About Us

Meet Kristie

Kristie Middendorf has nearly 30 years of experience as a pediatric Occupational Therapist. She has cared for infants and children in a variety of settings including NICU, PICU, pediatric outpatient settings. She has been a developmental care specialist in a NICU follow up clinic and a feeding specialist on a multidisciplinary feeding clinic. Kristie has dedicated her career to achieving highly specialized and advanced level training and certifications in order to provide a high level of care for assessing and treating infants and children with wide variety of challenges in their development. Her experience and training enables her to detect early signs of developmental issues and help you understand what the blocks are to your child’s development. This leads to early and effective treatment to prevent later learning and developmental challenges. She will provide care in a more intimate, calming setting so your child can get the most out of the therapy experience. Kristie believes parents are at the center of their child's care, and that together, she can help you achieve your dreams for your child and watch them GROW, LEARN, and THRIVE!

Education

  • Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree, Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa

Commitment to Continuing Education

  • Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP)

  • Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

  • Gillespie Approach - Cranialsacral Fascial Therapy: Foundation and Infant

  • Masgutova’s Neurological Reflex Integration (MNRI) Level 2 Core in Training

  • Oral Facial Myofunctional Training

  • Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training (TOTS)

  • Pre and post frenectomy care

  • Tummy Time Method (TTM)

  • Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Plan (NIDCAP) Professional

  • Advanced Integrated Listening Systems (ILS)

  • Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

  • Therapeutic Listening Program (TLP)

  • Astronaut Training or Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol for Moving (SAVVP), Looking & Listening

  • Interactive Metronome (IM)

  • Advanced SOS Approach to Problem Feeders and Picky Eaters

  • Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) Certified

  • Prechtl’s Assessment of General Movements (GMA)

  • VitalStim Provider

  • Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants (SOFFI)

  • Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment (NOMAS).  

Beyond the Practice

Beyond her passion as a pediatric occupational therapist, Kristie loves time spent with her husband, 3 daughters, and her dog Tito.  She relaxes by doing hot yoga, reading a good book, and taking every opportunity to travel to a beautiful Caribbean beach destination! After living in the midwest all her life, Kristie decided it was time to continue doing what she LOVES in a place that she LOVES. She’s so happy to be able to help meet the developmental needs of infants and children in southwest Florida!