Our Conquer Team
Company Owners
My name is Danielle Schenk. I am a wife, mother, and Pediatric Occupational Therapist. With over a decade of experience, I have been blessed to work with amazing children, mothers, fathers, teachers, and other professionals. Through each experience, my knowledge and love for this career path has grown exponentially.
The clients and families I work with truly have inspired me to strive for our business model to be unique. My passion is to educate as many people as I can to empower them to have the necessary tools needed to live a life full of possibilities. Over the course of my career, I have used my knowledge and skill set to support the individual needs of my clients to help them feel connected at home, school, and in the community. The best result as a clinician is knowing clients feel their best selves with their family, friends, and in the environments they interact in daily.
I have had the privilege to work with medically complex children, children with feeding difficulties from infants through childhood, new mothers navigating postpartum issues while also learning to take care of a newborn, children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing difficulties, and many other children with a vast range of abilities. I pride myself on seeing the whole picture, and then breaking it apart to find the root cause(s) as to what may be limiting a client to reach his or her full potential. I want caregivers to feel heard and work together to find solutions that really make a positive impact in a client’s life. I look forward to serving many more individuals in the years to come.
My name is Jamie Schonhoff. I am a wife, a mom of three kids, and a pediatric occupational therapist. My core mission personally and professionally is to help all individuals find and reach their fullest potential in order to live a meaningful life. I believe every person has a purpose and ability to bring light to the world. As an occupational therapist, my job is to facilitate this discovery and growth.
Throughout my journey as an occupational therapist, I have been blessed to work with hundreds of amazing individuals ranging from birth – 21 years old. One of my greatest accomplishments is being a piece of their growth. That growth has looked unique for each person but includes becoming more independent with daily routines, learning how to self-determine and self-advocate, integrate one’s own sensory systems and learn how to regulate one’s emotions and behaviors, transitioning to independent living, developing pre-vocational skills, learning how to improve executive functioning, leisure exploration, and other skills such as fine motor, visual motor, handwriting, oral motor/ feeding. During each of these experiences, my guiding posts are to stay client-centered and evidence-based during all interventions, adaptations, and consultations.
I have also been fortunate enough to work alongside remarkable teachers, parents/ guardians and therapists. I believe that not only should children feel success, but the adults surrounding them should feel confident and empowered to take on all situations. Because of my holistic background, I have enjoyed providing therapy and consultation in a variety of settings including homes, preschool, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, daycares, workplaces and many other community locales. Through this company, I commit myself everyday to helping others (families, teachers, individuals, therapists) meet their utmost potential.
Occupational Therapists
My name is Jeanette Seitrich. I am a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who graduated from St. Louis University and absolutely love helping others achieve their goals. I am a wife to an incredible and loving man and proud mother to 4 amazing and extremely busy children (twin 12 year olds, 4, and 2). I have coached girls volleyball for the past 10 years and most recently, I was lucky enough to have coached my daughters team that competed in the National Championship the past two years.
I began my career working in a school setting through Special School District providing skilled therapy to a diverse group of students for 5 years in both the general educational setting and self contained classroom. I collaborated closely with ABA Specialists, special education teachers, and SLPs to develop therapy programs designed to develop and assist my patients in school and throughout their lives. I then transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital outpatient therapy department where I continued to provide skilled developmental and sensory therapy and specialized in Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
During my time as a therapist I have worked with a diverse group of children with a wide variety of diagnosis and abilities. My passion for the development and education of my patients coupled with a strong belief in education and advocacy of parental involvement has fostered trusting lasting relationships with patients and parents. I enjoy collaborating with SLPs to increase access to communication. I thrive with individuals with significant dysregulation and behaviors by educating adults in de-escalation techniques and sensory regulation for improved socialization and emotional regulation. I have years of experience evaluating and developing handwriting and fine motor skills. I take great pleasure in problem solving through modifications and accommodations to allow children to participate in activities to their fullest potential.
My name is Brittany Grimes. I’m originally from Austin, Texas, and first moved to the Midwest to attend the University of Notre Dame. After college, I completed my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Washington University. I recently moved back to St. Louis after working as a school-based OT in the Chicago suburbs. I’m excited to be back in St. Louis and join the Conquer team!
I’m a pediatric occupational therapist who values collaborating with families and using an empathetic and client-centered therapeutic approach. I enjoy working with children of all ages and abilities but have a particular love for working with children in foster care. After being on a team of foster parents through a foster care organization in Texas, I became passionate about bringing OT services to foster families. I love using trauma-informed interventions to empower foster parents and promote the well-being of foster children in their home, school, and community environments.
In addition to foster care, I have experience working with children of a variety of ages and diagnoses in school and outpatient settings. In the school setting, I worked with students ages 3-22 years old and was a member of a multidisciplinary assistive technology team. I particularly enjoy supporting executive functioning, self-regulation, fine motor, and daily living skills. I look forward to meeting you and your child and working together to help your child reach their full potential!
Hi! My name is Megan Wallis. After earning my undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Kansas, I returned to my hometown to pursue a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Though I once dreamed of moving to a bigger city, I’ve come to love and appreciate St. Louis for its great food, passionate sports fans, and kind, down-to-earth people I so value. And having my family and childhood friends nearby is an added perk!
My earliest exposure to the profound impact occupational therapy could have was at the age of 7 or 8 when my first cousin received services after a diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome. I saw how the occupational therapist became a part of the family and the key role they played in helping Ethan live a more fulfilling life. Though I was young, this is what sparked an instant desire to work with individuals across the lifespan – from birth through adolescence into early adulthood. These early years are formative and pivotal, laying the groundwork for an adult life rich with participation, independence, and success across all areas of life.
And though there is nothing I love more than the collaborative, family-centered, and play-based aspects of working with children, I have an equal passion for working with young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As an undergraduate and graduate student, I was fortunate enough to be a care partner with a few young women who further cemented my interest. I formed a bond with them and their families and witnessed the bigger picture of the need for supports that extend past secondary school. It is with that in mind that I dedicated my capstone project in graduate school to helping Conquer become an approved Medicaid waiver service provider, giving us the tools and structure to provide transition to adulthood services for young adults with disabilities and their families.
My work across a few different practice settings has equipped me with sensory processing strategies, emotional regulation techniques, life-skills training, executive functioning approaches, a strong foundation in policy and advocacy efforts, and much more. But I believe my greatest strength is my ability to form strong bonds and trusting relationships with clients and their families. My ability to see a client’s full potential and really listen to their needs helps form this attachment, free of judgment and full of empathy. During such a vulnerable time, it is truly an honor to be entrusted by clients and their families, meeting them where they are, and helping them get to where they want to be.
Outside of work, you will likely find me snuggling with my perfect kitty and amazing two dogs. I enjoy upcycling, music (yes, I’m a Swiftie!), reading, working out, and trying new restaurants. I’m so excited to meet you, and I can’t wait for you to experience all that Conquer has to offer.
My name is Jackie Hardy! Though I am originally from the Chicagoland area, the Cardinals and gooey butter cake kept me in the area after graduating with my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. I am a pediatric occupational therapist who prioritizes connection and building strong alliances with clients and their families. I believe that beneficial occupational therapy rests on a foundation of trust, and I look forward to fostering those relationships with you to best support you and your family.
I have experience working with children and young adults ages 2-24 targeting functional fine motor, visual motor, executive functioning, sensory processing, regulation, and feeding skills. Throughout my therapy sessions, I strive to foster feelings of confidence and accomplishment to encourage children and families towards their goals. My ultimate goal in therapy is to collaborate on the unique tools and strategies that will allow individuals to participate in their daily activities with confidence and satisfaction.
Outside of work, you might find me playing with my cat, exploring coffee shops, singing along to Taylor Swift, or challenging my brain with jigsaw puzzles. I’m excited to learn what you’re passionate about and how I can support you in your occupations!
Speech Therapists
Hi! My name is Jamie Moore, and I am a fire wife to my husband, Ryan, a mother of two little girls, Charley and Peyton, and a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP). St. Louis has always been and always will be HOME to my family and me. However, I did attend Missouri State University in Springfield, MO to receive my Bachelor’s in 2013 and my Master’s in 2015 in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Upon graduating in May of 2015, I began my career as an SLP, back here at home in St. Louis, in a pediatric outpatient clinic for a little over two years. After that, I was an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) SLP in the school setting for six years with kiddos ages three to five years-old.
Throughout the last eight years of my career, I have fallen more and more in love with the field, and I have become extremely passionate about childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, gestalt language learning/processing, sensory needs, oral-motor/feeding, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)- specifically Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP- Words for Life)™. While I love constantly learning about these things and have taken the formal LAMP training and many other continuing education courses on all the other items listed, research never stops evolving. That is what excites me so much! In regards to learning and researching the best, most evidence-based practice, I have to give credit to the many other professionals that I have met, learned from, and/or collaborated with in the last eight years– some of the best teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, vision specialists, reading interventionists, fellow speech-language pathologists, etc. Collaborating with other professionals towards a common/shared goal for a child is one of my favorite parts!
Currently, my daughters are four and two years-old, and I am blessed to be able to enjoy a balance of part-time SLP work through Conquer Therapy Services, part-time travel agent work, and work those two things around being “mommy.” Working AND living with young kids is a dream come true for me. Beyond that, though, I love animals, reading, walking/hiking, swimming, traveling, and probably most of all- eating at restaurants. I am a foodie!
Overall, pediatrics is where my true passion lies, and kids will always have my whole heart, as I am a big kid myself. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I love learning and playing for a living!
Finally, I must mention my new travel agent “gig” is a fun, learning experience, as well, and I am excited and hopeful that I can help families with children with differing needs travel and make lifelong family memories! Whether kiddos need sensory strategies, communication boards or picture aids, visual schedules, social stories, trials or practice, etc., I hope to open this world to help parents find the resources they need for their children to be successful!
Hello! My name is Caroline Koenig, M.S. CCC-SLP. I grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana which lies just outside Chicago. From there, I attended Saint Mary’s College, an all women’s college across from Notre Dame (Go Irish, Go Belles!). I was interested in moving to St. Louis for graduate school since I spent my whole life coming to the area to visit family.
I attended Fontbonne University and received my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2020. Since graduating, I’ve worked in the school setting with middle and high school students who have ranged in a wide variety of diagnoses, disorders, and communicative abilities. I have become very passionate about alternative and augmented communication (AAC) having worked with many students who have benefitted from using AAC at home and throughout their school day. Additionally, I’ve learned so much about the transition process; teaching students necessary skills for life after graduation, joining them at their work sites, or developing goals that help serve a functional need. I have come to love the collaboration aspect of my job and have learned so many important things from OT’s, PT’s and fellow SLP’s.
I am very passionate about family collaboration and teaching caregivers ways in which they can support their child’s language development – a lot of which starts during playtime! I knew I wanted to return to working with infants and toddlers because of the amazing opportunity I had working in the NICU at Children’s Hospital during my time at Fontbonne.
I fill my spare time with a lot of fun things! I enjoy reading, traveling, coaching speech and debate, exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, and attending shows at The Fox and Muny. I am very excited to be part of this amazing team!
My name is Andrea Alonzo. I am a wife, mother, and a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. I grew up in Saint Louis and received my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Fontbonne University. After graduating, I worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the school setting, particularly with elementary and early childhood-aged students, focusing on articulation, language, and social language skills. I have worked with children with a variety of abilities including children with Down Syndrome, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injuries, sound system disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, and fluency disorders. While I love treating children of all ages, I am most passionate about treating babies and toddlers with developmental delays. It is truly rewarding watching young children develop the foundational skills in order to communicate in simple everyday tasks, which can actually be the most meaningful. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I am passionate about helping others reach their full potential and develop confidence to participate in their environment. It is such a blessing to be able to form relationships with families and offer guidance as their child grows and develops.
I strive to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice when providing services in a child’s natural environment. I remain client and family focused and follow the child’s lead so the child feels comfortable in their environment. This helps maximize progress and engagement in the treatment process as the child works toward meeting their goals. I enjoy providing fun activities to help children meet their goals and giving parents the resources they need so they feel like a team player in the whole process. It is a pleasure getting to know each family and helping them feel more empowered to interact with their child. As I learn something new about this career each day, my passion for it only grows stronger. I look forward to meeting you and your child, as we work together to find the best solutions to meet your child’s needs.
In my free time, you can find me spending time with my husband, our baby boy, and our dog Ebony. I also enjoy shopping, baking, traveling, and spending time with my friends.
Hi! My name is Joanna Besmer. I am a wife, mother, and Speech-Language Pathologist. My husband, Tim, and I have been married for 19 years and are natives of St. Louis. We have 5 amazing children ranging in ages from 5-16 (Kindergarten through Junior in high school…a little bit at every stage of growing up!). I’ve been blessed with finding the balance of being a stay-at-home mom as well as working part-time in the field I love, Speech Therapy! I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Communication Disorders from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and my Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from St. Louis University.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing kids, families, and teachers! I started out my career working for a not-for-profit organization that believed in full inclusion and that with support, all children can reach their full potential. By fully embracing the team approach, it was so rewarding to see children thrive and to be able to support families so they could be their child’s best advocates. This experience gave me the opportunity to work in early intervention in the home, in the private therapy setting (early childhood, grades K-8), and working with children and teachers in the classroom. Through this experience, my love of working in the classroom began to fully develop and I shifted my career focus to working in the early childhood education setting. I have over a decade of experience working in Early Childhood Special Education. I enjoy working with children on their learning journey with language delays/disorders, phonology/speech disorders, fluency and voice disorders, and children with Down Syndrome and children with autism to name a few.
Every child is unique and it is so rewarding to help each and every child learn and function in a way that works for them. My main goal is to make each child successful and to help them be effective communicators and fully participate with others in their world. I enjoy incorporating literacy into therapy sessions and making learning fun and meaningful. I look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to work with your child and support you in any way I can!
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and our 2 pups. I love watching my kids grow and enjoy cheering them on at all the sports and activities they are passionate about (we have alot!) Our family loves to cook together and spend time outdoors exploring nature, kayaking, and fishing. I also LOVE to bake and share my goodies with the ones I love. Can’t wait to meet you!
My name is Jenny Riley, and I am a wife, dog mom, and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). I grew up in historic Saint Charles and attended college at Southeast Missouri State University, where I received my Bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Communication Disorders in 2017, and my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019. My favorite pastimes are traveling, reading, playing piano, and spending time with my dog.
After completing my Master’s program, I worked as an SLP in Saint Louis County schools. I have also worked in the field in a variety of settings, including acute outpatient hospital care, private home services, and Missouri First Steps program, aiding clients from birth to late adulthood. Within these settings, I have shared with clients and families strategies to improve swallow function, conversational fluency, articulation, phonology, executive function, social pragmatic language, and receptive and expressive language skills.
I enjoy employing a holistic approach to treating my clients and their families, working closely with all members of the household (or community housing) to ensure that client strategies and outcomes are carried outside of the therapeutic space and into the client’s daily life. My scope of treatment involves looking at social, emotional, and physical parameters of the client’s life to guide me to treatments that will yield the best outcome for communication improvement.
While I have worked with a variety of clients across the lifespan and in different capacities, my greatest passion is working with clients with fluency/stuttering disorders. With leading research in the field of conversational fluency, I developed a parent and teacher educational guide to working with children who stutter, because it is most important that those surrounding the individuals come from a viewpoint of understanding, and that they do not impose time pressure for these individuals to speak. It is through this foundation with families and evidenced-based strategies that I begin working toward conversational fluency. I enjoy helping these clients from the stages of evaluation through treatment to find their voice and shine with it.
My overall aim as a therapist is to help clients feel safe and comfortable to be the best communicators they can be. Together, we will prioritize goals for yourself or your loved one, while considering personal strengths and areas for growth within daily living. I can’t wait to see you soar!
Hi! I’m Kira Arthofer and I am a speech-language pathologist. I have had ample experiences with the school-aged population within areas of language, articulation (speech sounds), social communication, and fluency within the past 2 years. I have learned to tailor therapy to the students and their interests, while also targeting goals to allow more motivation and engagement in learning (and to make it fun!). I also have experiences in the school setting. During my last semester for graduate school, I worked full-time at Miriam- Lower/Middle School, taking full ownership of my supervisor’s caseload for 14 weeks. Miriam school is a private school for individuals with disabilities/learning differences. Within this setting, I conducted individual and group sessions between 15 minutes-45 minutes each, working with teachers to determine best times to pull students that worked for both schedules. I was given many opportunities to collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, and other speech therapists in the school to determine realistic approaches to support students in and out of the classroom. I was also able to talk with parents and create home-programs to continue growth across environments. When conflicts would arise, I was there to support communication and listen to situations to best determine appropriate actions with students when they found it difficult. Outside of being an SLP, I was also a registered behavioral technician for an ABA facility, giving me a greater understanding and love for individuals with autism and supporting their learning/ functional communication in their daily lives.
Physical Therapists
My name is Jamie Malone. I am a wife, mom of 3 very active (2 teenage and 1 pre-teen) kids, and a Physical Therapist. We also just recently added 2 Dalmatian puppies to our family! When I am not working, I enjoy coaching either softball or volleyball (depending on the season) and/or driving one of my kids to their various activities. We love to spend time outside as well as doing projects around our house. I love teaching kids how to utilize their strengths, and weaknesses, to achieve their highest potential in whatever it is they are working on.
Professionally, I have been a Physical Therapist for 17 years now. I received my Master’s in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University in 2005 and began working immediately after graduation. During one of my clinical experiences at Rockhurst, I worked with the pediatric population in home and school environments. During this clinical I was also able to participate in providing equine and water therapy. I enjoyed this experience so much that at my first job (at an outpatient clinic), I was the primary provider for the pediatric patients. I have treated all age ranges and diagnoses throughout my career. Regarding pediatric patients, I have seen many infants and toddlers with torticollis, developmental delay, and low tone. I also have treated many toddlers and young children for – but not limited to – general malalignment, toe – walking, tone dysfunction, and developmental delay. I also have a lot of experience with treating young athletes with various motor dysfunctions related to musculoskeletal injuries or growth-related issues. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with a varying population in both age and diagnosis.
In 2016 I decided to switch from working full time to working PRN (as needed) for the outpatient clinic I am at. With this transition, I was not able to maintain my pediatric caseload as I had previously. Thanks to the Covid (who ever says that??), I was presented with an opportunity to work at my children’s grade school where I learned of Conquer Therapy Services. I reached out to them immediately and since 2021 have been able to incorporate my love of Pediatric PT back into my life. I am still working in outpatient clinics where I still see a variety of patients of all ages (mostly over the age of 13) and diagnoses. I have absolutely loved returning to seeing children in their natural environments and working with families help their little ones achieve his/ her highest potential.
I feel that my ability to work in an outpatient clinic setting with older children and adults, mixed with my in-home pediatric patients, has made me a better PT overall. If your child has Physical Therapy needs, I am here to help him or her, along with the family, achieve their highest potential!
My name is Lauren Breen. I am a wife, mother of three beautiful girls and a pediatric physical therapist. I have a passion for educating and empowering families to help their children reach their fullest potential. I feel truly honored to make connections with every family I am blessed to meet throughout my career.
As a pediatric physical therapist, I have had the honor of treating children of all ages with a wide range of diagnoses, abilities and backgrounds. While I am most passionate about treating babies and toddlers with neurological disorders and developmental delays, I thoroughly enjoy treating these children throughout their childhood. Being able to make genuine connections with families and continue to work with them as a child grows and develops is truly a blessing. I am also passionate about educating new mothers on gross motor development and ways to play with their babies in a purposeful way.
My goal is for families and caregivers to always feel that their concerns are valid and understood. I am passionate about working closely with families to provide creative solutions to any barriers they face in order to achieve their goals.
My name is Kelsie Wideman. I graduated with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri in 2015 and have pursued my love of working with the pediatric population ever since. I have had the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and experience treating children aged 0-21 in inpatient, outpatient, and aquatic therapy settings. I have enjoyed being able to work with a wide variety of diagnoses including developmental delay, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, autism, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and genetic disorders, as well as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and various other medical complexities. I aim to use each child and family’s personal interests and goals in order to help them reach their highest level of function and independence. I also strongly value the importance of working as a team and collaborating with others to positively impact their quality of life.
I am passionate about creating a strong connection and meaningful relationship with children and their families. It is a privilege to watch kids learn and grow and to be able to celebrate their achievements with them. I am honored to get the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, as each child and family in turn makes a difference in mine.
My name is Jackie Patterson and I am a pediatric physical therapist. I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2013 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I began my career working in a variety of pediatric settings including acute hospital care, First Steps in home care, and outpatient hospital care. I transitioned to a full time position at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 2014 and focused on providing care in the outpatient setting to children of all ages with a variety of diagnoses including torticollis, plagiocephaly, brachial plexus injury, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular and genetic disorders, and developmental delay. During my time at SLCH, I developed a passion for treating infants and toddlers and continuing training in this area. I also worked closely with the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy program and later became the lead therapist for this team. In 2020, I transitioned into a supervisor role and managed a team of PTs, OTs, and SLPs. I enjoyed being a part of a multidisciplinary team.
In fall 2022, I transitioned out of the outpatient hospital setting to spend more time with my family, including my two young kids. I wanted to continue to have an impact on the lives of infants and toddlers and was fortunate to make a connection with Conquer Therapy Services. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work closely with children and their families to help them achieve their goals and maximize their independence. I value a collaborative approach with other disciplines and specialties and strive to educate and empower families so that their children thrive. I truly value building relationships with families and caregivers and celebrating each victory and milestone.
My name is Alex Shearon. I am from St. Louis and I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. I am a pediatric physical therapist with a passion for educating families and providing tools they need to be proactive about the health and wellness of their children.
I have worked with children of all ages and a wide variety of diagnoses, ranging from developmental delays to chronic neurological disorders. I am most passionate about treating infants and toddlers with developmental delays with a focus on educating parents on appropriate gross motor development. I love teaching parents ways to facilitate goal-oriented, purposeful play with their children to foster healthy movement patterns.
I also have experience working with children of all ages with disabilities. I am inspired by their perseverance and grateful to play a role in promoting their full participation in activities that they enjoy. I am honored to be allowed to enter into the lives of children and their families to help them achieve their goals.
My name is Missy Ruffino. I graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis in 2012 with my doctorate in physical therapy and became a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist in 2019. I really enjoy working with the pediatric population as every child and their family provide a new adventure. I love getting to be a part of the team that helps children and their families thrive in their environments and reach their full potential. I have also really enjoyed working with vestibular (dizzy) clients and clients suffering from persistent concussion symptoms. Watching the transformation from not tolerating standing upright longer than a few minutes to returning to school, recess, and/or sports is one of the most gratifying parts of being a PT for me. When not at work, I can be found doing almost anything outside and enjoying any one of the amazing parks around St. Louis with my husband and our little boy!