Susan (Sue) Swindeman, OTR/L
CEO/Occupational Therapist

Location
Lake County First Steps, Dyer Clinic, Portage Clinic & Remote

Sue has been transforming the lives of children since her graduation from the OT program at University of IL at Chicago in 1984. Her journey led her to the creation of Wee Care Therapy in 1994, a testament to her unwavering commitment to pediatric care. She is certified by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She firmly believes in the continual pursuit of excellence through advanced training, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing therapy skills. She has training in sensory integration, sensory-based strategies, neurodevelopmental treatment (8 week Bobath trained), therapeutic listening, craniosacral therapy, myofacial release, and feeding to name a few. She is certified in the administration and treatment of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests and CPR. In 2021, She globally shares her wealth of knowledge by presenting continuing education seminars. Furthermore, she’s a co-author of two groundbreaking books, “Tools for Tots: Sensory Strategies for Toddlers and Preschoolers” and “Tools for Infants: Sensory-Based Strategies for Parents, Caregivers, and Early Intervention Providers.” These invaluable resources have been translated into German, Turkish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Sue’s exceptional leadership and outstanding service in early intervention earned her the well-deserved First Steps Excellence of Service award from Indiana. At the heart of her approach lies her conviction in the significance of family engagement and effective team communication in the therapy process. Sue is not just a therapist; she’s a visionary, mentor, and catalyst for positive change in the world of pediatric therapy!

Toni A., PT
Clinical Manager/ Lead Physical Therapist

Location
Lake County First Steps & Remote for Clinical Management

Meet Toni, a beacon of excellence in the realm of pediatric physical therapy. Her journey commenced with earning a Bachelor of Human Health Sciences earned in 1997, followed by a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Clarke College in 1998, With a profound passion for pediatric care, Toni specialized in early intervention, along with valuable experience in outpatient clinics and educational institutions. Today, she shines not only as the Physical Therapist Lead, but also as the Clinical Manager at Wee Care Therapy. In 2023, She was honored by her collegues to be the recipient for the state’s First Steps Excellence in Service Award. Toni boasts a diverse skill set, including myofascial release, kinesiotaping, adept handling techniques, and sensory-based strategies. Her collaborative spirit thrives as she closely partners with orthotists, durable medical equipment suppliers, fellow therapists, and, most importantly, families. Her extensive portfolio includes treatment of children bearing a spectrum of diagnoses such as autism, prematurity, cerebral palsy, torticollis, plagiocephaly, sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, and various genetic and developmental challenges. Equipped with CPR certification, Toni confidently cares for children with G-tubes, ventilators, and tracheostomies. Beyond her professional prowess, Toni channels her “spare time” as a dedicated Girl Scout Troop Leader. As a mother of two, she deeply treasures the value of family involvement in every child’s developmental journey. Toni’s enthusiasm is infectious, and she’s eager to embark on your child’s remarkable developmental odyssey, alongside you!

Michele (Shelly) B.
Practice Manager

Location
Dyer Clinic & Remote (Portage Clinic as needed)

Meet Shelley our Practice Manager, who is a seasoned administrative employee with a wealth of experience spanning decades. Within her first year of joining Wee Care Therapy, she effortlessly juggled three distinct office roles, a testament to her exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, and natural aptitude for training. Beyond her impressive professional journey, Shelly’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as a former restaurant owner, giving her firsthand insight into the trials and triumphs of small businesses. She’s a multitasking maestro, armed with specialized training in a plethora of software tools, including Microsoft Office, Medisoft, Practice Perfect, QuickBooks, and the intricate world of medical billing and coding. As our accomplished practice manager, she steers the ship through the intricacies of numerous pivotal daily company functions. Her dedication to excellence is her natural instinct. She is CPR certified. Beyond the office, Shelly is a devoted wife, nurturing mother of three, and doting Nana. Her exceptional interpersonal skills and innate “people person” persona make her an incredibly approachable and friendly presence, fostering genuine connections with clients and colleagues alike. In her precious “spare” time, Shelly’s zest for life takes her on culinary adventures, globetrotting escapades, exhilarating boating excursions, and outdoor fitness exploits. Her commitment to customer service is unwavering, and she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to assist you and your family with the exceptional services at Wee Care Therapy!

Toni A., PT
Physical Therapist Clinical Manager PT Team Leader

Location
Physical Therapist Clinical Manager PT Team Leader

Meet Toni, a beacon of excellence in the realm of pediatric physical therapy. Her journey commenced with earning a Bachelor of Human Health Sciences earned in 1997, followed by a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Clarke College in 1998, With a profound passion for pediatric care, Toni specialized in early intervention, along with valuable experience in outpatient clinics and educational institutions. Today, she shines not only as the Physical Therapist Lead, but also as the Clinical Manager at Wee Care Therapy. In 2023, She was honored by her colleagues to be the recipient for the state’s First Steps Excellence in Service Award. Toni boasts a diverse skill set, including myofascial release, Kinesio taping, adept handling techniques, and sensory-based strategies. Her collaborative spirit thrives as she closely partners with orthotists, durable medical equipment suppliers, fellow therapists, and, most importantly, families. Her extensive portfolio includes treatment of children bearing a spectrum of diagnoses such as autism, prematurity, cerebral palsy, torticollis, plagiocephaly, sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, and various genetic and developmental challenges. Equipped with CPR certification, Toni confidently cares for children with G-tubes, ventilators, and tracheostomies. Beyond her professional prowess, Toni channels her “spare time” as a dedicated Girl Scout Troop Leader. As a mother of two, she deeply treasures the value of family involvement in every child’s developmental journey. Toni’s enthusiasm is infectious, and she’s eager to embark on your child’s remarkable developmental odyssey, alongside you!

Jennifer (Jenna) D.
Client Care Coordinator

Location
Dyer Clinic, Portage Clinic & Remote

Meet Jenna, a multifaceted individual with a background in administration, management, billing, and medical assisting. Jenna’s commitment to customer service, teamwork, ethical decision making, and strong work integrity is something she takes great pride in. She has a gift for developing new procedures and creating an efficient workflow. Jenna’s empathy allows her to connect with anyone regardless of their background or circumstances. She understands that everyone is fighting their own battles and uses this understanding to form a connection with others. Beyond the workplace Jenna enjoys bonding time with her husband and 3 children. They treasure their weekends in Michigan boating, two-tracking, and riding ORVs and ATVS. She is a nature enthusiast and has a passion for fitness. As our Client Care Coordinator, Jenna is also passionate about helping you get the care you need for your child.

Mary M.
Administrative Assistant

Location
Dyer Clinic, Portage Clinic Cleaning & Remote

Meet Mary, an experienced professional with an impressive track record of several years in administrative and management arenas. Simultaneously, Mary pursued her academic aspirations, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Organization Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph in 2013, showcasing her dedication to continuous personal and professional growth. In 2016, she embarked on a dynamic career in clinical research management, overseeing complex clinical and nonclinical research trials at a prestigious Chicago hospital. Her leadership in this field exemplified her exceptional skills and adaptability. Her journey through the healthcare sector has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in her current role as an Administrative Assistant at Wee Care Therapy. Beyond her professional achievements, Mary’s adventurous spirit shines as she explores new and exciting outdoor escapades with her husband, son, and beloved yorkies. Her pursuits extend into the realm of fitness, where she not only excels as an accomplished runner and ultramarathoner but also holds certification as an RRCA running coach. She has added feathers to her cap with certifications in Children’s Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation. You may have seen pictures of Mary leading a Goat Yoga class at Wee Care Therapy! Her CPR certification, combined with her vast expertise, allows her to contribute meaningfully to our team. Mary connects with coworkers and families alike in a profound and impactful manner. Mary’s role at Wee Care Therapy is a testament to her unwavering commitment to make a difference!

Eva N.
Office Coordinator

Location
Dyer Clinic 

Meet Eva, a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of office experience to the forefront. Her career journey is a diverse tapestry, where she honed her skills in the world of publishing, mastering word processing while providing top-notch customer service. But Eva’s expertise doesn’t end there; her career path led her to local governmental agencies, where her organizational prowess, unwavering positive attitude, and exceptional teamwork abilities shone brightly. Her remarkable talents earned her a prominent role in planning and supervising teams, a testament to her leadership qualities and seamless collaboration with colleagues. Eva embodies professionalism in every aspect of her work as Wee Care Therapy’s Office Coordinator, maintaining a perfect balance between her dedication to her job and her personal life. Amidst her busy schedule, she cherishes the company of her beloved fur babies, adding warmth and joy to her everyday life. Her passion for the outdoors is truly invigorating. Eva finds solace in nature, recharging her “batteries” through peaceful fishing excursions and idyllic stays in rustic cabins nestled deep in the woods. Her love for laughter is infectious, and she shares countless joyful moments with her husband, who just so happens to be a professional comedian. Her genuine affinity for connecting with families and their children is evident in every interaction. Behind the scenes, Eva works tirelessly to ensure seamless operation of your services at Wee Care Therapy!

Melissa S.
Administrative Assistant

Location
Dyer Clinic

Meet Melissa, our dynamic new administrative assistant, who will expertly guide you through the intake process for clinic services. Melissa brings a wealth of experience, having earned her associate in business from Robert Morris College. She honed her skills in an optical practice, mastering medical records, coding, and patient care. Her unique insight into sensory processing differences and intensive pediatric therapy comes from personal experience with a family member, making her exceptionally compassionate and understanding. Beyond her professional life, Melissa is an active community member, having worked in a church office and volunteering as a religious educator. As a dedicated mother, marathon runner and skilled cake maker, she is a powerhouse of energy and creativity. Melissa is eager to ensure a smooth and supportive start for you and your child!