with languages and working with culturally diverse patients and families.

Olivia is a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and has additional certifications in utilization of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Expanding Expression Tool (EET), Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD), and Functional Communication Training (FCT) for Children with Challenging Behavior and Complex Communication Needs. She has also participated in additional continuing education in the areas of Motor Speech Disorders, Expressive and Receptive language, Literacy, AAC Device Selection, Support for English Language Learners, Switch Access for Communication, and Assessment and Intervention for Individuals with Multiple Disabilities including Deafblindness.

Olivia lives in Cedar Rapids with her son, husband, and her mini goldendoodle. She loves coffee, watching movies, going for walks, taking her son on adventures, and traveling the world.

Education: Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology, University of Kansas 2016. Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, University of Northern Iowa 2014. Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, University of Northern Iowa, 2014.

Brady Arp

Speech-Language Pathologist

Brady was born and raised right here in Cedar Rapids. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Iowa in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master’s degree in Speech- Language Pathology from St. Ambrose University. During her time there, Brady received awards for her academics and her volunteer work. Brady has extensive clinical experiences working with children ranging in age from early childhood through school aged by completing clinical rotations in a preschool setting at St. Ambrose Children’s Campus and at a local elementary school. In addition to this, she has also provided treatment for individuals in an outpatient clinic, a special education school for children with behavior and mental health disorders, an after school program, and in a hospital setting.

She has experience working with numerous disorders with varying etiologies, such as  expressive and receptive language disorders, phonological and articulation disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavior disorders, executive function difficulties, complex communication needs, dysphasia, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. Brady also has provided interventions for individuals with hearing loss and has knowledge of American Sign Language. 

Brady has been trained in the use of Visual Phonics®: See the Sounds, and MNRI® (Muasgutova’s Neurological Reflex Integration) Archetype Movement Integration. 

Brady and her husband are new parents to twin boys. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book, traveling, and summers at the lake with her family in northern Minnesota. 

She looks forward to collaborating with families to help them reach their speech and language goals for their child. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, 2019, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, St. Ambrose University, 2021

Kaitlyn Hester

Occupational Therapist

Kaitlyn is a graduate of Drake University where she earned her doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. Kaitlyn gained extensive experience with the pediatric population throughout her time at Drake. She completed her fieldwork placements at Connections Therapy in Idaho Falls, ID and Central Rivers AEA in Northeastern Iowa. Through these experiences, Kaitlyn has participated in the treatment of a diagnosis including, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing, and general learning and behavioral issues. Kaitlyn loves working with children and is passionate about collaborating with families and team members to provide the best individualised care for your child and family. 

Kaitlyn was born and raised right here in Cedar Rapids. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, crafting, reading a good book, and watching movies. 

Education: Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Drake University, 2023; Bachelor of Health Sciences Clinical and Applied, Drake University, 2021.

Megan Flynn

Physical Therapist

Megan’s passion for caregiving and love of children has been present throughout her entire life. Upon graduation from PT school, she immediately entered the pediatric specialty setting and has continued to serve patients in the Cedar Rapids Corridor area over the past 10 plus years in a multidisciplinary outpatient setting serving children, birth-21. Her professional interests and specialized training include infant handling and treatment, postural control, developmental vision including CVI, sensory integration, tone management, motor coordination, adaptive equipment, orthotics, and trauma informed care.

 Megan views her ability to partner with families and serve patients as part of an integrated care team as the highest honor and privilege. She describes the best part of her job as participating in the celebration of milestones big and small and walking alongside caregivers as they navigate changes, learn advocacy skills, and gain confidence through therapy. She has experience with skilled treatment for a wide range of clinical diagnoses including but not limited to: prematurity, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, abnormal muscle tone, genetic conditions, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, scoliosis, club foot, toe walking, vision impairments, autism, sensory processing, coordination dysfunction, burns, seizures, SMA/DMD, EDS, and arthrogryposis.

 Megan is a National Board Certified Physical Therapist and a certified Clinical Instructor through the APTA. She has an affinity for sharing her professional passions through mentorship. She has certifications in Interactive Metronome (IM), Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), and Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP).  She has taken formal training the in the following areas: HPOT (equestrian therapy), Elaine Owens gait, serial casting, torticollis, reflex integration, MNRI, NDT, PNF, HINE, Mary Massery, DMI level A, TMR Level 1, spinal stim and functional electrical stimulation. 

Megan and her husband are long time Cedar Rapids residents and lifelong Hawkeye fans. They are kept busy loving their little family with 4 children, a tiny dog and a giant cat. Her favorite holiday is Halloween. She enjoys reading, hiking, and DIY renovations.

Education: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) - University of Iowa, 2012; B.S. Psychology - University of Iowa, 2009

Mallory Zapf

Office Manager

Mallory loves spending time with her little family. You can find them biking, hiking, and kayaking. Most of their summer weekends are spent camping in their cozy camper. When she's stuck indoors during the winter months she enjoys cuddling up with a good book, listening to the latest podcast or creating art with her daughter.

She looks forward to greeting all our families and watching their progress.