About Us
Empower Tomorrow Therapy Services was formed when founder, Mikayla W. OTR/L, noted a need within the community for occupational therapy services designed for serving older kids, teens, and young adults. In her experience, most clients seen in traditional outpatient pediatric settings were much younger in age, and the therapists and equipment available were best fit to serve a younger population.
The purpose of Empower Tomorrow Therapy Services is to meet the unique needs of clients aged 8-21+ years, through special delivery of therapy services designed to target direct skill-training in the context of everyday activities.
Our Team
Mikayla W.
MOT, OTR/L
About the Founder
My name is Mikayla and I am the founder of Empower Tomorrow Therapy Services, LLC. I am an occupational therapist with a passion for serving older children, teens, and young adults.
I graduated with an undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University in interdisciplinary studies, with a minor in psychology. Then I got my master's degree in occupational therapy, also at Eastern Washington University. I have years of experience working as an occupational therapist in traditional pediatric settings.
I grew up in western Washington, and I love living near The Puget Sound. I enjoy gardening, playing with my dogs, exploring outside, swimming, crafting, and playing board games with friends. I can't wait to meet you!
Education
Mikayla is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). This means she has completed at least 18 hours of continuing education on Autism Spectrum Disorder and has conducted at least 100 clinical contact hours with autistic clients or those with autistic traits every two years.
Mikayla's continuing education has also included...
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The Ten Best-Ever Anxiety Treatment Techniques
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Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication
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Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training
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The Role of Occupational Therapy is Postsecondary Transition Planning
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Screen Time and It's Impact on Childhood Development
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Using Occupational Therapy Mental Health Treatment in Non-Mental Health Treatment Settings
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King of Swings Hands on Sensorimotor Workshop
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Oppositional, Defiant, and Disruptive Children and Adolescents: Non-medication Approaches to the Most Challenging Behaviors
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Supporting Students or Clients Who Struggle with Executive Functioning Skills
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Yes, We Can Do That Too: Addressing Sexuality
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Lifestyle Medicine and Occupational Therapy: Forging New Directions in Practice
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Connecting Assistive Technology to Occupation
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Strengths Based Approaches to Autism: Why It's Time to Make the Switch
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Bringing Occupational Therapy Outdoors - Why You Would Want to and How To Do It
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Supporting Clients with Mood Instability for the OT Practitioner
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"Hike the Hill" Political Advocacy for Occupational Therapy
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And many more!
In 2026, Mikayla was awarded the "Outstanding Practice Award" by the Washington State Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA). "This award recognizes an occupational therapy practitioner who provides exceptional treatment and skill in the application of theory and therapeutic techniques. Award nominees will have been in practice for minimum of five years specializing in an area and are recognized by their peers as an “expert” in their field." The award was given to acknowledge the role that Empower Tomorrow Therapy Services plays in filling the community need for occupational therapy specially tailored to treat the neurodivergent tween, teen, and young adult population.
Shana R.
COTA/L
Shana was born and raised in Puyallup with a heart of servitude for the neurodivergent community. After receiving her degree as an occupational therapy assistant in 2010, Shana has been primarily treating children in the south sound area with diagnoses including autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, downs syndrome, developmental delays, and other neurodivergent characteristics affecting function.
Shana isn't limited to children however. She has experience in the hospital setting for adults recovering from cardiac surgery as well as outpatient clinics to work with those living with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or EDS. The children she had been working with are turning into adults as well. Now she has had the pleasure of working within the adult ASD population to help those transition into independence as well as educating newly diagnosed adults to help understand and navigate ASD for improved quality of life.
At home, Shana enjoys the little things such as caring for her indoor plants and snuggling her son. She also loves dinosaurs, coffee, and reading in her downtime. Although she is often very busy with her small family, Shana has found the time to write and publish multiple articles regarding OT and has spoken at colleges in the area about pediatric occupational therapy.
With over a decade of experience, Shana hopes to bring a full heart and a lot of laughter to Empower Tomorrow as well as to the clients she lovingly cares for.
Emma A.
COTA/L
Emma grew up in Western Washington and graduated from Green River College with her Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. In her free time she enjoys art, playing with her pets, sewing, going for walks, rock climbing, and listening to music! She enjoys traveling to new places and learning new things, whether they are OT related or just fun facts!
She developed a passion for older and younger pediatric populations while in school through outpatient clinics and high school transitional programs. She looks forward to watching kids and young adults feel more confident and independent in their daily routines.
Jenni M.
COTA/L
Jenni is a passionate Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant who graduated from Green River College in 2019. She specializes in Sensory Integration and feeding therapy, and she's dedicated to helping clients grow to their full potential in a fun and supportive environment.
When Jenni is not in the clinic, you can find her drawing or painting, soaking up the sun at the lake, or enjoying time with her family. She believes that a playful approach is key to learning and growth, and she brings that joy into everything she does.
Five Fun Things About Jenni!
1. She has a cute dog named Ranger who is 5 years old and brown with white markings.
2. She has super colorful hair!
3. She loves going to concerts and finding new music to listen to, it’s her favorite calming strategy!
4. Halloween is her favorite holiday and she loves all things spooky.
5. Jenni loves to visit art museums!
Danielle M.
Office Manager
Danielle grew up in the Puyallup area and has lived locally for most of her life. She has raised her two children with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. She has been a nanny for the last eight years. She loves children and has enjoyed helping them with their special needs.
When she isn't at work, Danielle enjoys the ocean and collecting shells and rocks. She also loves to read and learn new things. She is crafty and passionate about scrapbooking and family memories!
Jaycee J.
Occupational Therapist
Jaycee grew up in Western Washington and has 3 cats (Biscotti, Ozzy, and Cujo). She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with her masters in occupational therapy degree. Previously, she had gotten her undergraduate degree in children’s studies from Eastern Washington University. She has extensive experience working with children who are dyslexic and integrating retained reflexes. Her biggest passion is traveling and learning about different cultures. She has visited 19 different countries so far with a long bucket list still ahead of her. Her dream is to visit all 7 continents. In addition to traveling, she enjoys hiking, going to concerts, crafting, playing board games, and watching reality tv.
Jaycee is looking forward to working with older children, teens, and young adults. She has always had a passion for assisting high masking individuals and helping them feel more confident in their daily life.
Linda S.
Billing Specialist
Linda has been in the medical office setting for over 25 years, with 10 years being focused on the medical billing side. She really enjoys the challenge it brings.
Linda grew up in Florida. She moved to the PNW eight years ago and loves it here! She enjoys taking walks, hiking water falls, and seeing if the mountain is out. She loves to cook and bake, and also likes plants and gardening. She enjoys spending time with her family, including 12 grandchildren, dog Kobe, and bearded dragon Mushee.
Katlyn V.
COTA/L
Katlyn is a Washington State licensed and certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Green River College in Auburn, WA, in 2022. She is passionate about helping the community and assisting clients/families to live their lives with the fullest potential when engaging in their daily occupations. In her free time she enjoys playing with her son, creating art, listening to music, cooking, reading, gardening, and exploring.
Krista R.
Occupational Therapist
Krista is excited to join the Empower Tomorrow Therapy Services team, providing part-time evaluation and re-evaluation support. She brings over 30 years of occupational therapy experience. A Puyallup native, Krista graduated from the University of Washington with her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy in 1991 and later earned her Master's degree from Mount Mary University in 2016.
Throughout her career, Krista has worked in a variety of pediatric settings, including private practice, outpatient clinics, early intervention, and school-based services. She has experience working with children and young adults ages 3–21 in both rural and urban communities, including time spent living and working in Alaska.
Krista has a special interest in sensory processing and helping individuals incorporate practical strategies into their everyday routines to support greater independence and participation. She also specializes in functional vision interventions for individuals with oculomotor challenges. Having raised two neurodivergent children who are now independent and employed adults, Krista brings both professional experience and personal perspective to her work. She especially enjoys the outpatient setting because it allows her to provide support, hope, and encouragement to both clients and caregivers.
Outside of work, Krista enjoys gardening, traveling to warm, beachy destinations, and visiting Anchorage to spend time with her 11 grandchildren. She also loves snuggling her adorable Maltese, Bubbles, and has recently started taking ukulele lessons.
Krista is looking forward to being part of the ETTS team and working alongside others who share her passion for neuro-affirming care and helping individuals build skills for more independent, meaningful lives.