pediatric OT — **Meet Owner Cynthia Pepper, MS, OTR/L**

Cynthia Pepper is a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding therapist and child development expert. She has worked with thousands of children and families across 4 continents and has made it her mission to bring more happiness to households. Cynthia holds an MS in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University & an MA in Comparative Education from the University of London. She gained additional expertise in Child Development and Education through graduate work at the the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Cynthia trained and completed mentorship in the SOS approach to Feeding and has other advanced training as a pediatric feeding therapist including the CAN-EAT® approach and Wolf & Glass’s Feeding Disorders in Infancy: Assessment and Management.
As a former and forever teacher, Cynthia is passionate about early childhood and parent education and seeks to make learning and skill development fun for people of all ages and abilities. Cynthia wrote “The Everyday 8 Baby Guide”, a guide for new parents on motor development for babies 0-4 months, available on Applebooks. Through her consulting and therapy business, the tot OT, Cynthia works with families in the Valley and across the US.
Cynthia is thrilled to open this dream center— **the tot Spot PHX**— to share her vision and passion with families in the Phoenix area.

Meet Our Amazing Team of Expert Clinicians

Jen Bragg, MS, RDN, CDN

Jen Bragg, MS, RDN, CDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and is also known around the tot spot PHX as “the Jen of all trades”. Besides being able to consult families on all things allergies and nutrition, she is critical to the day-to-day operations of the new center. You will see her solving tech issues, assembling furniture and liaising with our vendors. She most likely has an answer to any of your logistical questions or knows how to find the answer.
Jen has her Master’s Degree in Dietetics from Eastern Michigan University and a BA from UCLA. Having worked as a nutritionist at WIC (Women, Infant and Children) in Jersey City, she has specific expertise in children 0-5 years and parent consulting. Jen has a food allergy to garlic and onion so she has first hand experience with food allergies and not being able to eat everything. You can learn more about her expertise at her website.
Jen is here to help you find food products that you and your family can eat as well as bring awareness to food allergies. You can book a private consult with her to discuss your individual child’s and family’s dietary needs.
Cortney Kelly, M.S., CCC-SLP

Cortney Kelly, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed pediatric speech therapist who loves working with children and families. Cortney has worked in a variety of settings including pediatric hospitals,home health, and interdisciplinary clinics. She has enjoyed working with both neurotypical children and children with a range of special needs. Cortney’s favorite age to work with include early talkers (12-18 months), and social-language learners.
Throughout her career she has obtained extra training in social thinking therapy, developmental play, and is now also a certified 95 hour children’s yoga teacher. As a mother herself, Cortney is very passionate about setting realistic expectations and attainable goals for families that everyone can achieve.
As a parent, she understands the complexities of everyday life with a child and the dedication and humbling process behind parenting. She loves teaching families how to make language/play an accessible and functional part of daily routines. Her vision at the Tot Spot is to connect with children/parents and provide a safe space for the developmental/emotional well-being and growth of the child and family.

OUR SPECIALTIES

Baby motor support

Employing creative strategies for tots who are having trouble with tummytime, sitting, crawling and other motor milestones!
Sensory & Fine Motor

Helping little ones regulate to sit and learn and making writing, drawing and other fine motor activities fun for kids!
Child Yoga and Self-Regulation

Helping little ones explore their bodies in space and learn calming strategies all in a fun, playful way!
Feeding Consults

Making mealtime less stressful for families and food exploration fun for children of all ages!
Language Development and Social Support

Coaching parents in reciprocal language strategies and development of communication skills through play.
Parent Coaching

Empowering parents with the tools to help their littles thrive!
Teaching Groups

Sharing knowledge with groups, practicing strategies and helping to facilitate communities!
Nutrition and Allergy Consults

Helping families plan nutritious meals that take into account allergies and food sensitivities.