Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children succeed in growing into independent and productive individuals. The word “occupation” is sometimes associated with jobs adults perform. However, the broader view of “occupations” includes children’s activities such as playing, learning and socializing with friends.

Working with an occupational therapist helps children master hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and sensory integration to become more independent while providing them with a sense of accomplishment and bolstering self-esteem.

At Wonder Therapeutic Services, our therapists address the foundations necessary for daily living like feeding, dressing, and writing.

Children who may benefit from occupational therapy may be struggling with poor gross and/or fine motor skills, difficulty with coordination, sensory processing difficulties, emotional/behavioral issues, visual or cognitive impairments, neurological or musculoskeletal impairments, and developmental delay.

Meet your Therapists

  • Tara Feddern | MSOT, OTR/L

    Tara received her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. In addition to her passion for working in outpatient pediatrics, Tara considers her clinical experiences in other settings profoundly impactful, such as her work with adult populations with developmental disabilities and those with chronic mental illnesses. Tara is also an advocate for young adults requiring transition services into adulthood.

    Prior to acquiring her MSOT degree, Tara’s work experience expands from designing spaces in pediatric hospitals to providing direct support in group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities. Tara is passionate about implementing best therapeutic practices to help children and families build skills to maximize the most joy in their day to day lives.

    Outside of the clinic, Tara loves to volunteer at her church, practice karate, having earned a black belt in American Karate, and spend time with her husband and family. Tara is an exceptionally proud parent!

  • Chelsie Gonzalez | MSOT, OTR/L

    Chelsie Gonzalez is a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia and registered by the National Board of Occupational Therapy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre OT) from Brenau University in 2019. After graduating from undergrad, she attended Brenau University’s School of Occupational Therapy where she obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021.

    Chelsie has a passion for working with children with a variety of conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Developmental Delay, sensory processing issues, coordination and fine motor deficits, and chronic/persistent mental illnesses. In her spare time, she is usually found at the ball field with her 3 kids or in her yard, gardening. Chelsie enjoys cooking, playing with her dog and kids, and traveling!

  • Miranda Barrett | MSOT, OTR/L

    Miranda Barrett has worked as an Occupational Therapist since 2006. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of North Georgia in 2002. She went on to earn a combined Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2005.

    Miranda has worked with the pediatric population since becoming a practitioner and has experience with a variety of conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Downs Syndrome, sensory processing issues, Developmental Delay, and coordination and fine motor delays.

    Miranda has completed continuing education in various pediatric topics including Handwriting Without Tears, sensory processing, pediatric yoga, visual deficits, reflex integration, and feeding strategies. Miranda is a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia and is registered by the National Board of Occupational Therapy. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

  • Tyler Dilligard | MSOT, OTR/L

    Tyler Dilligard received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. Following, she obtained a master’s of science in occupational therapy from Brenau University. She has experience working with children of varying ages and diagnoses in the clinical setting.

    Tyler’s passion is utilizing personalized therapeutic services for children to build their skills in a fun and meaningful way! Tyler is a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia and registered by the National Board of Occupational Therapy. In her free time, Tyler enjoys spending time with her friends, exercising, and lounging with her dog, King.

  • Rachel Shotwell | MSOT, OTR/L

    Rachel Shotwell has worked as an Occupational Therapist since 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brenau University in 2010. She returned to Brenau University and graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2015. Rachel has experience working with children and adults with a variety of conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Developmental Delay, sensory processing issues, coordination and fine motor deficits, and chronic/persistent mental illnesses.

    Rachel uses a holistic approach to treatment and feels privileged to work with children and their families. She has completed continuing education in various pediatric topics and is trained in Therapeutic Listening, Beckman Oral Motor protocol, and Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding. Rachel is a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia and registered by the National Board of Occupational Therapy.

  • Katie Gilliam

    Katie Gilliam | MSOT, OTR/L

    Katie Gilliam, MOT, OTR/L, is a graduate of Georgia College & State University with her Bachelor's in Exercise Science. Following, she received her Master of Occupational Therapy from The University of St. Augustine in Florida. Katie has experience working with children of various diagnoses and ages, including ASD, ADHD, OCD, Down Syndrome, and developmental delay. Her passion lies in early intervention, and she believes building a strong rapport with both the child and their family is key to creating positive and meaningful change in children's lives. 

    Katie uses a child-specific approach and values incorporating unique needs and interests into therapy sessions. Katie is a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia and registered by the National Board of Occupational Therapy. When not at work, you can find Katie searching for deals at the thrift store, playing games with family and friends, or eating snacks at her favorite place- Disney World.

  • Bethany Bearden | MSOT, OTR/L

  • Jacqueline James | BSOT, OTR/L

    My name is Jacqueline James, and I am a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 36 years of clinical experience serving both pediatric and geriatric populations. Throughout my professional career, I have provided occupational therapy services within the Gwinnett County Public School system for 21 years, as well as in pediatric outpatient clinics, home health settings, and subacute rehabilitation facilities. I am dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care designed to empower my clients to reach their full potential and enhance their overall quality of life. Furthermore, I specialize in developing personalized treatment plans that address each individual's unique physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges to promote long-term success. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact by helping individuals build the skills and confidence needed to live meaningful, independent lives.