Say Hello To Your Team
Elise grew up in Keystone Heights, Florida playing whatever sport was in season at the time, but particularly basketball. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Science. From there, she moved to Gainesville to begin the inaugural year of the entry level Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida in 2003 with a graduating class of three. While walking her dog, she met the man who would become her husband, Steve. They settled in the big city of Gainesville and have two beautiful daughters.
With a special focus on pediatrics and sensory integration, Elise began working in settings such as clinics, multi-disciplinary programs, as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Florida, school settings, and in homes. Seeing the need for a clinic that would fully support the treatment of children and adults affected by sensory processing dysfunction, Elise and Steve decided to open the Lamp Post Therapy Center in 2009. Since then, they have been striving to provide a place of hope, help, and joy for those impacted by sensory processing dysfunction.
Steve was born and raised right here in Gainesville, Florida. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Clemson University and then spent a few years in Portland, Oregon. He returned in 1999 to earn a Master’s degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida where he was the Coordinator of the Fishing for Success Program. After eight years, he began his labor of love of stay-at-home dad to two incredible girls. As the Lamp Post has grown, so has Steve’s role at the Lamp Post. He serves as the Chief Financial Officer and manages insurance needs. Steve is also a talented handy man able to perform most of the work required to keep things at the Lamp Post fun and functional. Steve is also known as Elise’s husband.
Karah, originally from Micanopy, Florida, graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Florida and continued on there to receive her Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2019. After completing her Level II specialty fieldwork at Lamp Post Therapy, she is excited to now be pursuing her interest in pediatrics with a focus on sensory integration. In her free time, Karah enjoys traveling with her fiancé, reading, playing the piano and spending time with family and friends. Karah is delighted to begin her career with Lamp Post Therapy.
Olivia was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia and graduated with her bachelors degree in Exercise and Sports Science from The University of Georgia in 2017. She continued on to earn a Masters degree in Occupational therapy at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia in 2019. In OT school, Olivia completed Level II fieldwork in outpatient pediatrics and hand and upper extremity therapy. After graduating, Olivia relocated to Gainesville, FL and in October 2019 joined the Lamp Post Team. She is excited to serve our families and clients and continue to hone competencies in the area of sensory integration. She is grateful to be a member of the Lamp Post Team and spread its mission of bringing light to families and individuals with sensory processing disorders.
Dimitri, or D, is a fully trained Facility Dog through Canine Companions for Independence. Dimitri and Christine have been working together since 2019 bringing joy and warmth to children. D knows too many commands to count to help kids build skills. He has a big heart and gentle presence for those experiencing stress and anxiety. He loves visiting his grandparents, going on walks, getting notes from his friends, and is especially fond of good food.
Christine is an occupational therapist originally from St. Petersburg, FL. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology while working as a course assistant designing curriculum on child development and behavior. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida in 2016 where she gained specialized training in pediatric therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and home modifications. Christine has worked as an occupational therapist with both children and adults throughout the Tampa Bay area in clinic, public school, and private school settings. She has unique experience establishing a school-wide sensory program. She is a certified handler of a facility dog and trained to implement canine-assisted therapy. She is excited to have joined the Lamp Post Team so she can specialize in sensory integration treatment that helps others lead happy and fulfilling lives. Christine enjoys being outdoors, running, biking, and reading in her spare time.
