Brittany Rieker
Occupational Therapist
Clinic director
Hi, I’m Brittany! I have been working in pediatric occupational therapy for 10+ years now. My passion for working with children has been present all of my life. I began acting on that passion while working towards my bachelors degree in Kinesiology from Washing State University, GO COUGS! I was designing after school programs for at-risk youth in rural Eastern Washington. I returned to Montana and spent just over a year working with Linda Malloy in Billings as an OT Aide. I absorbed knowledge in treatment of infants, feeding challenges, and medically fragile children. I then completed my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary and began working in outpatient pediatrics with children of all ages and functional levels.
I truly believe in unconventional approaches to treating children. The clinic is not a fit for all! I have extensive training in treatment of children ages birth to three years old. I am dually certified in Eagala as an equine specialist and specialized professional. I am also SOS Feeding Protocol certified, have certifications from NDT, Advanced Treatment of The Baby and I hold several aquatic therapy certifications. I have been providing aquatic therapy for medically fragile to physically typical children for over seven years.
I believe therapy for children is playing, and play should involve movement and freedom to explore!
I fill my soul with family time in the mountains. My husband and I enjoy taking our 4 girls and dog up in altitude to unplug and reconnect!
BRITTANY@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Kelsey Rowse
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Clinic Lead
Hello! My name is Kelsey and I am a licensed and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a broad background of working with special needs children.
My occupational journey began as a Behavioral Therapist providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to children on the Autism spectrum in Sacramento, California. After learning about the realm of Occupational Therapy, I pursued an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Casper College and graduated in 2013.
Since graduating, I have been working in Billings, Montana in various settings with children with fine motor and gross motor delays, visual motor difficulties, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, and developmental delays. I enjoy providing aquatic and equine therapy, which I have been invested in for several years.
I have certifications in sensory processing and regulation, Social Thinking, Zones of Regulation, The ALERT Program, Bal-A-Vis-X, and the SOS Feeding Approach. I recently became certified as a child and adolescent anxiety treatment professional (CCATP-CA). I am passionate about helping kids reach their full potential and enjoy treating children of all ages and skills levels!
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with my boyfriend, cat, and dog.
KELSEY@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Saydee Miller
Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Saydee! I was born and raised right here in Billings, Montana. I attended Rocky Mountain College for both my bachelor degree and my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. When trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up, I found Occupational Therapy through the encouragement of a favorite teacher and my mom. I fell in love with OT when I realized I would get to help kids and families while playing!
I am so excited to be a part of the LEAF team. With the exception of my first job as a janitor, I have spent my working life working with kids in the form of after-school programs, as a registered behavioral technician, and finally as an OT. Through school, I became certified in trauma-informed care and completed my capstone project with Child Bridge, allowing me to serve and provide education to foster families in Montana. I am excited for the opportunity to care for your kiddos and am committed to staying up-to-date on the evolving world of OT and the evidence-based guidelines to support your child’s ability to reach their goals.
In my spare time I love being a mom, spending time with my husband and family, traveling, skiing, and reading.
Saydee@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Kasey Kelleher
Occupational Therapist
Clinic manager
Hey y’all, my name is Kasey! I was born in Birmingham, Alabama and received my BA in Kinesiology from Auburn University (War Eagle!). I have always enjoyed working with children, especially infants. While shadowing in a NICU during my undergraduate program, I learned about the professional of occupational therapy and was completely hooked.
I moved to Billings in 2018 to complete my Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Mary. I completed my final doctoral capstone at Billings Clinic in the Labor and Delivery unit creating a website for new mothers and learning more about how we can support babies during their first year of life. Upon graduating, I decided that I wanted to stay in Billings and had the wonderful opportunity to join the LEAF team. I have been at LEAF for almost five years now and have loved assuming the position as the clinical manager on top of treating patients!
I have experience with feeding, primitive reflex integration, sensory integration, emotional regulation and infant development and support. I enjoy utilizing these skills while working with children of all ages in functional and FUN ways. I believe in providing children with the support they need through creative and sustainable techniques incorporated into their daily life!
I have a passion for working with infants and have completed courses in Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and tongue tie effects with feeding development. I also completed a specialized continuing education program and passed my certification examination to become a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) this past year. I love being able to work with mothers and babies during their lactation and feeding journey from birth and on!
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, working out and running, and spending time with my friends and husband. In October of 2024 my husband and I welcomed our first son and he continues to keep us on our toes! :)
kasey@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Tayler Spang
Physical Therapist
onboarding supervisor
Hi there, my name is Tayler Spang! I graduated from Montana State University - Billings in April of 2019 with my bachelors degree in exercise science! I then went to physical therapy school in Bismarck North Dakota at the University of Mary and received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in April 2022. I have always enjoyed working with children and was able to gain great experience in my clinical rotation at Sanford Childrens in the outpatient clinic, home health setting, the hospital and in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)! My passion is working with babies as well as teenage athletes, but love working with any children that I serve!
Prior to working at LEAF, I worked in pediatrics both in an outpatient clinic and home health settings in Florida! I have experience with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, torticollis and plagiocephaly, developmental delays, down syndrome and more! My husband and I decided to return back to Montana, where I was given the opportunity to work at LEAF!
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snowboarding, reading, working out and hanging out with my husband and two dogs!
TAYLER@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Alicea Burnaugh
occupational Therapist
educational and community outreach supervisor
Hi, I’m Alicea! I attended University of Wyoming (GO POKES!) where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. I went on to receive my Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of North Dakota - Casper College Campus in 2016. I have always had a passion for working in pediatrics and have worked in a variety of pediatric settings including outpatient, school-based and tele therapy.
I have experience with treating children with a wide range of abilities including, but not limited to, fine and visual motor delays and sensory processing, self-regulation/behavior and feeding difficulties, with a certification in SOS Approach to Feeding. I strive to be continually learning and growing as a therapist to provide the best, individualized care for each child and am excited to expand my skill set by learning and implementing aquatic and equine therapy techniques here at LEAF.
When not treating patients at LEAF, I enjoy spending time outdoors, up in the mountains or outside in my garden, with my husband, daughter and two mini-goldendoodles.
alicea@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Corrie Fredericks
physical Therapist
clinic lead
Hello! My name is Dr. Corrie Fredericks. Physical therapy became a part of my life at a young age. While playing sports in high school, I received a couple of knee injuries and was able to come back to sports and functional activities by completing physical therapy. I started to pursue my dream of becoming a physical therapist after high school, receiving my degree in Health and Human Performance at Montana State University Billings in 2015. I decided to venture out of Montana to receive my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. Throughout my time in the physical therapy program, I became interested in pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurological disorders. After graduating in 2018, I moved to Williston, ND starting up in an outpatient, orthopedic private practice where I worked with a multitude of patients ranging in age, injury, or disorder. I am trained in Dry Needling and Graston Technique Therapy which helps with musculoskeletal disorders. Being in an outpatient orthopedic setting, these skills came in handy.
In 2021, my family decided to move back home to Montana. I decided to take a different route in my physical therapy career and started working in pediatrics. I have worked at LEAF Pediatric Therapy for 4 years now treating a multitude of patients. I love working with babies to help with their development as well as working to help infants with head shape issues and torticollis. I also have worked with young kids with cerebral palsy and kids with unspecified developmental delays, diminished motor planning, and impaired coordination along with many more diagnoses. I enjoy providing aquatic therapy to patients year round! Recently, I became certified as a Level A DMI therapist which is another tool in my toolbox to help patients develop their postural stability. Because I have roots in orthopedic treatments, I love working with kids and young adults that are returning to sports and activities of daily living. Over the years, it has been great assisting infants, kids, and young adults in developing the skills and strengths they need to be involved in their community.
When I am not providing services at LEAF, I am enjoying being a wife and a mommy to my three little cutie-pies. We love getting to spend so much time with family and friends. Summer months are the best as we get to play in the water, go camping and hiking, and ride our bikes/walk the dog!
corrie@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Lisa Kness
Speech Language Pathologist
Hello!
My name is Lisa Kness and I am Speech-Language Pathologist. I graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1988, with a Masters of Science in Communication Disorders. In my 36 year career as a Speech-Language Pathologist I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings but I always find my way home to pediatrics! I enjoy working with a variety of ages. However, my area of focus over the past 10 years has been working for children exposed to trauma and working on Social Pragmatic Skills, the social use of language. Wondering what Social Pragmatics is? Please ask me!!
I consider myself a play-based therapist who believes the ability to communicate and make friends is the key to a child's future success. Speech therapy should be fun, full of movement and play, and ultimately lead a child to do what they want to do with their lives. Dreaming big for your future starts young. You will hear me say, a lot!, "Repetition is the Key to Learning." It is true! Repetition allows practice and exploration for a child to find their way to success. You may also hear me say "y'all" and "oh my stars" as my Mississippi roots show from time to time.
Interesting fun fact. I work in Billings, I live in Wyoming, and I moved down south from a remote island in Alaska. I am a long distance runner, and run marathons to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer, specifically a rare brain stem cancer called DIPG. I am madly in love with my husband and my dog! And on any given day off you will find one or all three of us on the golf course, hiking in the mountains or fishing.
Lisa@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Steve Dembowski
Physical Therapist
Hello, My name is Steve! I am originally from Seville, Ohio, but I have lived in many different parts of the USA and love road tripping across the country. I earned my Bachelors degree in clinical exercise physiology from Ohio Northern University. After undergrad, I spent time working as a clinical electrophysiology tech at the Cleveland Clinic to save money for PT school. I then earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Wheeling University in West Virginia.
I am a board-certified specialist in pediatric physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Since graduating PT school in 2020, I have practiced in multiple states including Ohio, West Virginia, Texas, and California. I also have experience in intensive physical therapy programs through clinics I have worked at in the past. My favorite thing about being a physical therapist is being able to help others reach their goals and fully participate in everything they want to. I enjoy working with children who have neurologic diagnosis and complex care needs, using evidence-based and family-centered approaches to support mobility, independence, and quality of life. When not at work, I love spending quality time with my wife and pets. I also enjoy playing sports, hiking, paddleboarding, exercising, gardening, and camping.
steve@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Ashley Doney
Certified occupational Therapy assistant
Hello! My name is Ashley! I was born and raised here in Billings, Montana. I attended and graduated from Joyce University in Draper, UT in 2025 and earned a degree in occupational therapy assisting!
In high school I found a passion for helping other classmates with various special needs navigate high school along with all of their daily tasks! I found out about Occupational Therapy through my aunt Brittany Rieker and got many opportunities to job shadow and work as a therapy tech through high school and college, which I am so extremely grateful for! I fell in love with how the clinic focuses on increasing functional abilities of diverse kids while making it fun and encouraging! I officially joined the team in summer of 2025 and have gotten to learn from so many extremely skilled professionals! I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and experience as I grow as an Occupational Therapy Practitioner!
In my free time, I love to go camping, boating, and spending time outdoors throughout the summer. I love spending time with friends and family, reading a good book, traveling, watching NFL games, and learning new hobbies!
ashley@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Tonya Doney
Patient Care Coordinator
Hi my name is Tonya and I am the Patient Care Coordinator. I was given the opportunity to come join LEAF after being a stay at home mom for 13 years. I can say I actually love my job. We have the best clients!
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. I am married and we have two amazing daughters. We enjoy camping, boating and taking our UTV out on the trails.
tonya@LEAFPEDIATRIC.ORG
Jamie Buechler
Family Support Advocate
My name is Jamie – I am a mom to 3 boys, two with special needs and I have been a stay at home for almost 13 years. My youngest son Eli started having challenges at a very young age and after 6 years, we finally received a rare diagnosis that only 90 kids in the world have. While searching for a couple years and doing multiple therapies, my middle son was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months.
The journey has been long and hard on many levels, but would not trade them for the world. This walk through special needs has presented many trials as I have walked through grief, loneliness, anger, sadness, tears and frustration. But I have also learned patience, unconditional love, joy, advocacy and acceptance. It has been a long journey, but that has led me to wanting to help other families in the community and to help them understand that they are never alone.
My passion for helping others has led me to partner with LEAF Pediatric Therapy as a Family Support Advocate. My role is to help with events in the community, to make sure families get the support and therapies that they need, as well as helping families navigate this hard journey.
For fun, we love swimming during the summer and family camping.