About us

Maranda

I own Creative Hands OT, and working with your family at CHOT is an honor! I graduated in 2003 and have loved every minute of working in pediatrics while specializing in Sensory Integration, Feeding Therapy, Autism, Reflex Integration, and Child Development. I have been with Creative Hands since 2006 as a therapist, manager, and director, and I am privileged and thankful to be the owner of such an amazing company that truly provides the best OT in the area with the best team! I am married, and we have three wonderful children and a spoiled doodle. My family loves going to the beach, being outside, going to church, and being together with our family. We have a heart and passion for this community and CHOT's services.

Sonya

Hi! I am Sonya, the Office Manager for all 6 CHOT locations. I am happy to help parents in any way I can! I have a heart for children and love watching them learn from our excellent therapists. I am married and have children who play multiple sports year-round. I enjoy watching my kid's sports games, traveling, attending church, spending time with family, and playing with our black lab mix.

Terra

Hi, I'm Terra. I live in Carolina Beach with my husband and our two kids. We love to spend time in the Carolina Beach State Park and boating through the intercoastal waterway and Cape Fear River. I have worked in the medical administration field for 13 years, with 9 of them as medical billers for multiple physician specialties. I love helping people understand how insurance works and navigating the complexities that come with it. My goal is to maximize benefits for our patients and use all available resources to achieve their success.

Magan

Hi! It’s Magan. I’m the Office Assistant at CHOT. I was born and raised in Holly Ridge and always felt lucky living near the beach. I couldn’t imagine life anywhere else. I am happily married with three adorable children, two boys and one girl. We enjoy the beach, boating, snow skiing, and watching the kids participate in numerous activities. I am happy to work for Creative Hands and help children in the area flourish.

Madalyn

Hello, I’m Madalyn. In the summer of 2024, I completed an internship at CHOT as part of my undergraduate program and earned my B.S. in Exercise Science from Gardner-Webb University. After recently getting married and relocating back to the beach, I enjoyed working closely with the CHOT team and their patients. My positive experience led to an offer to return as an office assistant. I have a deep passion for working with children and am committed to making a meaningful impact in their lives. Looking ahead, I am excited about continuing my education to become an OT or COTA, furthering my ability to support and enhance the lives of those I work with.

Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley and I’ve had the privilege of working with this incredible team since 2018. I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and earned my OT graduate degree from Milligan College. During college, I worked as a habilitation technician, gaining invaluable insights into the lives and needs of people with disabilities, which solidified my passion for OT. As the manager of the Burgaw and Wilmington clinics, I am dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive environments for the families and individuals we serve while providing guidance and support to our staff. I’m incredibly proud of our community outreach at CHOT, which connects children and families to OT services they might not otherwise have access to. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to two daughters who inspire me daily, two dogs who keep me on my toes, and an incredible support system I couldn’t imagine living without.

Bettina

Hi! My name is Bettina, and I am from Topsail, NC. I graduated from the OTA program at Cape Fear Community College in 2021. I live in Wilmington with my cat and love working with kids to help them refine their daily skills to be their best. My favorite thing is going to the beach and making art out of the seashells I find.

Jenna

Hi! I'm Jenna, a COTA/L at Creative Hands Occupational Therapy. I graduated from CFCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in 2023. When planning my career path, I considered nursing and teaching. Thankfully, occupational therapy is the perfect mix of those two professions. In my personal life, I love to listen to music, garden, take walks, kayak, and play piano. I want to encourage the same life satisfaction skills in all the children I meet. I am glad I can serve the pediatric community in a fun and functional way!

Kathy

My name is Kathy, and I am an Occupational Therapist. I have a B.S. in Kinesiology from Texas Christian University and Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. I have worked in several settings, but I love working with children. It is incredible to watch them grow, learn things they didn’t think possible, and become more confident in their world.

I am originally from Arkansas but have lived in Wilmington, NC, for 17 years. My husband and I have three kids (ages 16, 14, and 9) and two big dogs that keep us busy. I am active in my church and try to play pickleball when possible.

Karen

I have over 30 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in rehabilitation and a holistic approach to wellness. I graduated with an AAS in COTA/L in 1992, followed by a BS in Healthcare Management, and I’ve had the privilege of working in various specialties throughout my career, including cardiology, neurology, hand therapy, stroke rehabilitation (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and wheelchair positioning. I started my career at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, where I gained extensive experience in treating complex cases. In 1998, I relocated to Wilmington, NC, where I transitioned into rehabilitation management and military contracting, focusing on outpatient care for both pediatric and adult patients. I am passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to empower clients to take charge of their health and well-being in a holistic way.

Hailey

Hi, my name is Hailey! I’m from Rowland, NC, and recently moved to Shallotte near my family. I graduated with my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Methodist University in August of 2022. While working at a daycare during undergrad, I explored my love of pediatrics and fell in love with OT by seeing practitioners work with children to improve their everyday lives. I spent extensive time throughout graduate school working with the pediatric population in schools, outpatient clinics, and their homes. Throughout my career as a pediatric OT, my goal is to help promote fun through all activities while helping children establish their independence and prosper in their daily lives.

Alison

Alison was born in Buffalo, NY which of course makes her an avid Buffalo Bills fan! GO BILLS! She has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2022. She loves reading, hanging with her cat, and spending time with family and friends. Alison is passionate about helping kids to grow, develop, and achieve as much independence as possible.

Hailey

Hi, my name is Hailey! I’m from Rowland, NC, and recently moved to Shallotte near my family. I graduated with my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Methodist University in August of 2022. While working at a daycare during undergrad, I explored my love of pediatrics and fell in love with OT by seeing practitioners work with children to improve their everyday lives. I spent extensive time throughout graduate school working with the pediatric population in schools, outpatient clinics, and their homes. Throughout my career as a pediatric OT, my goal is to help promote fun through all activities while helping children establish their independence and prosper in their daily lives.

Chris

My name is Chris, and I am a COTA at Creative Hands Occupational Therapy. I am married, and we have a daughter. Although I moved away for a few years, Wilmington has been my home for most of my life. I graduated from Cape Fear Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 2019. As a COTA, I have worked in both pediatrics and geriatrics, but I am most passionate about pediatrics. Having grown up with a brother with autism, I have seen firsthand how important it is to have professionals who can advocate for a child and their families, especially throughout childhood.

Amber

My name is Amber and I graduated from Cape Fear Community College in 2021 and immediately went to work in Pediatric OT. I started working at Creative Hands in 2022 and love it! I am a mom to Ruby and I enjoy painting, gardening, and yoga. I believe I have the best job in the world because I'm helping children and families in my community progress and reach their goals. 

Haley

Hi, I'm Haley. I graduated from CFCC in 2024 after completing my internship with CHOT.  I grew up in Southport, NC, and love living in my small town. I have always had a passion for working in pediatrics. I discovered OT as a child when my brother & I received services at Creative Hands! I love being able to help and see children grow to their fullest potential. My favorite part about OT is I get to make a difference and help children achieve the things they love to do. Occupational therapy is the most rewarding career, and I am proud to be an OT practitioner. In my free time, I like to read, spend time with my family and friends, and spoil my dogs!

Halice

Hi, I'm Halice. I graduated from HGTC in 2023 after completing my internship with CHOT. I grew up in NMB, SC, and I love the beach. I love to worship by singing and playing the piano in my free time. Growing up, I always knew I was called to help children somehow. Each child is unique and holds differences and challenges in their own way. I am personally called to help children know that they are not defined by any diagnoses or struggles they may face, but they are defined by their destiny and who God created them to be. I love horses, and I dream one day to have a horse farm where children can come to a safe place to express themselves freely, engage in challenges, and learn new life skills.

Michayla

Hi, I’m Michayla. I graduated with my Master's in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. I just recently moved to Southport from Western Massachusetts with my two dogs. I found my passion for OT through my mother, a pediatric OT. Through school, I was able to explore community-based and school-based occupational therapy. I found myself drawn to help children grow and reach their full potential. I am excited to be at Creative Hands, where I enjoy working with families and children. 

Tara

Hi everyone, my name is Tara! I’m originally from Charlotte, NC, but I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2017. GO SEAHAWKS! Then, in 2020, I graduated with my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University and moved back to Wilmington as soon as possible. I am a board-certified/licensed OT working in the pediatric outpatient setting ever since. I am dedicated to increasing your child’s quality of life utilizing clear education methods, client-centered interventions, and collaboration. I love making OT engaging with fun but challenging activities. I enjoy reading, wakeboarding, scuba diving, and playing board games with my friends and family in my free time. I also spend a lot of time with my three pets: Piper (dog), Tux (blind cat), and Rojo Jeremy (fish). I am so excited to join the Creative Hands team and can’t wait to meet you!

Morgan

Hi! My name is Morgan, and I am originally from Fairfax, Virginia. I graduated with my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University. My passion for occupational therapy started initially with running summer camps for kids with disabilities, to being a caregiver for children with Autism/Down Syndrome in Virginia. My capstone project focused on developing a baking program to teach young adults job readiness, executive functioning, and kitchen safety skills. Outside of OT, I love to bake, explore new restaurants, and walk around Wilmington with my lab. Continuing education taught me more about sensory strategies and floor time techniques to improve attention/play skills! I am excited to join the Creative Hands team to help your child participate in daily activities to their fullest potential.

Denise

Hello, my name is Denise. I’ve been a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant) for 15 years. I graduated (cum laude) from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, OH. I began my therapy career in orthopedic rehab, ICU and LTAC. I’ve also worked with older adults in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. After transitioning to the pediatric setting, I feel I have found my true calling. I love working with children and having the opportunity to provide fun and creative OT sessions. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a child progress and watching them beam with pride as they reach their occupational therapy goals.

Outside of work I enjoy hiking, boating and beachcombing with my husband, teenage son and our dog. I love to do crafts, especially painting and creating seashell art. I also volunteer at a local farm helping to feed and care for all of the animals.

Specialized training completed in the following areas; Autism, ADHD, Primitive reflexes, Self-regulation, Social emotional learning, Executive functioning, and Oculomotor & perceptual skills

Christina

After graduating from Quinnipiac University in 2001 with a degree in Occupational Therapy, I began my 23+ year career in pediatrics. I have worked in various pediatric settings, including early intervention, NICU/PICU, outpatient, and schools throughout the country. I appreciate all the valuable experience and knowledge I have gained from my colleagues and the families and children I have worked with.

I continue to have a passion for working with children and families with developmental delays, sensory processing differences, feeding challenges, neurological deficits, cognitive delays, and genetic disorders to help develop and foster independence and improve functional performance. I continue to enjoy learning and building therapeutic skills. 

I have recently completed a comprehensive professional training program to become a trained therapist in AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding. My family (husband, two children, and dog) moved to North Carolina about 2 1⁄2 years ago, and I am excited to continue my journey as a pediatric OT and team member here at Creative Hands OT.

Katie

Hi! My name is Katie, and I am married with four children. I received my Bachelor’s degree from UNC Wilmington in 2014 and my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University in 2016. I have a passion for natural and holistic treatment, so I love Occupational Therapy. I love working with kids, and I feel lucky to be a part of their lives to help them grow. I embrace each child’s unique personality and challenge them to let their best self shine. I value families' trust in me with their kids and strive to implement new ideas and strategies to meet each child’s specific needs best. I have completed continuing education in Autism, ADHD, sensory processing, feeding, reflex integration, behavior, emotional regulation, and wellness, and I am happy to implement these strategies at CHOT!

Kristy

Hi! My name is Kristy! My husband and l are blessed with seven children. I am a Wilmington native and love spending time with family and friends.
I have been a COTA since 2001. It has been a privilege to work with children and watch them grow to their full potential. Each child I work with is unique and special to me. I take pride in using a holistic approach when working with children to bring out their strengths. I have continued education in sensory integration as that is the building block for learning. I love being a part of the CHOT team!

Nataliah

Nataliah is from Southeast Iowa. She attended Wayne State College as an undergraduate, was a student-athlete, and played for the women’s softball team. She then attended Allen College, receiving her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021. She has worked in various settings, including private practice, skilled nursing facilities, early intervention, and school systems. As an Occupational Therapist, Nataliah loves helping her patients participate in the activities they find most meaningful! She is looking forward to continuing to help both children and adults live as independently as possible. Nataliah lives in Surf City with her husband. Nataliah enjoys going to the beach, reading a good book, bike rides, and spending time with her friends and family!

Rita

Hi! My name is Rita. I graduated from WVU in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources. After many years managing doctors' offices, I pursued a career in Occupational Therapy and graduated from the COTA program in New York in 1999.

I began the first 4 years of my career at West Point Military in elementary and middle schools, hoping to enhance children's lives with special needs. It was at that time we were blessed with two sons with Autism, and I have spent the next 23 years working to advocate for Autism, OCD, ADD, sensory integration, and anxiety disorders.

When we moved from New York to North Carolina, I took on a management role in geriatrics in a Continuing Care Retirement Program. When my sons became adults, I wanted to return to pediatrics in hopes of giving back to families and children just beginning their journey. Working at Creative Hands Occupational Therapy since 2020 has been a privilege. My husband and I are excited to live near the beach and spend quality time with our sons.

Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley and I’ve had the privilege of working with this incredible team since 2018. I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and earned my OT graduate degree from Milligan College. During college, I worked as a habilitation technician, gaining invaluable insights into the lives and needs of people with disabilities, which solidified my passion for OT. As the manager of the Burgaw and Wilmington clinics, I am dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive environments for the families and individuals we serve while providing guidance and support to our staff. I’m incredibly proud of our community outreach at CHOT, which connects children and families to OT services they might not otherwise have access to. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to two daughters who inspire me daily, two dogs who keep me on my toes, and an incredible support system I couldn’t imagine living without.

Tara

Hi everyone, my name is Tara! I’m originally from Charlotte, NC, but I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2017. GO SEAHAWKS! Then, in 2020, I graduated with my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University and moved back to Wilmington as soon as possible. I am a board-certified/licensed OT working in the pediatric outpatient setting ever since. I am dedicated to increasing your child’s quality of life utilizing clear education methods, client-centered interventions, and collaboration. I love making OT engaging with fun but challenging activities. I enjoy reading, wakeboarding, scuba diving, and playing board games with my friends and family in my free time. I also spend a lot of time with my three pets: Piper (dog), Tux (blind cat), and Rojo Jeremy (fish). I am so excited to join the Creative Hands team and can’t wait to meet you!

Sarah

I grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and discovered my interest in Occupational Therapy while studying Rehabilitation Sciences at East Carolina University. I completed the CFCC COTA program with an open mind to working with any age population. Still, I quickly gravitated towards working in pediatrics as this field has always inspired me. I take great pride in my compassion and creativity and cherish spending time with my family and fiancé. I love playing tennis and exploring the outdoors with my dog, Tobi./p>

Christina

After graduating from Quinnipiac University in 2001 with a degree in Occupational Therapy, I began my 23+ year career in pediatrics. I have worked in various pediatric settings, including early intervention, NICU/PICU, outpatient, and schools throughout the country. I appreciate all the valuable experience and knowledge I have gained from my colleagues and the families and children I have worked with.

I continue to have a passion for working with children and families with developmental delays, sensory processing differences, feeding challenges, neurological deficits, cognitive delays, and genetic disorders to help develop and foster independence and improve functional performance. I continue to enjoy learning and building therapeutic skills.

I have recently completed a comprehensive professional training program to become a trained therapist in AEIOU: An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding. My family (husband, two children, and dog) moved to North Carolina about 2 1⁄2 years ago, and I am excited to continue my journey as a pediatric OT and team member here at Creative Hands OT.

Nataliah

Nataliah is from Southeast Iowa. She attended Wayne State College as an undergraduate, was a student-athlete, and played for the women’s softball team. She then attended Allen College, receiving her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021. She has worked in various settings, including private practice, skilled nursing facilities, early intervention, and school systems. As an Occupational Therapist, Nataliah loves helping her patients participate in the activities they find most meaningful! She is looking forward to continuing to help both children and adults live as independently as possible. Nataliah lives in Surf City with her husband. Nataliah enjoys going to the beach, reading a good book, bike rides, and spending time with her friends and family!

Rita

Hi! My name is Rita. I graduated from WVU in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources. After many years managing doctors' offices, I pursued a career in Occupational Therapy and graduated from the COTA program in New York in 1999.

I began the first 4 years of my career at West Point Military in elementary and middle schools, hoping to enhance children's lives with special needs. It was at that time we were blessed with two sons with Autism, and I have spent the next 23 years working to advocate for Autism, OCD, ADD, sensory integration, and anxiety disorders.

When we moved from New York to North Carolina, I took on a management role in geriatrics in a Continuing Care Retirement Program. When my sons became adults, I wanted to return to pediatrics in hopes of giving back to families and children just beginning their journey. Working at Creative Hands Occupational Therapy since 2020 has been a privilege. My husband and I are excited to live near the beach and spend quality time with our sons.