Our Team

 
 

Amy J. Martin, PT - President & owner

Amy Martin has over 25 years experience as a PT working with children and families in a wide variety of settings and she loves her job! She is a trained dancer and singer and loves to incorporate music and creative movement into therapy sessions to make the work more fun! She 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!

 
 

Craig BERTSCH, PT

Craig has more than 25 years experience working as a PT.  He and his wife are residents of Campbell County and have 8 children.  Craig spends his time outside of work running kids around and coaching sports when he can.  Craig is thrilled to be working in Campbell County schools where he appears to already know everyone and is well-loved!

 
 

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.

 
 

ELIZABETH KERL, COTA

Beth Kerl 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 early intervention, school-based services, and outpatient services, as well as home health and nursing home settings. She has been with us for more than 5 years and has found her niche specializing in pediatrics!

 
 

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 as well as providing First Steps services in the home and community. Shannon is a skilled, intuitive and insightful therapist and connects easily with families of all kinds. She is patient and flexible whenever possible and a good communicator with the team.

 
 

MALLOY MATTHEIS, SLP

Malloy Mattheis, SLP has been practicing with us for 8 years and specializes in helping kids with developmental communication needs and is also a primary level evaluator for First Steps. She 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 well-rounded and insightful therapist. She has a wonderful manner and rapport with children that helps put families at ease.

 
 

VALERIE MILLER, PhD, OTR/L

Dr. Miller is a professor at University of Cincinnati and occupational therapist who is passionate about the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the community. She received her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University in 2013 and her PhD from the University of Kentucky in 2022. Her dissertation was completed on the inclusion of children with disabilities in community settings.

Dr. Miller worked as a school-based occupational therapist in Northern Kentucky for three years then completed a competitive American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) residency in pediatric Occupational Therapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in May of 2017. This residency year included participating in the UCEDD's (University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program where she served as the trainee liaison to the national UCEDD network.  Dr. Miller is state licensed in Kentucky and Ohio and is nationally registered with a recognized specialty in Pediatrics.

 
 

AMY TUCKER, OTR/L

Amy Tucker, OT has over 25 years experience working with children and families in a wide variety of settings, currently including outpatient and private clients as well as school-based services. Amy specializes in helping to manage sensory processing and fine motor challenges and loves that she gets to support families in such meaningful ways.