Maria graduated from Elizabethtown College in 1987. Maria started her OT career with adult rehab and work hardening, in an innovative program of on-site rehab. In 2007, she joined Austills as an independent contractor in Lancaster County. She joined the management team in 2012, in Delaware County then returning to her roots, covering the Lancaster, York, Dauphin County areas! The team here at Austill’s has been amazing – the longevity, creativity, work ethic and knowledge base is unmatched.
Elena Spearing, PT, DPT, PCS, MBA Director of Clinical Operations
Elena has been a PT for over 30 years with experience in a variety of pediatric settings including inpatient acute care and rehab, outpatient, schools and early intervention. She has been with Austill's since 2013, first as a treating therapist and then transitioned to a manager in 2022. She loves school-based practice because it allows her to help students reach their full potential in their educational setting. She feels Austill's is a great place for therapists to find the work-life balance that they need.
Laura “LBN” graduated from Juniata College (bio/psych) in 1986 and University of Pittsburgh (Occupational Therapy) in 1992. She began her career in Pittsburgh working in the acute rehab setting with adults recovering from strokes, spinal cord and brain injuries. She continued in this practice setting in the Philadelphia area, becoming a clinical coordinator of the stroke team. As a life learner she wanted to explore pediatric school-based practice. She began working as a contractor with Austill’s in 2006 and fell in love with this setting. In 2011 she joined Austill’s management team as the Placement and Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator, became SIPT certified and advanced to Director in 2018. Laura loves collaborating with the AOT and Austill’s family, learning the best practice methods and connecting with therapists to enhance the lives of the students. In her free time she loves reading, cooking, crocheting, dog sitting her son’s fur babies, hiking, and traveling!
Jessica Johnston graduated from Oakland University (Rochester, MI) with her Master of Physical Therapy and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Arcadia University. Jessica enjoys the continuous learning environment of the therapy world and earned her Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist standing in 2022. She has spent most of her career (20+ years) working in the school-based setting and loves the supportive and family-oriented atmosphere that Austill’s is able to foster with its therapists. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family.
Melody Ovitsky, OTR/L Manager of Educational Therapy Services
Melody Ovitsky joined AOT Inc. in 1991. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. As a staff occupational therapist, Melody has worked for AOT providing services for adults in acute care and rehab settings, outpatient hand clients, and adults with developmental disabilities. Her primary focus is now with pediatric clients ranging from birth to 21. Training staff therapists to provide early intervention services (birth through preschool age) is her passion. She assumed the role of Educational Manager in 1993. She has post-graduate certification in pediatric neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) and therapeutic listening.
Kristin Harding MOT, OTR/L Manager of Educational Therapy Services
Kristin received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994, followed by her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Texas Women's University in 1997. She has practiced as a pediatric occupational therapist since 1998, with almost 19 of those years dedicated to the school-based setting. She also has over 23 years of management experience.
As a clinician, Kristin has worked with children of all ages and diagnoses, developing a wide repertoire of skills. Her expertise includes sensory integration, visual perception, and visual motor skills. She has advanced training in sensory integration, earning her certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) in 2002. Kristin is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who uses creative, meaningful, and fun activities and interventions to help children gain independence and essential skills. She strives to help children achieve their full potential. As an educational manager, Kristin is insightful and responsive, with a wealth of experience in staff training and development. She is passionate about creating resources and sharing ideas, strategies, and tools to support and foster the growth of therapists in the educational environment. Kristin has presented on a variety of topics in the community, workplace, and school settings. She works closely with school districts to ensure high-quality therapy services that contribute to students' success.
AOT provides a positive and supportive work environment with amazing coworkers. Working for AOT Inc. over the last 19 years has given Kristin the flexibility to pursue her professional goals while balancing personal life and responsibilities.
Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks with her husband and two dogs, tackling DIY home projects, and taking Pilates classes.
Marketing, Business Development, and Client Success
