HEATHER PARMLEY, OTR/L

I joined this practice in 2015. Prior to that, I had worked in pediatrics in the public school and private clinic setting since 2008. Before working with children only, I worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehab at Jim Thorpe Rehab in Oklahoma City. There I was part of the brain injury team and specialized in pediatrics. I have also worked in the hospital setting and long term care settings.

I think I really became more interested in pediatrics after I was a mother. I loved watching my own children grow through the developmental stages and work on or meet milestones to build their foundations for all of their motor skills. As I took more continuing education courses and worked with more experienced OT’s who specialized in Sensory Processing and Reflex Integration I became passionate about helping children build strong foundations in development. 

The idea of neuro-plasticity is key in the way I intentionally choose exercises for my clients. I know from study and experience that children can do intentional movements/exercise with their bodies to form better or new connections in their brains that will help them with motor skills, attention, sensory processing and cognitive functions. 

I specialize in treating children with Sensory Processing difficulties and Reflex Integration. Many times, primitive reflexes are not assessed or addressed and they are very important in that they can affect children in their abilities to sit in the classroom and perform motor skills required of them.

For Sensory Processing, I do not want to use the tools and tricks as a “quick fix” but I want to get to the root of the problem and help children learn about their sensory needs and find appropriate ways to fulfill those needs in the home or school setting.

I have also been trained as a practitioner to use iLs, Integrated Listening Systems which is a modality that I use in therapy and some clients use at home as well. iLs is a device used to provide auditory and vibration input through headphones and a set list of tracks with specific frequencies adjusted to help growth in the areas of sensory motor, reading, auditory processing and attention.

I’m so very grateful to work in this setting as it gives me freedom to work with children on their specific needs. I want every session to be intentional with activities chosen for the client to work on their specific goals. I want each child and family to be treated as individuals and not to feel as if every client receives the same therapy. My goal is for children to gain independence in their abilities to function in their specific environments with confidence. 

ANDREA TINSLEY, COTA/L

My name is Andrea Tinsley. I am a 2022 graduate from Tulsa Community College with an AAS in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. I have completed fieldwork training in pediatric Occupational Therapy as well as orthopedics. I have been working in pediatrics with Pediatric Occupational Therapy, LLC for over a year. My true passion is helping children through all phases of growth and development.

Emily Lovell, OTR/L
My name is Emily Lovell. In 2004 I received my Bachelors of Science in Biology from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, and in 2005, I completed a Bachelors of Science with an emphasis in occupational therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. My OT career officially began after receiving my Masters of Occupational Therapy from UCA in 2007. I have practiced in a variety of settings including adult dayhab, early intervention, home health, skilled nursing facilities and public/private schools. For the past 6 years, I have worked specifically in pediatrics (birth - 5 years) and have pursued certifications in autism as well as primitive reflex integration. I have a special interest in sensory processing, and I love helping children improve their independence and quality of life by supporting their sensory processing needs. Other areas of OT that I enjoy are improving independence in self care skills, use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology, fine motor skills, low vision and feeding strategies. My goal is to provide quality, evidence-based interventions unique to each child’s needs using a family-centered approach in order to provide the best care possible. 

I am a pastor’s wife as well as a mom to three kids and a double doodle. My husband and I recently relocated our family to the Tulsa area from Northwest Arkansas. We love serving our community with our church family, traveling, spending time outdoors, and music of any form! 

I am thrilled to join this practice, and I hope to meet you soon!

About Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Occupational Therapy, LLC was founded by Debbie O’Connor. Heather Parmley began working with Debbie in 2015 and acquired the company in 2019 when Debbie retired. Pediatric Occupational Therapy is unique in that it is like a private clinic inside a school setting. For students at Metro Christian Academy, Holland Hall, Lincoln Christian School, Monte Cassino, Marquette Catholic School and St. Pius X School, it is convenient for families to not have to take their children out of school for OT. For clients from outside of these schools, they are welcome to come in to Metro just like a private clinic.

Family education and involvement is one of the most important aspects of the therapy that is provided. The clients that make the fastest and best progress are the ones whose families are involved, carrying over the recommendations and doing exercises with their children at home.