Our Team
CTS’ team focuses on providing individualized, family-focused, evidenced-based services. We are happy to listen to your needs and place you with the best provider for you!
Children's Therapy Services
Our Amazing Team
(Overland Park and College Boulevard)
Tara Krause
Owner | SLP
Tara is a Kansas City native who took ownership of CTS in April 2023 after being the director for several years. Before CTS, Tara directed the therapy program at a private separate day school in Kansas City with extensive training in behavioral modification. Tara’s director skills have trained her in leadership, billing, and clinic organization and she assists CTS in running all daily activities. You may see her around the clinic or behind the front desk with her dog, Frank. Tara is experienced diagnosing and treating receptive and expressive language delays, autism spectrum disorder, pragmatic language delays, phonological disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), reading/literacy, and feeding/swallowing.
Dana Nagel
Lead OT
Dana is from central Kansas and is happy to be back in KC after moving out of state following graduation from the University of Kansas Medical Center with a Masters in OT. She has spent her whole career in pediatrics, primarily in outpatient clinics. Dana has also worked in the school systems and at a therapeutic preschool. She has treated a variety of diagnoses including Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, and rare generic disorders, ages 6 months to over 21 years. Dana emphases client-centered care and collaboration with family for the best outcomes for each child. In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason, and their goldendoodle, Phog.
Ann Kirkland
Lead SLP Apraxia Specialist Apraxia Kids Directory
Andrea Onnen
SLP
Andrea is a Kansas City native who received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University and her Master’s from the University of Kansas. She enjoys treating teens and young adults experiencing Exercise-Induced Vocal Cord Dysfunction. She has experience working with kids with developmental delays, childhood apraxia of speech, is trained in DTTC, language and articulation delays, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and dyslexia. She is passionate about early intervention and working with children and their families to achieve their communication goals.
When she’s not at CTS, Andrea loves spending time with her family and friends, as well as reading, hiking and going to concerts.
McKenzie Downey
OT
Kenzie is a Kansas City native who attended Rockhurst University for both her graduate and undergraduate degrees. Kenzie has a background in early childhood education. She has experience with children of all ages and enjoys working with both children and adolescents. She has experience working with children with a range of developmental conditions including Autism, ADHD, down syndrome, genetic conditions and more. Kenzie is experienced in treating motor coordination, fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, executive functioning, sensory processing, and self regulation. She is passionate about collaborating with families to promote carry over across all environments. In her free time, Kenzie enjoys crafting, spending time with friends and family, exercising, and hanging out with her two little poodles!
Kenzie is a Kansas City native who attended Rockhurst University for both her graduate and undergraduate degrees. Kenzie has a background in early childhood education. She has experience with children of all ages and enjoys working with both children and adolescents. She has experience working with children with a range of developmental conditions including Autism, ADHD, down syndrome, genetic conditions and more. Kenzie is experienced in treating motor coordination, fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, executive functioning, sensory processing, and self regulation. She is passionate about collaborating with families to promote carry over across all environments. In her free time, Kenzie enjoys crafting, spending time with friends and family, exercising, and hanging out with her two little poodles!
Kelly Stacy
SLP
Megan Clausen
SLP
Megan is a Nebraska native, but calls Kansas City her home. She earned her graduate degree at Rockhurst University. Megan worked with a variety of communication disorders with clients across the lifespan as a graduate clinician. Her experience working with children includes receptive and expressive language delays, phonological and articulation disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Megan is ecstatic to be a part of this team and continues to expand her skill set through continuing education. She loves being able to work with children alongside their families to achieve their goals. In her free time, she enjoys exploring KC, going on runs, and spending time with friends and family.
Jenna Wilson
SLP
Jenna is an Overland Park native who earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas. Through her experiences working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Jenna discovered a passion for supporting receptive and expressive language using multimodal communication, specifically Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She is interested in expanding her knowledge of pediatric feeding by collaborating with families and caregivers to encourage responsive feeding techniques. Jenna values establishing relationships through creating an encouraging therapeutic atmosphere. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and being creative through sewing, knitting, crocheting, or making pottery.
Emma Walker
OT
Emma is an Iowa native who moved to Kansas City to complete her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Rockhurst University. She quickly grew to love KC and now calls it home. Emma has worked in an early intervention autism program and held a variety of childhood development roles. She has experience with autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, sensory processing disorder, and various fine and gross motor needs. Emma is passionate about working with each child and family to determine their unique abilities while helping them to reach their goals. In her free time, Emma loves to travel, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
Mady Cole
SLP
Mady is a Kansas native who received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Kansas State University. Mady has worked with a variety of communication disorders and clients across the lifespan. Throughout her experience, she discovered a passion for infant and toddler feeding therapy. She is eager to expand her knowledge through continuing education and working with caregivers and families to provide positive feeding experiences for this population. Mady values early intervention and building relationships with each child and their caregivers. She is very excited to be a part of the CTS team!
Noelle Walker
SLP Evenings
Noelle is a Kansas native, who was born in Lawrence, KS. She got her undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas and her graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. Noelle has experience working with Autism, receptive and expressive language delays, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and articulation disorders. Noelle is excited to be part of the Children’s Therapy Services team and continue to grow and learn as a clinician. Noelle loves to incorporate play in therapy and help children grow to achieve their goals. In her free time, Noelle loves hanging out with her friends, her cat, Chester, and going to Yoga.
Aubrey Beyer
SLP
College location
Aubrey is a Kansas native who received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wichita State University. She has experience working with a variety of communication disorders and clients across the lifespan. Her clinical experience includes working with children with developmental delays, expressive and receptive language delays, phonological and articulation disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Aubrey is also interested in further developing her knowledge of pediatric feeding therapy and enjoys partnering with families and caregivers to support positive, child-led feeding experiences. She enjoys creating engaging, play-based therapy sessions tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. Aubrey is passionate about helping children build confidence in their communication skills while fostering meaningful relationships with clients and their families. Aubrey looks forward to continuing to grow her clinical knowledge through collaboration and continuing education, and she is excited to be a part of the CTS team!
Sarah Brundage
OT
director of College location
Sarah graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University in 2021. Her passion for occupational therapy was initially sparked by growing up working at a camp for children with disabilities.
Her professional experience spans both school and pediatric outpatient settings. She has extensive training in sensory integration and sensory processing, reflex integration, and listening programs for auditory sensitivities. Additionally, she prioritizes involving parents and caregivers in sessions to collaborate on the strategies that work best for each child.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys attending workout classes, baking sourdough, and visiting local coffee shops with her husband and dog.
Children's Therapy Services
Our Amazing Team
Elaina Abrams
Physical Therapist
Elaina is excited to bring her family-centered, play-based approach to CTS. Outside of work, she’s an avid sports fan — always cheering on the Hawkeyes and Steelers. She also enjoys reading, exercising, tackling a good puzzle, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sarah Ayers
Clinic Director, Lead SLP
Sarah is a Kansas native and earned her bachelor and masters degrees from The University of Kansas. She previously worked in public schools, which gave her experience in supporting a wide variety of communication needs. She has experience working with speech sound disorders, receptive and expressive language delays, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism, and dyslexia. Sarah loves pursuing continuing education to better her therapy practices. Outside of work, you’ll find her playing with her twin sons, reading fiction, and crafting.
Sarah is a Kansas native and earned her bachelor and masters degrees from The University of Kansas. She previously worked in public schools, which gave her experience in supporting a wide variety of communication needs. She has experience working with speech sound disorders, receptive and expressive language delays, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism, and dyslexia. Sarah loves pursuing continuing education to better her therapy practices. Outside of work, you’ll find her playing with her twin sons, reading fiction, and crafting.
Dr. Arianna Sparks
Clinical Psychologist
Arianna returned to her Kansas City roots as a clinical psychologist for CTS after spending 3 years as a psychologist in Sioux Falls, SD. She earned her PhD in School Psychology from Oklahoma State University before completing pre- and post-doctoral fellowships at the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health in Omaha, NE. Arianna has experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of presenting concerns including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ODD. She enjoys helping children and their families find strategies that allow them to reach their full potential and live a life they enjoy. She loves spending her free time with family and friends
Sarah Pitzer
SLP
Sarah is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University. She has experience working in the public school system with students across a variety of ages and communication needs, including expressive and receptive language differences, speech sound disorders, Autism, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), traumatic brain injury, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Sarah has pursued additional continuing education focused on supporting Gestalt Language Processors, including the use of AAC to support meaningful communication. She is also continuing to grow her knowledge and skills in supporting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile related to communication needs in collaboration with OT. Sarah is passionate about meeting children where they are and partnering with families to help each child build confidence, success, and empowerment in their communication.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, running, rock climbing, and adventuring around the KC area.
Deanna Thorne
Lead OT
Deanna is a native of Kansas City and a graduate of the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she earned a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She has dedicated the majority of her career to pediatrics, with extensive experience in school-based settings. In addition, she was a program director and instructor for doctoral level occupational therapy students, coordinated students capstone projects, and has worked in home health and skilled nursing,
Deanna has a strong interest in assistive technology and is passionate about collaborating with clients and families to support meaningful participation in home and community life. She has experience treating children and young adults—from 6 months to 21 years old—across a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, and rare genetic conditions.
When she is not working, some of her other favorite occupations are spending time with family and friends, attending live performances, gardening and reading.
Claire Torralba
OT
Claire is a Kansas City native. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Missouri State University. Claire has experience in working with children with autism, as well as emotional regulation, sensory processing, and developmental delays. She also has experience in working with infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly. Claire is passionate about ccollaborating with clients and their families to reach their goals.
In her free time, Claire enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing crafts, and spending time with her dog, Bonnie.
Sarah Emery
OT
Sarah is originally from St. Louis and attended the University of Kansas for both her undergraduate degree and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Sarah has always been passionate about advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which played a major role in her decision to become an occupational therapist. She has experience working with children diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and developmental delays, along with research experience in neurorehabilitation and evidence-based interventions to support functional recovery and participation. Sarah is excited to support children and families while continuing to grow her clinical skills and create a fun, encouraging, and collaborative therapy environment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and binge watching cooking competitions and reality TV shows.
Cassie is a graduate of the University of Kansas Medical Center with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and holds a B.A. in Psychology from UMKC. She has experience working with children of various ages and ability levels across school and clinical settings, including children with Autism, traumatic brain injuries, sensory processing differences, and cerebral palsy.
In recent years, Cassie has become more involved in the autism diagnostic process and continues to expand her practice through ongoing learning about PDA and how to integrate supportive, low demand strategies into therapy sessions.
Cassie prioritizes connection and felt safety as the foundation of her work. She believes meaningful progress happens when children feel understood and supported, allowing therapy to balance the “just right challenge” while meeting each child where they are. She especially values collaborating with parents and enjoys working as a team to develop individualized strategies that support carryover from the clinic into everyday life at home.
In her free time, Cassie enjoys spending time outdoors, socializing with family and friends, reading, taking care of her cats, rock climbing, and practicing acrobatic yoga.
Reagan Linn
SLP
Reagan completed her undergraduate degree in Speech-Langauge-Hearing at the University of Kansas and obtained a graduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Fort Hays State University. She is so excited to work at CTS as a pediatric speech-language pathologist!
She is a proud dog momma, love a long walks, travel, and can be found at coffee shops on the weekends. Her clinical interests include pragmatic therapy and working with AAC devices!
Lauren Hampel
SLP
Lauren is a Kansas City native who received her undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University and her masters degree from Baylor University. She has experience working with preschoolers in both the school and clinical setting, ranging from expressive receptive language disorders, speech sound disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Alternative Augmentative Communication, and social communication deficits. Lauren is trained in DTTC to address motor speech skills in children with CAS. She is also trained in treating Gestalt Language Processors. Lauren is passionate about helping each of her clients find their authentic voice and teaching families how to promote communication skills in their children. In her free time, Lauren enjoys doing yoga, playing with her frenchie puppy Tilly, and learning to bake sourdough bread.
Children's Therapy Services
Our Amazing Team
Tara Krause
Owner | SLP
Tara is a Kansas City native who has been working as a clinical director for several years. Before CTS, Tara directed the therapy program at a private separate day school in Kansas City with extensive training in behavioral modification. Tara’s director skills have trained her in leadership, billing, and clinic organization and she assists CTS in running all daily activities. You may see her around the clinic or behind the front desk with her dog, Frank. Tara is experienced diagnosing and treating receptive and expressive language delays, autism spectrum disorder, pragmatic language delays, phonological disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), reading/literacy, and feeding/swallowing.
Dana Nagel
OTR | Lead OT
Ann Kirkland
Lead SLP Apraxia Specialist Apraxia Kids Directory
Andrea Onnen
SLP Overland Park and Mission
Andrea is a Kansas City native who received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University and her Master’s from the University of Kansas. She enjoys treating teens and young adults experiencing Exercise-Induced Vocal Cord Dysfunction. She has experience working with kids with developmental delays, childhood apraxia of speech, is trained in DTTC, language and articulation delays, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and dyslexia. She is passionate about early intervention and working with children and their families to achieve their communication goals.
McKenzie Downey
OTR
Kenzie is a Kansas City native who attended Rockhurst University for both her graduate and undergraduate degrees. Kenzie has a background in early childhood education. She has experience with children of all ages and enjoys working with both children and adolescents. She has experience working with children with a range of developmental conditions including Autism, ADHD, down syndrome, genetic conditions and more. Kenzie is experienced in treating motor coordination, fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, executive functioning, sensory processing, and self regulation. She is passionate about collaborating with families to promote carry over across all environments. In her free time, Kenzie enjoys crafting, spending time with friends and family, exercising, and hanging out with her two little poodles!
Kelly Stacy
SLP
Megan Clausen
SLP
Megan is a Nebraska native, but calls Kansas City her home. She earned her graduate degree at Rockhurst University. Megan worked with a variety of communication disorders with clients across the lifespan as a graduate clinician. Her experience working with children includes receptive and expressive language delays, phonological and articulation disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Megan is ecstatic to be a part of this team and continues to expand her skill set through continuing education. She loves being able to work with children alongside their families to achieve their goals. In her free time, she enjoys exploring KC, going on runs, and spending time with friends and family.
Jenna Wilson
SLP
Jenna is an Overland Park native who earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas. Through her experiences working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Jenna discovered a passion for supporting receptive and expressive language using multimodal communication, specifically Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She is interested in expanding her knowledge of pediatric feeding by collaborating with families and caregivers to encourage responsive feeding techniques. Jenna values establishing relationships through creating an encouraging therapeutic atmosphere. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and being creative through sewing, knitting, crocheting, or making pottery.
Emma Walker
OTR
Emma is an Iowa native who moved to Kansas City to complete her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Rockhurst University. She quickly grew to love KC and now calls it home. Emma has worked in an early intervention autism program and held a variety of childhood development roles. She has experience with autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, sensory processing disorder, and various fine and gross motor needs. Emma is passionate about working with each child and family to determine their unique abilities while helping them to reach their goals. In her free time, Emma loves to travel, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
Mady Cole
SLP
Mady is a Kansas native who received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Kansas State University. Mady has worked with a variety of communication disorders and clients across the lifespan. Throughout her experience, she discovered a passion for infant and toddler feeding therapy. She is eager to expand her knowledge through continuing education and working with caregivers and families to provide positive feeding experiences for this population. Mady values early intervention and building relationships with each child and their caregivers. She is very excited to be a part of the CTS team!
Sarah Ayers
Clinic Director, Lead SLP
Sarah is a Kansas native and earned her bachelor and masters degrees from The University of Kansas. She previously worked in public schools, which gave her experience in supporting a wide variety of communication needs. She has experience working with phonological and articulation disorders, receptive and expressive language delays, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Autism. She describes her therapy style as relationship-focused and loves pursuing continuing education to better her therapy practices. Outside of work, you’ll find her playing with her twin sons, reading fiction, or watching movies with her husband.
Dr. Arianna Sparks
Clinical Psychologist
Arianna returned to her Kansas City roots as a clinical psychologist for CTS after spending 3 years as a psychologist in Sioux Falls, SD. She earned her PhD in School Psychology from Oklahoma State University before completing pre- and post-doctoral fellowships at the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health in Omaha, NE. Arianna has experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of presenting concerns including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ODD. She enjoys helping children and their families find strategies that allow them to reach their full potential and live a life they enjoy. She loves spending her free time with family and friends
Sarah Pitzer
SLP
Sarah is originally from Fort Worth, Texas and earned both her bachelor and masters degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Kansas State University. During her graduate career and time working in the school system, she has gained experience working with children with expressive and receptive language delays, articulation and phonology disorders, Autism, traumatic brain injuries, and hard of hearing individuals. Sarah is excited to work with children and their families to grow in their communication skills! In her free time, Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, reading, rock climbing, and continuing to explore the KC area.
Deanna Thorne
OTR/L
Deanna is a native of Kansas City and a graduate of the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she earned a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She has dedicated the majority of her career to pediatrics, with extensive experience in school-based settings. In addition, she was a program director and instructor for doctoral level occupational therapy students, coordinated students capstone projects, and has worked in home health and skilled nursing,
Deanna has a strong interest in assistive technology and is passionate about collaborating with clients and families to support meaningful participation in home and community life. She has experience treating children and young adults—from 6 months to 21 years old—across a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, and rare genetic conditions.
When she is not working, some of her other favorite occupations are spending time with family and friends, attending live performances, gardening and reading.
Claire Torralba
OT
Claire is a Kansas City native. She earned her bachelors and masters degrees from Missouri State University. Claire has experience in working with children with autism, as well as emotional regulation, sensory processing, and developmental delays. She also has experience in working with infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly. Claire is excited to collaborate with clients and their families to reach their goals. In her free time, Claire enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing crafts, and spending time with her dog, Bonnie.
Cassie Winter
OTR Lead OT
Cassie is a graduate of the University of Kansas Medical Center with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and holds a B.A. in Psychology from UMKC. She has experience working with children of various ages and ability levels across school and clinical settings, including children with Autism, traumatic brain injuries, sensory processing differences, and cerebral palsy.
In recent years, Cassie has become more involved in the autism diagnostic process and continues to expand her practice through ongoing learning about PDA and how to integrate supportive, low demand strategies into therapy sessions.
Cassie prioritizes connection and felt safety as the foundation of her work. She believes meaningful progress happens when children feel understood and supported, allowing therapy to balance the “just right challenge” while meeting each child where they are. She especially values collaborating with parents and enjoys working as a team to develop individualized strategies that support carryover from the clinic into everyday life at home.
In her free time, Cassie enjoys spending time outdoors, socializing with family and friends, reading, taking care of her cats, rock climbing, and practicing acrobatic yoga.
Serena McCown
SLP
Serena is a Colorado native, but has absolutely loved her time in Kansas City. She earned her bachelor’s from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and masters degrees from University of Central Missouri. She has experience working with children with receptive and expressive language delays, phonological disorders, Alternative and Augmentative Communication, and Autism. Serena is excited
to work with children and their families to help progress all modes of communication. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her animals (Sky, Teddy, Stevie, and Lulu), gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Lauren Hampel
SLP
Lauren is a Kansas City native who received her undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University and her masters degree from Baylor University. She has experience working with preschoolers in both the school and clinical setting, ranging from expressive receptive language disorders, speech sound disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Alternative Augmentative Communication, and social communication deficits. Lauren is trained in DTTC to address motor speech skills in children with CAS. She is also trained in treating Gestalt Language Processors. Lauren is passionate about helping each of her clients find their authentic voice and teaching families how to promote communication skills in their children. In her free time, Lauren enjoys doing yoga, playing with her frenchie puppy Tilly, and learning to bake sourdough bread.
Noelle Walker
SLP Evenings
Noelle is a Kansas native, who was born in Lawrence, KS. She got her undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas and her graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. Noelle has experience working with Autism, receptive and expressive language delays, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and articulation disorders. Noelle is excited to be part of the Children’s Therapy Services team and continue to grow and learn as a clinician. Noelle loves to incorporate play in therapy and help children grow to achieve their goals. In her free time, Noelle loves hanging out with her friends, her cat, Chester, and going to Yoga.
Administrative Team
Danna Judd and
Sami Mitchell
Office Managers (Overland Park)
Sir Francis Alexander
AKA Frank
Frank is a Shihpoo that is excited to welcome you to CTS! He is currently 10 years old! Kids love his fluffy fur and calm demeanor. Frank generally stays in the office, but if kids ask to see him, he will come say hi! In his free time, Frank enjoys taking walks around the park, playing fetch, and getting belly rubs.
Lanee Plumlee
Office Manager (Mission)
At CTS we pride ourselves in having a well-educated team with diverse clinical backgrounds providing evidence-based practice. Our clinic culture is fun, dynamic, and team-based. We are always looking for outside the box thinkers, go-getters with a unique skill-set to bring to our growing team. If you are interested in working with an amazing team of therapists, please send resumes along with a letter of intent to hello@childrenstherapycts.com. We are always accepting resumes even when an opening is not listed.
CTS has an opening for an Occupational Therapist at our College Blvd location. Full Time