Serving Children of All Ages in the DFW Area
Bright Beginnings Occupational Therapy and Wellness
Meet Our Pediatric Occupational Therapy Team
Katie Shelffo, OTR, MOT
Occupational Therapist, Owner
I am a NBCOT registered occupational therapist for over 11 years, a mother of two beautiful children, a wife to Jeff, a child at heart, and a nerdy researcher.
I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 2014. Since then, I have worked exclusively in pediatrics, both in outpatient and school-based settings, working with children ages 0-18. Originally from Reno, Nevada, Jeff and I moved to Texas for me to pursue graduate study in OT and fulfill my dream of becoming a pediatric OT. I consider it such a gift to do what I love! During my career, I have worked alongside talented, seasoned therapists who mentored me in the areas of sensory integration and child development. In addition, I have participated in a variety of continuing education courses and currently hold certifications in Integrated Listening Systems, Safe and Sound Protocol, Interactive Metronome, Handwriting Without Tears- PreK, and training in holistic care for mental health conditions such as ADHD and Autism.
I believe it is crucial to consider the whole child when supporting their development. This includes their physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being, as well as their daily environment, habits and routines, and what is meaningful to them.
When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my husband and our children, playing outdoors, attending Mosaic Church, browsing Target, doing yoga, collecting an obscene amount of children’s books, and getting coffee with friends.
Areas served: Dallas Clinic, NeuroAdaptive™ Specialist
Tori Homan, OTR, MOT, CBS
Occupational Therapist, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Clinical Director
I am a registered occupational therapist of nearly 8 years, mother of two children, and wife to Jeremy. Texan by birth, I am an adventurer and love to learn all that I can about any subject.
I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 2018. Since then, I have worked in pediatrics in almost all settings– home health, school-based, and outpatient. I have learned a lot in various settings as well as participated in continuing education courses related to sensory integration, primitive reflexes, and motor development. I am also trauma-informed and have training with mental health conditions including ADHD, Autism, and more. I am a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, taking a look at infants’ feeding along with their motor milestones.
Much like Katie, I value holistic, family-centered therapy. I take a look at everything from sleep to play and everything in between. Keeping the child and family at the core, I find what’s meaningful to them in order to support their development, both physically and mentally.
You can find me being mom most days, watching my kids run wild outside, collecting snail shells with a cup of coffee and a good book. Other times are spent with my husband, most likely outside or serving at our church, HighRidge.
Areas served: Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, North Fort Worth, Trophy Club, North Richland Hills, and surrounding areas.
Dallas clinic, NeuroaAdaptive™ Specialist
Brenna Duke, OT, MOT
Occupational Therapist
I am an occupational therapist of 11 years, mother of two children, and wife to Kevin. I was born and raised in Texas, but I love exploring new places.
I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy from UT Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) in 2014. Since then, I have worked in outpatient and home health pediatrics settings. I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful mentors and colleagues, both in occupational therapy as well as other therapies during my time as an OT. I have attended continuing education courses related to sensory integration, primitive reflexes, motor skills, handwriting, behavior management, visual deficits, and executive function. I am certified with Interactive Metronome and The Listening Program. I have worked with patients with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism, ADHD, TBI, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cancer, and multiple syndromes. Many of my patients are between the ages of 0-18, but I have worked with young adults up to age 28.
I value a team effort when practicing therapy. I believe that one of the most important objectives for occupational therapy is to improve overall quality of life. I believe that there is always room for growth and that there will always be opportunities to learn. I am very play-based and child-led in my treatment sessions, and I strive to build a positive and trusting relationship with all of my patients and their families to make the most out of each session.
When I’m not working, I am typically watching my kids play baseball, finding new coffee shops, spending time with my family, exploring parks, or traveling!
Areas served: Dallas clinic and mobile services in McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, and surrounding areas.
Jodi Dietz, OTR, MOT, SIPT Certified
Occupational Therapist
I have been practicing as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 30 years and always say I have the greatest job in the world! I joined Bright Beginnings in September and am thrilled to be part of this team. I am a mother of two girls and wife to Jay. My husband and I were born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.
I attended New York University for undergraduate and graduate studies, receiving my Master of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy in 1993. Throughout my career, I have specialized in Pediatrics, practicing in New York, Florida, and Texas in a variety of settings. I have worked with children 0-21 years of age with varying diagnoses. I started my career in New York working in schools, home health and outpatient clinics. Upon moving to Florida, I worked at a hospital starting as a staff therapist and eventually becoming Supervisor of the Occupational Therapy Department. While at the hospital, I had the opportunity to work in outpatient and inpatient settings, the Early Intervention Program clinic, and the NICU. As my children became school age, I wanted more of a work-life balance and opened up my own company. I serviced children 0-18 years old at their schools or homes. Since moving to Texas, I went back to working with children in an outpatient clinic, but I am now excited about the opportunity to go back to my passion, which is working with children in their natural environments.
In the course of my career, I have had extensive continuing education primarily focusing on sensory processing and handwriting. I have designed multiple sensory spaces in homes, schools, hospitals, and clinics as well as sensory curriculums. My second love is handwriting. I was trained in the Learning Without Tears program at the onset of my career and have used it on a daily basis since. I have also taught numerous workshops on this subject matter and have run Learning Without Tears groups for preschoolers.
My philosophy as a therapist is to treat the whole child. I believe an essential part of treatment is working as a team with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to maximize a child’s success. It takes a village, and I am grateful to be a part of that village!
In my free time, I enjoy activities that feed my mind, body, and soul. I love being in the outdoors, hiking, taking exercise classes, cooking, and traveling. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family.
Areas served: Richardson, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Plano, Lake Highlands, and surrounding areas.
Ragan Henson, OTR, MOT
Occupational Therapist
I grew up in West Texas and am a proud Aggie from Texas A&M University, whoop! I came to Dallas to earn my Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and have called it home ever since. I’ve been practicing for nearly 5 years and am deeply passionate about pediatrics. I began my career in a community-based model partnering with ABA centers and then spent the last 3 years at an outpatient clinic setting. Along the way, I have been fortunate to learn from brilliant mentors and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. My clinical experience includes implementing the Safe and Sound Protocol, leading a group handwriting camp, and becoming certified in Interactive Metronome. I have also completed continuing education in sensory diet development and primitive reflex integration.
My favorite part of my job is watching a child master a new skill and gain confidence where there was previously frustration. I believe my primary role is to help children discover what they are capable of with appropriate adaptations and individualized learning strategies, while equipping parents with practical tools to support development at home. When a kid has a safe place to both struggle and succeed, this is where the magic happens!
I am a problem solver at my core, so I love to brainstorm innovative solutions and teaching methods. I take a strengths-based approach, highlighting each child’s natural abilities while supporting them to grow in their areas of challenge
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, attempting latte art, being outdoors, and playing sports. I’m also involved with a ministry called re:generation, where I serve on Monday nights. I look forward to partnering with you and your amazing kiddo!
Areas served: Dallas clinic and mobile services in Richardson, Dallas, Plano, Lake Highlands, and surrounding areas.
Searching for an “occupational therapist near me?”
You’re in the right place! Bright Beginnings Occupational Therapy & Wellness is accepting new clients for pediatric occupational therapy in Dallas, TX.