Our Team of Occupational Therapists | Blossom Therapeutics
A Unique Team for Your Unique Child
We have built a team of therapists that understand that every child is unique and beautiful in their particular way. It, therefore, makes sense that each child's sensory responses to their environment and their day-to-day experiences will vary greatly.
The Blossom Therapeutics team is here to help you and your child make sense of the world around them so that they can thrive and Blossom--unhindered by outside pressures.
MEET THE PRIMARY TEAM
Jenny Johnson, Occupational Therapist, Founder
Jenny is the founder and owner of Blossom Therapeutics and has been practicing occupational therapy for over 25 years. Her breadth of diverse experience as an occupational therapist has helped her develop a unique and holistic approach.
Jenny's passion for ongoing learning and continuing education has led her to obtain extensive training in a variety of therapeutic interventions, and have guided her practice as a pediatric occupational therapist. In addition to her passion for ongoing education in her field, Jenny has been mentored by several leading experts in the field of occupational therapy, including Lucy J. Miller of the Star Institute, and Teresa May-Benson of the Spiral Foundation.
Jenny is trained in the administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test and has completed Level I and II mentorships with Lucy J. Miller at the Star Institute. She has completed her Floortime/DIR Level 1 and Level 2 certification through the Profectum Foundation, the Safe and Sound Program by Dr. Stephen Porges, Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding (S.O.S.), Handwriting Without Tears, The Alert Program, Integrated Listening System Program, Neuro-developmental Technique Certification, and more. Jenny has completed her Basic Course and Fellows Course in the DIR/Floortime Model of Development through Profectum Foundation. She and her Blossom Therapeutics team are also trained in the FAN model (Facilitating Attuned Interactions) to provide increased support to our Blossom families.
Jenny has a remarkable core team that supports the clients of Blossom Therapeutics. In 2019, Jenny was inspired to create Blossom Collaborative to host pediatric and family based practioners to better serve our Central Oregon community. Currently Blossom Collaborative is the home of Blossom Therapeutics and the Literacy Lab. The Literacy Lab is owned and operated by Vida Barnham, a literacy specialist. Jenny is always on the look-out for family centered practitioners who are interested in joining the Blossom Collaborative.
Jenny is also a passionate yogi. She's discovered benefits for her practice through mindfulness training and yoga practice. Most importantly, Jenny is a doting mother of two incredible children and finds endless learning opportunities through her parenting journey.
Rebecca has been passionate about serving the pediatric community for over ten years. She gained much of her experience while serving in the outpatient clinic at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. She went on to work with several different school districts providing therapy services in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Washington before joining Blossom Therapeutics in Bend, Oregon.
Rebecca received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Hanover College in Indiana, and then her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University in 2007. Her experience as a school-based Occupational Therapist has given her insights into the challenges children often face in an academic setting.
Rebecca has advanced training in the How Does Your Engine Run (Alert) program, the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, and Designing Effective Sensory Diets. She has been certified in the Integrated Listening System and the Safe and Sound Protocol. Rebecca has also completed an Intensive Mentorship at the STAR Institute -- a center dedicated to research, education, and the treatment of sensory processing disorders. Rebecca is committed to helping children reach their highest potential. Rebecca has completed the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to feeding. Rebecca has completed her training in the FAN model and has begun her basic course training in DIR/Floortime through the Profectum Foundation.
Outside of occupational therapy, Rebecca enjoys being outdoors, soaking up the Central Oregon sunshine and spending time with her husband and two children.
Rebecca Rudolph, M.S, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Kim Benrath, MS OTR/L
Kim received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from University of Portland, and then her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at University of Washington. While Kim gained experience working in a variety of pediatric settings, she discovered her calling for working with children with a sensory integration and DIR Floortime approach during her clinical fieldwork here at Blossom. She enjoys the playful and creative aspect of working with kids and families.
From her background in outdoor education, to working as a Life Skills coach for individuals with developmental disabilities, Kim has worked with a variety of people from children and teens to adults. Kim’s practice is informed by her experience as a certified yoga teacher and her extensive training in mindfulness, including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self Compassion. She uses this background to address differences in emotional regulation, social-emotional development and build collaborative relationships with patients and their families. She is also certified in Integrated Listening System and Safe and Sound Protocol by Dr. Stephen Porges.
Kim is a Bend native. In her free time, she loves outdoor adventures, spending time with her family, practicing yoga, gardening, cooking, mountain biking and cuddling with her pets, Loki and Simba.
Ashley Ellsworth, OTD, OTR/L
Ashley joins Blossom Therapeutics as an Occupational Therapist with previous experience working with children in a variety of settings. Ashley has worked with children of various backgrounds in hospital-based, home, school, and outpatient settings.
As a California native, Ashley received her bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, then went on to receive her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, California. As part of her doctorate program, Ashley completed a research study on The Occupational Impact of Mass Shootings: A Qualitative Study of Survivor Accounts that has been published in a scientific journal of occupational therapy. She has presented her research at state and national occupational therapy conferences. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and is certified to provide Therapeutic Listening interventions within her practice.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading, watercolor painting, spending time at local spots, and engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, skiing, and walking her dog, among other things.
Josie Sova, COTA/L
Josie is a dedicated and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with a rich history of a decade in the field. Josie earned her associate degree in occupational therapy from Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA. With four years of focused experience in school-based occupational therapy, Josie has demonstrated her proficiency in working with children and creating tailored interventions to support their developmental needs.
One of Josie's notable accomplishments is her certification in the Safe and Sound Protocol, showcasing her dedication to staying at the forefront of innovative therapeutic approaches. This specialized training equips her with the skills to address sensory processing challenges and enhance emotional regulation in her clients.
Josie's dedication to enhancing her therapeutic capabilities extends further with her certification as a Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) practitioner. This qualification underscores her commitment to promoting meaningful connections and interactions, emphasizing the importance of attunement in the therapeutic process.
In her free time, Josie is an avid backpacker and has completed several long-distance backpacking trails. She also enjoys hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snowshoeing. Josie also makes space for mindfulness and grounding through practicing yoga and meditation.
Sam Leach, COTA/L
Sam is originally from San Diego, California but moved to Oregon to pursue her undergraduate degree. Sam graduated from Western Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology. After graduating in 2020, Sam received her degree and certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from St. Catherine University in Minnesota. Throughout college, Sam worked as a Direct Support Professional for adolescents in group homes focusing on intellectual and behavioral disabilities. During her clinical rotation’s, Sam had the opportunity to work with both children and adults. Personal and professional experience fueled Sam’s passion for occupational therapy and assisting individuals from all walks of life.
In Sam’s free time, she enjoys walking her dog, snuggling her cat, kayaking, strength training, cooking and reading.
Emilee Hunter, OTD
Sami Shroyer, Front Desk Coordinator