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Occupational Therapists
Kathryn Nicholson, OTR
Kathy began practicing as an occupational therapist in Canada, in 1974. She moved to Austin in 1989 with her husband and 3 children and has loved living here and raising her children in this wonderful city. Her professional experience has included working with emotionally disturbed and juvenile delinquent children who were institutionalized, adults with mental retardation in a group home setting, children, adolescents and adults with neurological deficits in a hospital setting and in a specialized Care Center, adult home care and geriatrics in nursing homes, as well as working with children within the school system and in private practice in an outpatient setting. She has focused her area of expertise on adults and children with sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities and children on the Autistic Spectrum, but also has expanded her knowledge with hands on body work, using Craniosacral techniques, myofascial release and kinesiotaping. Kathy also completed a degree in Psychology and has done postgraduate work in Neuropsychology and in Sensory Integration, for part of a Masters degree. She participated in several research projects for the Canadian government on Sensory Processing Treatment and in the S.H.E. Project (Stay Healthy Early) for young single mothers. She is certified to administer The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests, certified in the Therapeutic Listening Program and is certified in Kinesio Taping. She previously was an Instructor for the foundation developed by Jean Ayres, Sensory Integration International. Kathy loves to educate others on Sensory Processing and it’s impact on behavior, self-regulation and learning, teaching other therapists, parents, preschool teachers and teachers from Kindergarten to college level across the country.
Tammy Santoro, OTR
Tammy has worked as an occupational therapist for 43 years. She views her profession as a calling. Her greatest desire and hope is for The Lord to pour out His love and power through her to bring healing and wholeness to the lives of others.
During her career, she has worked in various settings throughout the Austin area with children and adults presenting with a wide range of diagnoses and needs. She was certified as a Neurodevelopmental Treatment Therapist and as a Kinesio taping Practitioner. She is also certified to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. She has specialized in working with pediatrics, but also works with adolescents/adults with sensory processing difficulties. She has specialized training in the MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) approach, Brain and Sensory Foundations (Sonia Story), Advanced Therapeutic Listening, Myofascial Release/pain management, torticollis/plagiocephaly treatment, vision therapy, cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions, sensory processing/autism spectrum disorders, attachment disorders/trauma (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), and oral motor/eating disorders/food aversion. In addition, she has experience in working with adults and children with genetic disorders, mental retardation/cognitive deficits, blindness/low vision, and those recovering from head injuries, strokes, and amputations. She has had the privilege of working with children who were adopted domestically and from other parts of the world.
Tammy has been happily married for 37 years and has two precious children: a 25-year-old biological daughter and a 17-year-old adopted daughter. She is doubly blessed that her girls have both worked with her at From the Heart in the roles of therapy technicians and office staff. She is involved in the prayer ministry of her local church.
Susan Montgomery, OTR
Susan graduated in December 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She began her career at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, where she spent two years. During this time, she worked with patients with a variety of conditions including hand injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. She also worked with premature infants and pediatric patients. In the summer of 1990, she took a job at Capital Area Easter Seals where her career became more focused on the pediatric population. During her five years at Easter Seals, she evaluated and treated children with disabilities and conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifuda, congenital disabilities, autism, and developmental delays. She also worked in an outpatient clinic with children with sensory integration dysfunction. In 1995, she began working with children at Pflugerville ISD, and then took a part-time job at From the Heart Therapy Services in 1997 after the birth of her second child. She has been SIPT certified since May 2001. Susan has completed many continuing education courses to further develop her knowledge base. She has advanced training in Theraoeutic Listening. She is also completing additional training towards mentorship. She has training MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) approach. She has recently taken an interest in leaning more about the effects of Developmental Trauma, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on regulation. She is in the process of completing her certification to teach TRE (tension release exercises) developed by David Barcelli. Susan has 3 sons and enjoys spending all the time she can with them.
Rachel Mosier, OTR
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Originally from North Andover, Massachusetts, Rachel moved to Austin in 2017 to complete her final fieldwork rotation at From the Heart. She quickly fell in love with the clinic and the Austin community, took her board exam, and officially joined the team. Rachel earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees through Quinnipiac University’s combined program. Her passion for occupational therapy was sparked during her time as a nanny for a young girl with severe Autism. That experience opened her eyes to the power of nonverbal connection—through hand holds, deep pressure, visual schedules, and the kind of communication that transcends words. Rachel is deeply committed to helping each child navigate their sensory world, providing the tools, encouragement, and support they need to tackle challenging and unfamiliar activities. She strives to strengthen foundational skills while promoting emotional and behavioral regulation. She holds certifications in Handwriting Without Tears (Level 1), MNRI® NeuroTactile Integration (Level 1), Brain and Sensory Foundations (Level 1), and the Mealtime Works Program through Your Kid’s Table, which focuses on feeding and mealtime strategies. Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her family in Austin, listening to music, cooking, hiking with her 80 lb Goldendoodle, and being near water whenever she can.
Audrie Thomas, OTR
Audrie moved to Austin in 2021 from Massachusetts, where she earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University. Prior to this, she was a collegiate softball player while earning her Bachelor's in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, where she grew up and where her family still resides. Audrie completed her final fieldwork at From the Heart and has been a proud member of the team ever since.
Audrie discovered her passion for occupational therapy through the meaningful connections she made with families and children during her college years. She finds joy in helping children develop the skills they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally. She enjoys collaborating with parents, teachers, and fellow therapists to empower children to reach their full potential. Audrie has special interest working on sensory processing, self-regulation, social skills, reflex integration and adapting the environment to fit each child's unique needs. Audrie holds certifications through Brain and Sensory Foundations for reflex integration (Level 1) and The Meal Time Works program through Your Kid’s Table, and she is excited to pursue additional certifications to further expand her knowledge. Audrie is dedicated to approaching each child as an individual and tailoring treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes. She will be working on her Handwriting Without Tears certification, as well as continuing her education in sensory integration to deepen her practice. Outside of her professional life, Audrie enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being outdoors, playing softball, and staying active. She also enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Nick and pup Otto.