Meet the CARE Therapy Staff

Kimberly Engstrom, M.Ed.
Preschool Director/ Language Special Instructor

“I went to work for CARE for Children because CARE stands for the same philosophies that are important to me, empowerment through education, inclusion, and CARE’s active role in “improving the lives of children of all abilities. I believe the best part of working at CARE is watching the excitement and joy on a child’s face as they accomplish something that they never thought they could. CARE for Children is truly for the child.”

Kimberly earned a Masters of Education in Special Education from Edinboro University and a Bachelors of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University. She was selected to attend the 2007 Pennsylvania Governors Institute for Early Literacy. She has over ten years experience in Early Childhood programs and began her career at CARE in 2000.

Kimberly is involved in many programs at CARE but her main focus is the Rainbow Corner Preschool where she is responsible for the overall programmatic operation, including the implementation and delivery of a curriculum that meets the pre-K standards in all developmental areas and provides the students with the school readiness skills needed for Kindergarten. Kimberly also was instrumental in starting a developmental playgroup at CARE for children between 24 and 42 months of age which focuses language development, sensory exploration and social skills in a child initiated play environment.

As a Special Instructor, Kimberly provides therapy for children between the ages of 0-3 years old with a 25% delay in cognitive or social/emotional development in the child’s natural environment. The therapy is family centered incorporating each family’s strengths, routines, needs and priorities to help the child reach his or her full potential.    In 2009 Kimberly was one of 60 special instructors state-wide to be certified with a language credential.

She is also always willing to help out during the Kid Fitness programs, Rec programs, and childcare for Family Support Meetings.

Kimberly resides in Bradford with her husband, two dogs and two cats.

Carol Schindhelm, PT
Pediatric Therapy Director

“The best part of working at CARE is the staff’s true enthusiasm for the agency’s mission of improving the lives of children of all abilities. It’s wonderful working with children, seeing the progress they make and the joy they take in learning new skills.”

Carol has over 32 years of experience as a physical therapist, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from State University of New York at Buffalo. Carol provides Early Intervention in Bradford, Eldred and Shinglehouse, school based therapy in Bradford, and therapy in the preschool setting.

Carol has served as the on-call physical therapist at the Shriners Clinic at CARE as well as provided follow up therapy services after the clinic. For many years Carol has led the gross motor group for the Rainbow Corner Preschool. Carol is very active in CARE’s therapeutic recreation program and began the annual ski clinic at Holiday Valley for CARE kids as well as providing certified instruction for the Elusive Riders Program in McKean County (Horseback Riding for Kids with Disabilities).

Carol’s involvement with CARE actually began many years prior to her employment with the agency, while working as a primarily pediatric Physical Therapist in New York State, Carol was impressed with CARE’s staff’s concern for families and children, and the association with Shriners Hospital. Years later, when she was ready for a change in position, an opening developed at CARE, and she was excited join the staff. She has been employed at CARE for almost ten years.

Carol likes that CARE not only provides direct services, but then encourages children and their families to use new skills in varied recreational activities. She is a firm believer that the agency’s holistic approach, is often pivotal in assisting family’s in obtaining appropriate support, and negotiating a system that can at times be confusing. Carol continues to challenge herself to develop her own skills, and working toward the development of a cohesive, team oriented therapy staff as CARE continues to grow.

Carol resides in Allegany, N.Y.

Jane Hartle
Early Intervention Coordinator/Special Instructor

“I am fortunate to be reminded daily that all children are special and it is a gift that we all are in a position to touch their lives.”

An employee of CARE since 2005, Jane earned a Bachelor of Science in Education; from Mansfield University and has over 25 years experience in the provision of services to families with children having special needs, in both educational and home settings. She has provided Service Coordination as well as Instructional Services.

Jane currently works with families of children under 3 years of age, in evaluation, individual program planning, implementation, and progress monitoring of family oriented goals. She provides strength-based family support, education, advocacy, and resource information and referral.

Jane serves as a staff resource on Early Intervention issues. In her role as Family Support Coordinator she coordinates educational and support opportunities for families of children with disabilities and developmental delays, offers resource coordination, networking, and promotes disability awareness/inclusion. By maintaining established linkages to area social services, a health care and educational program, Jane helps promote CARE’s well-respected presence in the community.

Her time at CARE has allowed Jane to expand her interest in helping families to become more aware of available supports and information.

Erica Soble, BA
Special Instructor Birth to Three

“I love working with children and the feeling of accomplishment when they finally complete what you have been working towards. The best part of working at CARE is that it does not feel like a job when you get to see different kids and everyday is a new and different experience. No two days are ever the same because each child brings something different and special to each day.”

Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. May 2007. Erica minored in Special Education. Before Erica came to CARE she provided therapeutic staff support for children with developmental or behavioral challenges.

As a Special Instructor Erica focuses on the speech and language development as well as other developmental skills. She believes that her role in helping children develop their communication skills is vital for them to better function in the home as well as in the community. She enjoys working with parents and caregivers to help them better understand skills to help their children on a daily basis.

Erica resides in Bradford with her dog Koby.

Barry Simon, MPT
Physical Therapist

“The best part of my job is working with the kids. Seeing them do more and their reactions as they accomplish new things.”

Barry has been a Physical Therapist for more than 9 years covering schools, E.I. outpatient and inpatient therapy. He earned a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Akron and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University.

He is certified in Neurodevelopmental therapy / Bobath for children and has attended continuing education for Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity Management. Barry is the resident expert on adaptive equipment.

Barry provides Early Intervention Services in McKean and Forest-Warren Counties as well as providing school based therapy in Bradford. Barry is also actively involved in CARE’s therapeutic recreation and Kid Fitness programs.

Barry began at CARE in October 2006 as an independent consultant and became a full-time employee in January 2007. Barry chose CARE because of its mission and how that matches his beliefs in how services should be delivered for children. Barry believes that services at CARE are driven by the mission unlike other agencies/facilities.

He resides in Warren, PA

Kimberly A. Livingston, MSPT
Physical Therapist

I feel that CARE is a huge asset to the community.  The best part of working at CARE is having the ability to help change a child’s or a family’s life.  To be able to see the look on a child’s face when they do something new is priceless.

Kim joined the CARE staff in the summer of 2009 with the desire to help children attain their full potential and be successful in life.  She had previously provided school based physical therapy services in a New York State School System.

Her goal is to help involve children in more gross motor activities that will help enhance their quality of life and help them to fit in with their peers.  Kim’s goal matches with CARE’s overall mission of improving the lives of children of all abilities by involving children with special needs in activities that would not otherwise be offered in a small rural county.  She believes these activities are essential in helping introduce children with limitations to other children like themselves; and also promote inclusion and the idea that all children are more similar than they are different.

Kim graduated from Nazareth College with a Bachelors degree in Health Science and Masters in Physical Therapy.  She will be providing school based treatment in Bradford, Smethport, Port Allegany, and Eldred as well as Early Intervention Services.

Sandra Mischic, DPT
Physical Therapist

“I love working with children; it makes work feel more like play. Working with kids is great because they are full of surprises and keep me smiling and parents truly appreciate the work that I do to help their children.”

Sandy earned Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University 2002, Master of Physical Therapy from University of Delaware 2000, and Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State Behrend 1998.

Sandy began her career at CARE as a full time staff physical therapist. Currently, she works part time providing services for the Early Intervention caseload in the Kane area. Sandy also has a successful private practice in Kane.

Sandy is proud of her relationship with CARE as she believes the agency is integral to helping children of McKean County achieve their highest potential.

Sandy believes her position as a pediatric physical therapist allows her to help children improve their mobility skills to allow them to function within the community as best possible. A large part of her work involves educating parents and caregivers how to help their children improve their skills during their daily routine.

Sandy resides near Kane with her husband and children.

Ann Kane, PT
Physical Therapist

Ann is a part-time school based therapist with CARE. Currently, Ann provides services in Bradford and Kane. She is also one of the staff physical therapists that conduct the adaptive physical education class at School Street Elementary in Bradford.

She also has provided home health services and provided rehabilitative therapy in a clinical setting. Ann is a graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She has been a practicing therapist since 1981.

Ann resides in Kane, PA.

Ashley Carlson, MOT-OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I believe in attempting to understand a child’s individual profile, and by addressing their needs as an individual, help the child to be as successful as they are meant to be.”

Ashley earned a Masters of Occupational Therapy Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, one of the leading universities in the field.

At CARE Ashley is responsible for evaluation and treatment of children birth to three and school-age children. She also supervises the occupational therapy staff. She has worked at CARE since 2007.

Ashley’s experiences with children include assessment and treatment of sensorimotor, neurodevelopmental, neuromuscular, cognitive and developmental delays.

Ashley is trained in various programs including Therapeutic Listening, Hand Writing Without Tears and M.O.R.E.: Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Function.

Ashley was instrumental in starting CARE’s Therapeutic Listening Program. She is a committed therapist, who believes in continuing her education and refining her skills.

She is excited to be a member of the CARE staff, because of the agency’s commitment to improving the lives of children of all abilities.

Ashley lives in Port Allegany with her husband.

DeAnn Persichini, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

“I enjoy working with children of all abilities, watching them grow and learn new skills each day.”

DeAnn earned an Associate in Science Degree in Occupational Therapy – from the Community College of Allegany County. She has worked as a COTA/L for 11 years in nursing homes, out patient therapy and school based treatment. DeAnn has been with CARE for Children since 2003 and provides school based treatment for the Bradford Area School District.

DeAnn has participated in ABA training, Handwriting without Tears, and taken classes on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

DeAnn also has coordinated or assisted at many therapeutic recreation activities including family support respite nights, YMCA Day Camp and fine motor based activities.

DeAnn adds that the best part about working at CARE is working with the kids from Kindergarten to 21 and that it brings her great satisfaction to see them develop in so many different areas.

DeAnn resides in Bradford with her husband and two daughters.