Our Team
We are a close-knit team of occupational therapists who are passionate about collaboration and ongoing learning to help kids experience joy and reach their full potential.
Amy Buchholz, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Lead Clinincian & Co-Owner
Amy is passionate about her work with children, and finds joy and fulfillment when helping families. She has been practicing as a pediatric occupational therapist since 1999, when she received her degree from the University of Florida.
Having worked in many pediatric practice settings, she's firmly settled on the small patient practice as the best way to connect with a family and support system. So she founded Bright Spot with her partner Ryan in 2017.
She has sought extensive post-graduate training and is committed to continual learning to stay at the forefront in her field:
- Level 1 Intensive Mentorship at the STAR Center
- mentorship in the DIR/Floortime Approach with Profectum faculty member and educator Kiegan Blake, OTR/L, M.A.Ed.
- SOS Feeding approach, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, Pediatric Yoga, and Collaborative Problem Solving among others.
Amy is a craft artist on the side, an acrobat in a local circus company, and a lover of dance.
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Danielle Williams, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
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Danielle graduated with her doctoral degree in occupational therapy from Pacific University in May, 2015. She participated in a 12-week internship and completed her capstone project at Sensory Kids in 2015, and was immediately invited to join the team. She holds passion for knowledge and a never-ending quest to learn. She has sought extensive training and post-graduate education, including Level 1 and 2 mentorship at the Star Center, as well as intensive training in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Danielle loves working with children and families, and is building our adult program to support adults with sensory processing. Outside of work she enjoys travel and ballroom dancing!
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Emily Schmidt, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Emily graduated from Loma Linda University in 2010 with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Having first worked in the public schools, she became part of the team here at Sensory Kids in 2012. She has received extensive training and mentorship during that time, and has always been passionate about continuing to further her knowledge base. She has received training in the Level 1 and 2 Intensive Mentorship programs at the STAR Center, and has completed courses in DIR/Floortime, the SOS protocol for feeding therapy, and Handwriting Without Tears. She enjoys developing relationships with kids and families, and is passionate about the intensive model of therapy and parent education. She strives to create strategies and therapeutic tools that families can take home to help their kids live more functional and happier lives. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves climbing & paddleboarding.
Ellie Brody
Ryan Moskal
Practice Manager & Co-Owner
Ryan is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he studied electrical and computer engineering. He began his professional life as a systems engineer in the aerospace industry before leaving to pursue other interests.
He entered the world of small business to manage finances and operations for a custom bicycle company (Ryan loves bicycles). And then joined Amy to support her work, as partner in life and business, and has been co-owner and practice manager of Bright Spot for four years now.
His skills as a systems engineer and exceptionally organized, thoughtful, and efficient human have translated incredibly well to laying the foundation for a small clinic. He maintains a strong focus on the client experience, to establish clear communication and understanding with parents about their insurance and billing during the therapy process.
Outside the office, Ryan enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and meditation.
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Hello! I’m Amanda Kleist and I’m a licensed, registered occupational therapist serving individuals and families in the greater Portland metro area. Originally from New Mexico, I completed my undergraduate education in Boise, Idaho and graduated from Pacific University here in Oregon in 2020 with my Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. After graduating I spent time working in program development to support health equity and access within the context of a non-profit working with resettled refugees. I went on to serve families and adults with a play and relationship based sensory integration lens. I have completed the STAR Institute Level 1 Advanced Mentorship in Sensory Integration and have found immense joy in collaborating with families and individuals to meet a myriad of needs through play.I am driven by empowering kids, families, and adults in engaging in all of the things they love and need to do and by advocating for occupational justice in our community and larger health systems. Neuro affirming practices are the cornerstone of my practice approach, and I find it vital to meet each and every person where they are to harness their unique strengths for healing, growth, and meaningful engagement. When I’m not working as an OT, I enjoy going on hikes, singing, dancing, playing sports, cooking, playing video games, reading, and exploring with my family and my dog.