Occupational Therapy
in Chicago IL

OUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

All of the occupational therapists at Oak Tree Developmental Center specialize in the evaluation and treatment of sensory integration, motor development, fine motor and handwriting skills, visual-motor integration, motor planning and sequencing skills and activities of daily living.   Our OTs collaborate with the child’s family, other therapists and members of the team in order to provide treatment ideas that can be carried over to all areas of the child’s life.  Our goal is to optimize each child’s function based upon your child’s individual needs.

Kathleen Stanton OTR/L

Kathleen has over 20 years of experience and is the co-owner of Oak Tree Developmental Center.  She is an experienced therapist who has worked in a variety of settings, supporting families, educators, and therapists in hospitals, home health, schools and private practice.  Her primary objective is to have each child achieve his or her highest potential, through individual treatment plans, education, and home programming.  Kathleen has extensive experience in sensory integration and motor development. She has taken many courses on sensory processing and development, including DIR, TEACCH, M.O.R.E, NDT treatment, ABLC, Yoga for the Child with Special Needs and Therapeutic Listening.  Kathleen holds a B.A. in Education from Texas Christian University and a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois in Chicago.  She is a certified pediatric specialist and evaluator for Early Intervention in Illinois.

Ana Volpe, M.S. OTR/L

Ana Volpe is a pediatric occupational therapist who studied Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  During undergrad, she completed internships at GiGi’s Playhouse, where she led virtual story time sessions for toddlers with Down syndrome; through the Madison Metropolitan School District as an inclusion aide; and at Gio’s Garden, where she helped siblings of kids with disabilities interact in recreational settings.  She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.  Ana completed her field work in outpatient and home health pediatrics, as well as acute care with adults experiencing traumatic brain injuries.  She has experience working with children and adolescents of varying diagnoses, including ADHD, ASD, Down syndrome, and ARFID, and she is a certified Early Intervention Specialist in the state of Illinois.  Ana has worked and volunteered with kids and adults for over 10 years in the Chicagoland area through the West Suburban Special Recreation Association, which ultimately fueled her passion for working with children.  Ana’s goal is to incorporate each child’s passions and interests into every session to make our time together fun and meaningful.  Outside of the clinic, Ana’s occupations include cooking, planting, listening to music, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her cat.

Deja Kerns, OTD, OTR/L

Deja Kerns is an occupational therapist who earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Indiana University-Bloomington. She went on to pursue her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Rush University in Chicago. Throughout her academic journey, Deja completed diverse clinical fieldwork experiences, including early intervention, acute care, hand therapy, and a pediatric rotation abroad in Ibarra, Ecuador. Her doctoral capstone project was completed at Thresholds, where she explored the intersection of occupational therapy and mental health. Deja is certified asan Early Intervention Specialist in the state of Illinois and has always enjoyed workingwith children, bringing a compassionate and individualized approach to their care. Outside of her work with kids, Deja teaches Pilates and finds joy in discovering new foods and restaurants. She also loves to travel and is always seeking out new experiences that inspire both her personal and professional life.

Gia Baldassano OTD, OTR/L

Gia Baldassano is an occupational therapist who earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Loyola University Chicago. She completed her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Boston University. Throughout her academic journey, Gia completed diverse clinical fieldwork experiences, including inpatient rehabilitation for brain injuries, community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, elementary school based services, high level mental health care for teens, and adult mental health. Her doctoral capstone project focused on trauma in college-aged students and access to care. Gia has always loved working with children from Special Olympics, summer camps, and adaptive sports programs. Gia enjoys teaching and taking yoga classes, going on long walks, listening to music, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.