Our Team

 
 

Amy J. Martin, PT - President & owner

Amy Jean Mercer Martin has nearly 30 years experience as a PT working with children and families in a wide variety of settings and she loves her job! She has extensive experience working in a variety of settings and with people of diverse diagnoses and abilites. Amy is a trained dancer and singer and will frequently incorporate music and creative movement into therapy sessions to make the work more fun! She is passionate about exploring the creative arts as a path for inclusion and interconnectedness.

Amy is the President and founder of Pediatric Therapy Specialists, Inc. DBA Empower House.

 
 

JILL BENGE-LEMBRIGHT, OTR/L

Jill Benge-Lembright, OT is a Northern Kentucky native and has over 28 years experience working with children and families. She provides school-based services in both Ohio and Kentucky and has expanded her practice to include outpatient and private clients as well. Jill has a wonderful rapport with kids and families and it is clear to see she loves what she does!

 
 

CATHY BOOKSER-FEISTER, PT

Cathy Bookser-Feister has enjoyed being a family-centered physical therapist for 30+ years.  She values treating in a child’s natural play environment and working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and caregivers.  Cathy is a board certified clinical specialist in pediatric PT, and she also teaches pediatrics in the physical therapy program at UC.

 
 

SHERRI COLLIER, PT

Sherri Lee Collier is an excellent Physical Therapist who has over 26 years of experience working with children in a wide variety of settings, including early intervention, school based therapy, and outpatient clinic/ hospital settings. She has a passion for working with young children and their families. Her experience and strong desire to stay on top of the latest evidence based literature makes her a great resource for families. She enjoys finding creative ways to help families meet and even exceed their goals.

 
 

Gratia Kovatch, COTA

Gratia has worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for over 10 years and is a dedicated, skilled and intuitive provider who consistently goes the extra mile for her clients. She has experience in a variety of settings including school-based services, and outpatient services, as well as working with children with a wide variety of diagnoses. She is an exceptional therapist and we are grateful to have her help in providing pediatric OT services in our community!

 
 

Miriam Landon, ORT/L

Miriam is a Pediatric-focused Occupational Therapist with a foundation of 25+ years in early-childhood education and clinical experience across behavioral health, acute care, and rural generalist practice. She is skilled in mental health and trauma-informed care, wellness and life skills education, outpatient pediatrics, including interventions for emotional regulation, sensory-based interventions, as well as caregiver education. Miriam is passionate about helping children and families build meaningful, balanced daily routines.

 
 

JAMES LARSON, PRACTICE CONSULTANT AND BILLING SPECIALIST

James has over 30 years of experience managing medical practices.  He brings a “customer service” focus to all interactions with patients and their families. 

 
 

Kerry Larson, Billing and Administrative Agent

Kerry Larson’s experience includes accounting, office management, and computer application support. The mission, vision and values of Empower House directly align with her personal vision and values. She is proud and motivated to assist the Empower House Therapists. 

 
 

SHANNON LINVILLE, PTA

Shannon Linville has worked as a Physical Therapy Assistant for the past 15 years and loves working in pediatrics! She has experience in a variety of settings and currently provides PT in several school districts in Northern Kentucky. Shannon takes a special interest in helping students who struggle with self-regulation and is studying somatic therapy delivery. Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to healing that integrates body and mind to help release the physical tension left behind by trauma. She is a skilled, intuitive and insightful therapist and connects easily with families of all kinds.

 
 

MALLOY MATTHEIS, SLP

Malloy Mattheis, SLP has been practicing with us for over 10 years. She specializes in helping kids with developmental communication needs and is also a primary level evaluator for KEIS. Malloy was initially drawn to pediatrics at a very young age while watching her younger brother with Down Syndrome work with his therapists. She knew then that she wanted to work with children with disabilities, which prompted her to pursue her degree in Speech Therapy and early intervention. Malloy is a dedicated and insightful therapist. She has a wonderful manner and rapport with children that helps put families at ease.

 
 

MArcy Thomas, OTR/L

Marcy Thomas has over 10 years experience working as an OT in a wide variety of settings. She is dedicated to empowering others to achieve independence and enhance their quality of life. She has expertise in comprehensive patient assessments, innovative home modification recommendations, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure a holistic approach to care. She has the proven ability to adapt therapeutic techniques to meet diverse needs. Marcy currently is focused on providing support in the schools setting and works with the school team to develop an individualized plan for every student on her caseload. She specializes in helping to manage sensory processing and fine motor challenges and directly works with students and teachers in meaningful ways to meet their goals.