Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy for children is directed towards achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in activities of daily living, play, school and leisure. It is the therapeutic use of everyday life skills for the purpose of enhancing or enabling participation in roles, habits, and routines in the home, school, and community. (AOTA)
Occupational therapy is a treatment method used for many kinds of disorders and conditions. The main goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to increase independence and safety in children with delays, disorders, and neuromuscular conditions.
What can Occupational Therapy help my child with?
Children who have difficulty with:
What are some signs & symptoms that my child may benefit from occupational therapy services?
Do you treat Sensory Integration/ Processing issues?
Why, yes we do! Our lead occupational therapist has training in the utilization of sensory integration techniques to reduce poor or adverse behaviors and increase attention and positive behavior.
With 50-88% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affected by sensory integration difficulties, treatment is vital as it increases regulation and promotes calmness.
Will our family be able to watch sessions?
As a parent, you are encouraged to take part in the therapeutic process so that you can transfer therapy techniques and skills learned in therapy into your home environment.
Can you provide telehealth occupational therapy services?
We provide telehealth occupational therapy for all insurances that allow it. It really depends on your health plan and what is allowable.
It should be noted that not all children are good candidates for receiving therapy through telehealth. After assessing your child, your therapist will inform you whether or not telehealth is recommended for the individual needs of your child.
Is there a waiting list for occupational therapy?
We may have a waiting list at times, but we strive to meet therapeutic needs promptly and work hard to schedule patients as quickly as possible.
Meet Our Occupational Therapists
Saul Tercero
OTR
Registered, Bilingual Occupational Therapist
Saul is a native El pasoan who graduated from Silva Health Magnet and received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the University of Texas at El Paso and MBA from the University of Phoenix. He comes to New Beginnings with added experience in international therapy (Mexico Fundación Integral), hippotherapy and sensory integration techniques.
Saul is vested in the children of our El Paso community, he states “Occupational therapy gives me an opportunity to give back to my community. Being able to share my knowledge, experience and skill sets with the people of our community brings a smile to my face. I love the home feeling that EP has, a sense of family dynamic present in and thru our culture. ” About our patients, Saul believes, “Helping children at an early age, through early intervention therapy services, allows children to catch up and at times exceed their peers. We are able to build skills, confidence, and establish healthy routines that set up a child for a more independent and successful future.”
As our Occupational Therapist Saul guides and develops our occupational therapy program. He also specializes in Autism and ADHD and presents on both.
Saul is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Texas Occupational Therapy Association Path, & Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. We are honored to have Saul on Team New Beginnings!
Dr. Bertha Solis
OTD
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Bertha is a bilingual Doctor of Occupational Therapy who is passionate about all things sensory, helping children reach their full potential and advocating for their autonomy and independence.
Bertha received her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and Chemistry at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, CO, and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Northern Arizona University in Phoenix, AZ. She has a background in neurology, physiology, reflex integration, child development, and activity analysis, which allows her to provide a holistic child-led approach to her treatment.
During the weekend, you can catch her exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping or playing pickleball with friends, lifting weights, painting, or cooking.
Leslie Burciaga
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Leslie grew up in El Paso, Texas and received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in 2020 at Pima Medical Institute, graduating from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Leslie figured out she wanted to be an OT when her daughter received OT services at an early age. Leslie has enjoyed being a pediatric occupational therapist, she has a passion for helping kids be able to participate in everyday activities.
Leslie loves being involved with the families and thinks early intervention is important to setting a strong foundation for the children. Leslie enjoys collaborating with the child, family, and other professionals to develop family-centered care unique to each child with a focus on the child’s autonomy. Leslie enjoys being creative with treatment ideas in order to make therapy more fun for her patients. In her free time Leslie loves spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, cooking, and traveling.
Jon Perez
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Jon is a bilingual, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. He received his Associates of Applied Science from Pima Medical Institute in El Paso, Texas in September 2020. He was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and lived for a short time in San Antonio, Texas. His biggest inspiration to receive his degree was his faith and his daughter. “My daughter will always be my reason for pushing myself and never giving up.”
Upon being accepted into the COTA program, Jon knew that he wanted to work in the Pediatric Occupational Therapy field and especially enjoys working in areas of Autism, Sensory Integration, and Cerebral Palsy.
Jon feels that teamwork between parents and therapist is vital. If the communication between a child, parents and a therapist is strong then it makes it easier for a child to improve in the clinic, home, school, and public settings. We need to remind ourselves how difficult it was to be a child so we need to remember that we can learn from a child as much as they can learn from us, if we just take the time to listen with our hearts.
One of Jon’s favorite quotes is “A miracle is something that seems impossible but happens anyway.”
Kaitlin Marsland
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Kaitlin received her Associate of Applied Science degree from PIMA Medical Institute in July of 2020. Kaitlin became interested in occupational therapy (OT) when she was introduced to it while working as a Direct Support Professional. Kaitlin has always had a passion for learning and helping others and wants to further her career in OT and become a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) in the future.
Kaitlin believes early intervention is important because childhood is a period of rapid growth and development and she is passionate about enhancing the skills children need to thrive in the future. Kaitlin enjoys collaborating with the kids and their families so she can incorporate their favorite and meaningful activities into the therapy sessions. Kaitlin’s favorite quote is, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. -Helen Keller
Michael Barnes
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Michael Barnes is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who received his associate degree in Occupational Therapy from Pima Medical Institute in El Paso TX. Prior to receiving his degree in Occupational Therapy, Michael served in the United States Air Force as a Firefighter/EMS First Responder. Michael has experience in treating sensory processing disorders, cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, physical disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and Down syndrome.
Michael’s true passion is advocating for the pediatric population and helping them reach their full potential and improve their quality of life for both patients and families. When Michael is not at work doing therapy, he is at home being a father to his two amazing children.
Michael understands firsthand the hard ships and unknowns of a diagnosis parents face. Michael takes pride in not only treating patients but teaching and educating parents and caregivers.
Lupita Key
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lupita Key is a dedicated Occupational Therapist Assistant with a passion for pediatric care. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Pima Medical Institute in El Paso, Texas, in December 2018. Her commitment to advancing her expertise led her to further her education, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from Pima Medical Institute in February 2021.
Lupita is particularly enthusiastic about working with children and collaborating closely with parents to support their child’s development and progress. Her hands-on experience in pediatric therapy and her deep understanding of healthcare administration provide her with a well-rounded perspective, enhancing her ability to deliver effective and compassionate care.
Currently, Lupita is preparing to advance her qualifications further by pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas at El Paso. Her goal is to continue making a meaningful impact in the field of pediatric therapy, advocating for and supporting the needs of children and their families.
Lupita’s favorite quote is, “Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved”—Winnie the Pooh.
Alicia Barron
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Alicia is a native El Pasoan and a graduate of Montwood High School. Alicia received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in 2013 from AnaMarc College, graduating from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Alicia has been serving as a COTA for over ten years and has gained experience in both clinical and hospital settings, working with adults, children, and the elderly. Alicia’s dedication to children began with her service as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, donating her own time to ensure the well-being of children in the community, and she continues to do so through her efforts here at New Beginnings.
In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother of 3, Alicia brings a unique perspective to the pediatric therapy environment, having firsthand experience being a parent with a child requiring specialized therapy. She understands the importance of communication between therapist and parent as well as collaboration with various disciplines to address each child’s individual goals. Alicia looks forward to assisting you and your child in helping them reach their potential while having fun along the way.
One of Alica’s favorite quotes is, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” -Walt Disney.
Diana Villescaz
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Diana is a highly experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with 18 years of dedicated service in the field. She specializes in working with children and young adults, using a variety of play-based therapeutic approaches to engage and support her clients.
Diana’s extensive experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the critical role early intervention plays in optimizing long-term outcomes for individuals with developmental challenges.
Committed to creating nurturing, motivating environments, she strives to facilitate each child’s progress while also empowering parents by providing them with effective tools and strategies to reinforce success at home.
Jack Bedenbaugh
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jack is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who received his associate degree in Occupational Therapy from Pima Medical Institute in El Paso TX. Prior to receiving his degree in Occupational Therapy, Jack earned a Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology from The University of Lynchburg, in Lynchburg, VA. Initially more interested in physical therapy, Jack says he was drawn to the holistic approach of OT, because of how important it is to understand that every person/child is an individual, and that treatment plans & goals should reflect that.
Born and Raised in Sleepy Hollow, NY, Jack has now been in El Paso for 5 years. Being a life-long martial artist, who still teaches daily, Jack has always been passionate about teaching, helping others, and also being a mentor & positive role model for his students. He is equally passionate about advocating for his patients, and this has driven him to create nurturing, motivating, & challenging environments for his patients that help increase positive long-term outcomes.
On the weekends you can find Jack traveling all over the country to coach his students, going for hikes and enjoying the outdoors and time with his dogs.
Ruben Arreola
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ruben Arreola, a proud native of El Paso, Texas, graduated from Pima Medical Institute in December 2023. With over three years of experience in pediatrics as a rehabilitation technician and now as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Ruben brings a dedicated and compassionate approach to his work. In addition to his pediatric practice, he also works at a rehabilitation hospital in Las Cruces, serving the geriatric population.
Ruben’s passion for rehabilitation stems from the fulfillment of helping individuals achieve their milestones and personal goals, positively impacting their lives. His commitment to patient care spans across all age groups, reflecting his love for making a meaningful difference.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Ruben is an accomplished athlete. He played collegiate soccer on scholarship in Colorado and Nevada and continues to stay active by participating in Sunday Leagues in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. During the week, he enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle by going to the gym. Ruben’s dedication to both his profession and personal interests exemplifies his well-rounded and driven character.
Memberships/Certifications
Memberships/Certifications
Changing Lives is Our Mission
Offering children a New Beginning and a brighter future.