Jillian O'Brien, MS, OTR/L is the owner and president of the Pediatric Development Center. She graduated from Ithaca College in 2001 and has been working at Pediatric Development Center since that time. She has had considerable experience with working with a wide variety of motor and sensory delays with children and infants, such as Autism, Asperger’s, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, motor delays (gross and fine), handwriting, oral motor, attention, behavior and Sensory Processing Disorder. She has been trained in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) since 2005. She consults with and presents frequently to schools and organizations on motor development, sensory processing, handwriting, perceptual skills, behavior, organization, attention, tummy time and strategies to improve skills. She provides ongoing supervision and support for her therapists and families.

Pediatric Development Center employs registered and licensed occupational therapists.  These clinicians demonstrate exceptional knowledge and understanding of child development and processing as well as an interest and dedication to working with children.  They have experience with various programs such as The Alert Program, How Does Your Engine Run?, Handwriting Without Tears, Loops and Other Groups, and sensory integration. They provide parents with ongoing support and education for an understanding of their child’s current level of performance and how to incorporate appropriate strategies at home,.

Jessica Hyde, MS, OTR/L is a graduate of the University of New England and has been employed at the Pediatric Development Center since 2003.  She has worked extensively with the diagnosis of Autism as well as motor delays, handwriting, oral motor, behavioral organization and Sensory Processing Disorder. She also has experience with visual deficits and sensory regulation.  She has been an Emergency Medical Technician since 1999. She has been trained in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) since 2008

Jessica Story, MS, OTR/L graduated from UNH in 2004 after completing a 3 month internship at PDC.  She enjoyed it here so much she has never left and continues to be an outstanding therapist due to her dedication to children and their families.  Jessie demonstrates expertise in Sensory Processing Disorder.  She works extensively with children with developmental delays, motor delays, regulation and attention, handwriting, Autism and Asperger Syndrome. She has been trained in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) since 2008.

Megan Rich, MS OTR/Lgraduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2008 and then joined Pediatric Development Center. She has experience working with multiple diagnoses, including Autism, Downs Syndrome, Turners Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. She has worked with programs designed to provide assistance with handwriting, sensory processing, ADHD and developmental delays.

Elizabeth Jacobson, MS OTR/L graduated from the University of Southern Maine in Lewiston in 2008. She was a Level II fieldwork student at PDC prior to graduation, during which she displayed her dedication to working with children. Prior to becoming an OT Elizabeth worked as a Health/Physical Education Teacher with both the Yarmouth and Bethel School Departments. She has experience with Autism, sensory processing, spinal cord injuries, learning disabilities, and a variety of other developmental delays.

Lauren Breault , MS OTR/L joined the Pediatric Development Center after graduating from the University of Southern Maine in Lewiston in 2010. Prior to earning her OT degree, she received her BA in Human Ecology and Education and worked as a Childcare and Family Support Worker at KidsPeace for eight years. The skills she cultivated there, and during her Level II fieldwork at Bay Cove Early Intervention Services, developed her experience in collaborating with families to provide the best possible services for their children. She especially enjoys working with children with behavioral and emotional concerns, as well as collaborating with residential treatment facilities.

Alexandra (Alex) Miller, MS OTR/L began working for the Pediatric Development Center in 2010 after graduating from Ithaca College. She has experience working with children with physical disabilities, as well as Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism, developmental delays, and motor impairments. She has been trained with the Handwriting Without Tears program for preschool and school aged children.

Julie Higgins, MS OTR/L joined the team at Pediatric Development Center in 2011. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Julie began her career at Maine Medical Center where she gained experience with children with various medical conditions. She then spent time as a travelling therapist, before moving back to Maine to settle into a pediatric position.

Jennifer Roy, MS OTR/L began her career at the Pediatric Development Center in 2011 after earning her occupational therapy degree from the University of Southern Maine. Jenn has experience working with diagnoses of Autism, Noonan’s syndrome, Mental Retardation, Emotional Disturbances, Down Syndrome, and impulsivity.

Chelsea Osgood, MS OTR/L graduated from Husson University in 2009 before starting her career as a pediatric occupational therapist. She joined the team at PDC in 2011 after working as an occupational therapist for both the Bangor Public Schools and Lewiston Public Schools. She brings experience working with school-aged children with diagnoses that include, Emotional Disturbance, Sensory Processing Disorder, Multi-Handicapped, Autism, and Learning Disabled.

Elizabeth (Beth) McDuffie joined the Pediatric Development Center in 2011 after graduating with her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern Maine in 2010. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Beth spent time working as a 1:1 educational technician in the Portland Public Schools and as an Occupational Therapy Aide at Central Maine Medical Center.