Owner

TimberNook of Greater Cleveland Co-Director

Brenda Richards, OTR/L, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Elizabethtown College and is a registered (certified) and licensed occupational therapist.

She has worked with clients with a range of diagnoses, throughout the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics. Brenda is trained in Greenspan's D.I.R. model and has lectured extensively on this subject.

Brenda began her career at Harborside Healthcare of Beachwood, completing evaluations, screening and treatment for long-term care and skilled care units from 1995-1998. She worked closely with physical therapists and speech-language pathologists to maximize clients’ progress. It was at this point that she learned the importance of a team approach to therapy.

In 1998, Brenda joined Barrie Galvin and Associates, LTD. She treated children with a variety of diagnoses, including PDD, Autism, Regulatory and Multisystem Developmental Disorders, ADD, Sensory Integration Dysfunction and hand function disorders. 

Additionally, while with Barrie Galvin, Brenda developed the Floor Time lecture and coaching series, which included three nights of lecture and parent/caregiver coaching sessions. She also lectured at the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA) State Conference, for several schools throughout the state of Ohio, and for Physical Therapy Associates of Chambersburg, Inc. in Chambersburg, PA.

A co-founder of The Center for LifeSkills in 2002, Brenda has helped create a dynamic cooperative style of therapy for children with a variety of needs. She has also written two children's books: A Garden Tale and A Woodland Tale, stories about friendship, acceptance, and diversity.