Meet Our Team
Occupational Therapist, CEO
Shaunna Kotka, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CMT
Shaunna is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with specialty areas in physical rehabilitation including Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), neurorehabilitation and mental health. Shaunna values whole-person care and is passionate about improving quality of life for individuals living with challenging conditions and complex diagnoses. She is a certified lymphedema therapist with over 11 years experience in manual therapies and treating lymphedema and chronic pain conditions as well as a variety of conditions impacting the lymphatic system. Prior to relocating to California, she operated a private practice in New York City specializing in treatment for lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiencies (CVI), chronic pain conditions, post operative recovery, custom compression garment fitting, and clinical massage therapy and pilates.
Shaunna received her doctorate in occupational therapy from Southern California University of Health Sciences, obtained her bachelors degree in psychology with a concentration in physiological psychology from Hunter College in New York City, she earned her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Cortiva Institute and has been a licensed massage therapist as well since 2009. Shaunna received her training and certifications in MLD and CDT through the extensive program at Dr. Vodder International, with additional certification through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). She is a certified LSVT BIG clinician for treatment of parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions and has additional training in High Intensity Gait Training (HIGT) for post-stroke, TBI and SCI. Shaunna is also certified in the Im=X Pilates method, and enjoys the use of this functional and progressive form of Pilates as appropriate when working with her patients.
Shaunna began Open Grounds Inc. to expand the road to recovery for individuals living with chronic conditions and complex diagnoses. She places a heavy importance on patient-centered care, communication and compassion, and values a whole-person approach to treatment for optimal outcomes and reintegration into a meaningful life.
Occupational Therapist
Stephanie Perez, OTD, OTR/L, CSOT
Stephanie is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with specialty areas in sexuality and intimacy neurorehabilitation, and mental health. Stephanie received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from University of Southern California, she received her bachelors degree in biology and mathematics, she has speciality training in High Intensity Gait Training (HIGT) for post- stroke neurorehabiltation, and she is a Certified Sexuality Occupational Therapist (CSOT) through the Institute for Sex and Occupational Therapy.
Stephanie enjoys conducting OT groups as well as one-on-one OT treatment sessions. She strives to empower her patients as they navigate challenges living with chronic illness or complex diagnoses, helping them to create new pathways to engage successfully in activities that are meaningful to them.
Stephanie is a California native, enjoys all things movement including hiking and attending dance classes, and she enjoys being a dog mom to her husky Nala. She holds a pure passion for occupational therapy, and connecting the dots in care to help her patients gain tools and strategies to achieve their fullest potential as well as improve their over all wellness and quality of life.
Admin
Audrey Bain
Audrey is a California native who enjoys traveling, loves animals, spending time with family and being in nature. She received her associates degree in social and behavioral sciences, and has a background in marketing and advertising prior to her transitioning into the healthcare setting. Audrey is a certified medical reimbursement specialist through AMBA and she enjoys helping people, and engaging in work that holds a positive impact. She has a keen eye for detail, and is an expert problem solver! We are excited to have her as a part of our growing team at Open Grounds and she looks forward to welcoming you to our clinic.
