Physical and Occupational Therapists

Ryan graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science in 2013. He then got his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah in 2016. He has worked in the school district since 2016 and enjoys working with the kids to help them be as strong and active as possible. He loves playing basketball and performing magic shows, but most of all loves spending time with his wife and 3 daughters.

Paul received his Bachelor of Science from BYU and his Master of Science from Texas Women’s University in 1989. After gaining some valuable experience in many areas of Physical Therapy, he began working full time with WCSD in 1997. He has a kind heart, self-less attitude, and always serves those around him. Paul enjoys Classical music, The Piano Guys, hiking, mountain biking, Spartan Obstacle Course racing (going for my Trifecta this year), Canyoneering, and Rappelling. He works at the hospital in the summer to keep his physical therapy skills current and sharp. Paul loves his wife and is living life to its fullest. He now has 12 children (4 adopted) and 5 grandchildren. He feels blessed to be working with the students at WCSD. We love Paul and appreciate all he does for WCSD district and our Motor Team!

Lacy obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2006 from the University of Mary.  She never would have guessed her degree would take her from her home state of North Dakota all the way to Utah!  She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings and has received training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment, serial casting, orthotic management, and wheelchair/equipment fitting.  She began working at WCSD in January 2017.  She loves observing students of all abilities come together to interact and support one another.  She strives to improve participation in school activities for each of her students.  Lacy enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband (Josh), two children (Ty and Taytum), and goldendoodle (Charlie).

Eric graduated from A.T. Still University in 2017 receiving his Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. He is married with two amazing children. He loves to brag about them, just ask. Eric likes to play basketball and pretty much any other sport out there. He also enjoys being in the outdoors hiking, canyoneering, and camping. Eric started working at WCSD in early 2017 and loves working with the kids. He enjoys making treatment as fun and interactive as possible while working toward obtainable goals.

I have been an occupational therapist for just over 20 years and have been in St. George for 18 years.  I have worked with pediatrics my whole career and even when I was in school as I had the opportunity to work with my daughter during school.  She was a great study partner even if she cried with some of the techniques I tried to use.  She was 6 months old when I started my occupational therapy graduate program and tribute a lot of my knowledge and learning from her as well as my family.  I have been happily married for 28 years and have 3 other wonderful boys.  I enjoy working with children and have treated a variety of conditions of the pediatric population over my career.  These diagnoses include: genetic disorders, sensory disorders, motor deficits, autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, metabolic disorders, and other neurological disorders.  For personal interests, I like being outdoors, usually mountain bike riding, playing pickleball, or anything else that calls my name.

Ina Rene DuPlessis graduated from the renowned Vona Du Toit college of Occupational therapy, Pretoria, South Africa, in 1973. She immigrated to the USA in 1996, as a travelling therapist and settled in South Mississippi in 1997, where she worked in various fields, including Skilled Nursing facilities, home health, and sub-acute. For the past 12 years, she held contracts with the state Early Intervention program as well as with Dept of Mental Health, serving Individuals with Developmental delays. Prior to the move from South Africa, she was employed in school systems, as well as in private practice, with children with learning disabilities. She is a true biophyle and the recent move to St George was mostly to be close to her two adult sons and their families, but also to enjoy the extraordinary and diverse natural beauty of Southern Utah. As an OT, it is important to her to look beyond the academics and motor delays and see every child that she works with as a totality, providing them with skills and knowledge to live their best lives.

Andrew “Andy” Nielsen is a native of Southern Utah, having grown up in Santa Clara.  He received his Bachelors of Business Management from Utah Valley University, then went on to receive his Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona.  When Andy isn’t working, he loves spending time with his wife and kids doing something fun outside.  Andy loves helping children of all ages succeed in the classroom and life and is eager to play a part in their growth and development.

Derek received his Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine, San Marcos California in 2019. He is a father to two amazing little girls and a brand-new baby boy. Both he and his wife grew up in Washington county and are excited to start a new chapter here. Derek enjoys playing basketball, pickleball, and of course his N64. He also enjoys polyester ties, Volkswagen vans, anything with peanut butter, picnic’s at parks with his family and the amazing outdoors Southern Utah has to offer. Derek completed his internship last school year and was hired on for the new school year to help an already great therapy team. He enjoys making treatment fun and tailored to each student’s needs. He hopes to influence a positive change, allowing students to participate as successfully as possible, in school and at home.

Katie-Mae received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree from Keuka College in 2011.  She moved to Southern Utah in the fall of 2016 and was lucky enough to take a job with the WCSD in the fall of 2018.  Katie-Mae finds great reward in working with children to maximize their functional independence within the school setting.  Outside of work, Katie-Mae enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig, and her two children, Kyla and Connor.

Shelby received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2018 from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. While she’s worked with all ages in the world of OT, she thinks nothing compares to the fun that comes from working with children. She enjoys being a collaborative member of a school team striving to help each individual child accomplish their best. Shelby moved to the St. George area in April of 2020 and loves spending time in nature with her family, rock climbing, hiking, and yoga.