OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS SPECIALIZING IN VISION LOSS

Dr. Jennifer Lauer, OTD, OTR/L, CLVT is the Director of Adult Services, Coordinator of the Drew’s Low Vision Clinic, and the lead Occupational Therapist. She received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine and Master of Science in OT at Washington University. Jennifer is a Certified Low Vision Therapist. She has been working with individuals with vision impairment for over 15 years in both Illinois and in Missouri, spending many years in home healthcare.

Mariko Lighthart is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist and received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern Indiana. She has worked in home health care in various settings including pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. She was the Director of Clinical Education for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at

St. Louis College of Health Careers. Her name is pronounced Ma-dee-ko, but she says you can call her “M.”

Ali Lambert is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and received her COTA degree at St. Charles Community College. Ali has Certifications in Low Vision Level 2; Home Modifications and Falls Prevention; Participation, Resilience and Wellness; and Enhanced Medical Rehabilitation. Besides working with clients at Society, she also makes home visits in St. Charles County as part of our expanded OT services.

Michelle Harrell is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who serves Jefferson County residents on a PRN basis. Through a grant from the Jefferson Foundation, Michelle makes in-home visits to establish care for those who have never had the opportunity to be evaluated. Through telehealth, she works collaboratively with a Society Occupational Therapist to set up the Plan of Care. Michelle received her degree in Business Management and later chose to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Gina Cusac, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant serves the Illinois counties of Madison and St. Clair on a PRN basis. She graduated from Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois and has 28 years of experience as a COTA, working in pediatrics, geriatrics, and early intervention. Thanks to funding by the Lutheran Foundation, Gina provides in-home OT services to those in Illinois who can’t travel to Society. For those outside of those counties, clients travel to designated places to have services provided, through partnerships with IL organizations MindsEye, LINC and Impact.