Our team is dedicated to improving the lives and abilities of our clients through compassionate care and proven therapeutic methodology and appropriate adaptive techniques.
Meet our Team
Maresa Black, MOTR/L
Maresa is an occupational therapist and founder of Journey Pediatric Therapy. She started Journey Pediatric Therapy in 2015 after becoming aware of the high need for pediatric occupational therapy services in northern Idaho. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with many conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, anxiety, depression, and physical disabilities. Maresa successfully uses a sensory integrative, strengths-based, and growth-mindset approach when working with her clients and families. Maresa enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, gardening, and cooking with fresh ingredients.
Maresa works at both of Journey Pediatric Therapy’s locations (Sandpoint and Post Falls).
Pennie Mathias, MS, OTR/L
Pennie has over 20 years of experience working with children in school and rehabilitation settings. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and physical disabilities. She has a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. Besides northern Idaho, Pennie has worked with children throughout the country and overseas. Pennie uses a sensory integration and behavioral-based approach when working with clients. She enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horse, hunting, fishing and bowling in her free time.
Pennie works at Journey Pediatric Therapy’s Sandpoint location.
Rachel Milanez, MOT, OTR/L
Rachel graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. She specializes in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing difficulties, developmental delays and fine motor and visual motor difficulties. Rachel is proficient in Spanish. Rachel uses a family-centered and strengths-based approach when working with clients. She enjoys skiing, traveling, dancing, as well as designing and building her new home.
Rachel works at Journey Pediatric Therapy’s Sandpoint location.
Patricia Frazier, COTA/L
Patricia graduated top of her class as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficits, motor planning difficulties, and mental health related challenges. Patricia uses a family-centered approach to leverage the client’s interests and strengths to help them reach their goals. Patricia lives in Clark Fork with her husband and 4 children. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring north Idaho, and camping.
Patricia works at Journey Pediatric Therapy’s Sandpoint location.
Caitlyn Elikh, MOT, OTR/L
Caitlyn graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Her areas of focus are working with children that live with congenital and acquired physical and cognitive disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, anxiety, and depression. While working with clients, she employs a client/family-centered and strengths-based approach and also successfully utilizes biomechanical and sensory integrative approaches throughout her interventions as well. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and backpacking with her husband and dogs, traveling to national parks, riding her horse, visiting the Oregon coast, and reading.
Caitlyn works at Journey Pediatric Therapy’s Post Falls location.
Daniela Brown, MOT, OTR/L
Hello! My name is Daniela and I am an occupational therapist who graduated from Eastern Washington university with a master’s in occupational therapy and a bachelor’s in exercise science. I have a passion for looking at a child through a holistic framework. I have extensive and ongoing training in MNRI, a manual therapy method that focuses on integration of primary reflexes for neurodevelopment. I also have education and certificates in nutrition and other manual therapies. I believe in working directly with the body to support function and outcomes. Most of my experience is in pediatrics but I also have experience working with adults who have brain injuries and trauma. I am passionate about trauma informed care and providing a holistic approach to therapy. I love supporting families and children. I have a passion for learning and expanding my knowledge in modalities and holistic health. In my free time I enjoy being in nature, participating in retreats, traveling and spending time with my friends and family.
Daniela works at Journey Pediatric Therapy’s Post Falls location.
Sydney Suko OTA/L
Sydney graduated from Spokane Falls Community College as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has a passion for working with children and adolescents with a variety of diagnoses including: ADHD, Autism Spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, developmental delays, etc. Sydney loves occupational therapy because it allows her to incorporate evidence-based practice with creativity to meet the needs of each individual client and make it fun! In her free time, Sydney enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, riding her horse, and spending time with friends and family.
Sydney works at Journey Pediatric Therapy’s Post Falls location.
Kay Black, Office Manager
Kay manages the “behind the scenes” world of Journey Pediatric Therapy and ensures that Journey continues to run successfully and happily. Kay is very proficient with billing, onboarding new clients, and helping Journey stay focused on its mission of helping young people in North Idaho. She enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
Suzanne Smith, Medical Biller
With over 10 years' experience in medical billing, coding, and care coordination, Suzie understands the complexities of insurance systems. Have questions about your bill or insurance coverage? Give Suzie a call.
Occupational Therapy has a special place in Suzie's heart. With a son who struggled with sensory integration issues and who is on the spectrum, occupational therapy has been a game changer.
In her spare time, Suzie enjoys gardening, quilting, home improvement, and trips to the beach.