Our Journey Towards Empowering Children's Potential
About OTP
Our journey began with a profound commitment to transforming the lives of children through compassionate and personalized therapy solutions. Founded with a vision to bridge gaps in pediatric therapy and provide holistic support to children with developmental disabilities, our brand has grown steadily, guided by a passion for excellence and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of every child.
Crafting Care With Our Personalized Pediatric Therapy Approach
Our Approach
Driven by our dedication to innovation and evidence-based practices, we have forged strong partnerships with clients, families, and schools, ensuring that every child receives the tailored care and support they deserve. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists brings a wealth of expertise and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of children and families we serve.
Our Mission: Empowering Independence Through Specialized Occupational Therapy
Our mission is to deliver specialized occupational therapy services that empower our clients to achieve greater independence and integration within their communities. Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual we serve, we tailor our services to their specific lifestyle and life roles. Through personalized care and a commitment to individualized treatment plans, we aim to facilitate our clients' journey towards improved functionality and active participation in their daily lives.
Serving Communities Across Eastern North Carolina
Our commitment to providing exceptional occupational therapy extends to a diverse range of educational settings in Eastern North Carolina. From Beaufort County to Northampton County, our dedicated team collaborates with schools including Bertie County, Edenton-Chowan, Hyde County, and beyond. We're proud to support student’s development and empower thriving futures across the region.
Beaufort County Schools
Bertie County Schools
Edenton-Chowan Schools
Hyde County Schools
Tyrrell County Schools
Perquimans County Schools
Northampton County Schools
Weldon City Schools
Warren County Schools
Washington County Schools
Meet Our Compassionate Therapy Team
Get to know the faces behind the care and discover the difference they make in the lives of the families we serve
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James Gaynor, Founder/Owner
With a foundational education from East Carolina University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1982, I embarked on a journey that has now spanned over four decades. My career as an occupational therapist has been diverse and rewarding, allowing me to delve into various specialty areas. I've had the privilege of serving individuals across a spectrum of needs, including rehabilitative care for physical disabilities, home health care, support within nursing homes, general pediatrics, and contributions to school systems.
Recognizing a critical gap in therapy services within rural eastern North Carolina, especially within rural school systems, I took a pivotal step in 1990 by founding OT Plus Inc. This initiative was born out of a deep-seated commitment to addressing the significant lack of accessible therapy services in these underserved areas. My goal was not just to fill a service gap but to create a beacon of hope and support for those who found themselves without adequate resources to overcome their challenges.
As a passionate therapist, my mission transcends the mere provision of therapy services. It is about imbuing every interaction with a sense of possibility and empowerment, enabling my clients to reach their maximum potential.
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Humma Zaman, OTD, OTR/L
Humma received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Gannon University in Ruskin, Florida. She has always been passionate about working with children .
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Emily Maynard, MS OTR/L
Emily was born and raised in the state of Maine. She discovered her passion for helping others early in her education. She graduated from Husson University in 2020 with her master’s degree in OT. She began her career after graduation providing school-based therapy services in NC. She is passionate about providing individualized treatment and challenging students to achieve their functional independence and sense of autonomy.
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Katelin Lockyer, OTD, OTR/L
Katelin is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, earning her degree from Mary Baldwin University’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in 2019. Since graduation, she has provided occupational therapy services in both pediatric and geriatric settings, but her passion is working within the school system to help students thrive and reach their goals and full potential.
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Isabella Kim MS, OTR/L
Isabella graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree and then from Lenori-Rhyne University with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. She realized occupational therapy was the perfect career for her after getting the opportunity to work as a Direct Support Professional and volunteering at the Helping Kids with Hemiplegia camp. She enjoys working with families to make a difference in their children’s lives and see them reach their full potential.
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Paige Brown, COTA/L
Paige graduated from Pitt Community College in 1998 with an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She started working for Occupational Therapy Plus Inc. in 1998. She has 25 years of experience and has worked in numerous settings to include school systems, home health care, daycare, outpatient hospital and hand clinics. Paige has experience in directly working with children and adults with a variety of disabilities and injuries.
“The great thing to me about being an occupational therapy assistant is that I can provide hands on treatment to help kids function and excel in their environment. I love knowing that I am there to help change and improve their lives”.
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Lisa Davenport, COTA/L
Lisa received her Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Pitt Community College in 1999. She began working with OT Plus Inc in August 2000. She has 24 years of experience working with pediatrics in outpatient and school system settings. She has attended various workshops on Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, CP, Apraxia, Early Intervention, Visual-Perceptual difficulties, Sensory Processing Disorders, and Handwriting Without Tears. Lisa has completed the certification process that allows her to evaluate and remediate the Print Tool for Handwriting Without Tears Program.
“I really enjoy working in the school system since it allows me to work closely with teachers and parents to maximize the benefits of Occupational Therapy services.
I feel I have the best job in the world to be able to work with children and adults who make me smile every day.”
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Kelly Miller-Wilson, COTA/L
Kelly received her Associate's Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Pitt Community College in 2019. She started working for OT Plus Inc. in 2020. Kelly has experience working directly with children with a variety of disabilities and injuries. Kelly is Autism and CPR certified. Children have always been a huge part of Kelly’s life, spending time with younger cousins, volunteer work with churches and other youth programs and being a nanny before and through college.
“I had always dreamed of working with children and becoming a pediatric occupational therapy assistant in the school system and I made that dream come true.”
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Roxanne Respess, COTA/L
Roxanne graduated from Pitt Community College in 2019 with an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She started working for OT Plus Inc. in 2020. Roxanne has 4 years of experience working as a COTA in various settings such as; school systems, home health, daycares, outpatient rehab, hospital acute/ICU care, and in nursing homes. Roxanne has experience in directly working with children and adults with a variety of disabilities/injuries. Roxanne is Autism and CPR certified.
“I have always wanted to work in health care, specifically in rehabilitation, as I am the third OTA in my family. I enjoy working in various settings such as school systems, hospital acute care, and nursing homes, as it gives me the opportunity to interact with various populations and to treat a wide variety of disabilities/injuries. My passion is working in pediatrics, specifically early intervention.”
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Kinley Bowen Hendrix, COTA/L
Kinley graduated from Pitt Community College in December of 2020 and began working for Occupational Therapy Plus, Inc in March of 2021. She knew she always wanted to be a pediatric COTA in the school system.
“I love doing occupational therapy with children because it is so fun and you can be so creative during your sessions”.
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Shonita Messick, COTA/L
Shonita graduated from Pitt Community College in December 2005. She joined OT Plus Inc in 2007. Over the last 17 years, she has worked in school systems, home health, and clinics. She has held a certificate in autism since 2021. In addition, she is a member of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity.
“Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a child smile every day of therapy!”
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Maggie Howard, COTA/L
Maggie graduated from Pitt Community College from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in 2016 and started working for OT Plus in 2023.
“I’ve always wanted to help people and I’m the third COTA in my family. I truly love being an Occupational Therapy Assistant and helping people maximize their full potential.”
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Suzanne Casper, COTA/L
Suzanne graduated from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Pitt Community College in 2006. She currently serves Hyde and Tyrrell counties.
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Stacy Brooks, Office Manager
Stacy is the Office Manager for Occupational Therapy Plus Inc. She joined the team in 2020 bringing with her 25 years of healthcare experience. She is a positive and friendly advocate for building team-based relationships with the schools we serve.
“It is rewarding to work for a company that makes an impact in the life a child”