Our Team
Our team brings together therapists and allied supports to meet families where they are.
Carla Crockett, MS, OTR/L, CASDCS - Founder & Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Carla (she/her). I founded Empowering the Best and support infants, children, teens, adults, and families across in-person, mobile, and virtual settings throughout Northern Michigan. My work is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-aware care, sensory science, and real-life function, helping people build skills, confidence, and routines that support meaningful participation at home, school, work, and in the community.
I bring advanced training in neurological and functional vision rehabilitation, sensory processing, interoception, co-regulation, feeding support, pediatric pelvic health, and upper extremity rehabilitation. I believe healing and growth happen when people feel seen, supported, and understood in environments that honor their nervous system, strengths, and lived experience.
I have led program development across pediatric outpatient, feeding, and neuro-vision services, and I have supported client access and clinic growth through grant writing and resource development. I also enjoy teaching and presenting on practical tools that clinicians and families can use in real life.
Empowering the Best is expanding into an interdisciplinary collective of therapists and community professionals aligned with whole-person care.
Focused Expertise & Professional Involvement
-Whole-person OT support across the lifespan (infants through adults)
-Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)
-Pediatric feeding and mealtime support
-Feeding Fundamentals: Certified SOFFI Professional (medically complex infants)
-Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention
-Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Issues
-Pediatric pelvic health and advanced toilet training
-Pediatric pelvic health and advanced toilet training (Functional Pelvis & MedBridge trainings)
-Sensory processing, interoception, and nervous system regulation
-Sensory Strategies: Sanity Restoration for Family Life
-Therapeutic Art Interventions for Challenging Children (meltdown/shutdown support)
-Pediatric Astronaut Training: Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol
-Brain Rules for Pediatric Treatment: Neuroscience Meets Evidence-Based Practice
-Co-regulation, routines, and executive functioning support
-Neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation (Saebo certification; upper extremity orthotics training)
-Splinting Simplified and Upper Extremity Orthotics (Johns Hopkins)
-Functional vision support across the lifespan
-Collaborative team-based approach with families, educators, and providers
-Custom home programs to support skill generalization and carryover into daily routines
-Functional communication support (PODD certification)
-Whole-person outpatient services and statewide virtual
-Northern Michigan Occupational Therapy Community of Practice (organizer)
-Brain Injury Association of Michigan (membership)
-Published research in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at state and regional conferences
-Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (Executive Board membership)
-Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation (Grant Distribution Committee membership)
Payment & Reimbursement Options
Private Pay
Auto No-Fault Insurance
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBS)
Blue Care Network (BCN)
Blue Cross Complete
Priority Health
UnitedHealthcare
Medicare
Michigan Medicaid
Insurance participation may vary by therapist. Credentialing with additional panels may be in progress. Please contact Empowering the Best to confirm coverage or join the wait-list.
Carla’s Philosophy
I partner with clients, families, educators, and providers to create practical strategies that fit real life. My approach supports regulation, skill-building, and independence through strengths-based care, nervous system support, and routines that are sustainable beyond the therapy session.
Michelle Vences, COTA/L, BCBA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Hi, I’m Michelle (she/her). I am a dual certified clinician and serve as both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have worked across hospital, skilled nursing, pediatric clinic, in home, and remote settings.
Within Empowering the Best, my primary role is serving as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, providing occupational therapy services under collaborative supervision. I also practice as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in other settings, which allows me to thoughtfully integrate principles of behavior science into my occupational therapy lens while remaining within the scope of each role.
My work integrates behavior science and occupational therapy through a whole body, whole person approach. I specialize in sensory processing, ADHD support, feeding foundations, reflex integration, and sleep. I have a strong interest in neurology, autism, and caregiver education, and I am passionate about helping families understand the why behind behavior so they can build sustainable and meaningful change.
As a bilingual Spanish speaking provider and a neurodivergent clinician raising neurodivergent children, I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to my work. I value cultural humility, accessibility, and collaboration.
I believe growth happens when disciplines work together, not in silos. My mission is to bridge gaps between occupational therapy, behavior analysis, sensory neurology, and mental health informed approaches, creating more aligned and empowering care for caregivers, adults, and families.
Focused Expertise and Professional Areas
-Dual certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Occupational Therapy Assistant
-Primary role within Empowering the Best as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
-Behavior analytic services provided in separate professional settings
-Sensory processing and nervous system regulation
-ADHD support and executive functioning foundations
-Feeding foundations and mealtime routines
-Reflex integration
-Sleep support and environmental modifications
-Autism support across the lifespan
-Caregiver coaching and parent education
-Whole body approach to behavior and regulation
-Integration of sensory, neurological, and behavioral frameworks
-Bilingual services in Spanish
-Experienced with virtual service delivery options
Payment & Reimbursement Options
Private Pay
Auto No-Fault Insurance
Insurance participation may vary by therapist. Credentialing with additional panels may be in progress. Please contact Empowering the Best to confirm coverage or join the wait-list.
Michelle’s Philosophy
I believe behavior is communication, and communication is rooted in the nervous system.
By integrating sensory science, neurology, and behavior principles with family centered coaching, I help caregivers and individuals move from confusion and overwhelm toward clarity, regulation, and meaningful participation in everyday life.
When we bridge disciplines and honor the whole body, we create more opportunity for growth, connection, and long term success.
If you'd like, I can also slightly elevate the language so it mirrors your bio cadence even more tightly while still keeping her voice distinct.
Ashley Myers, MA, CCC-SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi, I’m Ashley (she/her). I spent the first 13 years of my career as a Speech-Language Pathologist contracting with private practices, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies throughout mid-northern Michigan. Those years gave me invaluable hands-on experience across a wide range of communication needs, ages, and settings, while shaping both my clinical expertise and my deep respect for the resilience and individuality of every person I serve.
I am nationally certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and professionally licensed by the state of Michigan. My work supports clients across the lifespan with a focus on meaningful communication, confidence, and functional skills that carry over into real life at home, school, work, and community environments.
In May 2025, I returned to Petoskey, where my academic and professional journey began, allowing me to be closer to family while continuing to do the work I’m passionate about. I’m grateful to support clients and families through flexible care options, including in-person and virtual services.
Focused Expertise & Professional Involvement
-Autism Spectrum Disorders and pediatric speech and language delays
-Articulation and motor speech disorders including apraxia and lisps
-Dyslexia and literacy skills support
-Dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorders including sensory based protocols
-Aphasia and cognitive communication disorders including memory, attention, and executive function
-Stuttering and fluency support
-Voice disorders
-Accent modification and gender affirming voice support
-AAC support including Tobii eye gaze technology and PECS
-TBI support and caregiver education
Payment & Reimbursement Options
Private Pay
Auto No-Fault Insurance
Insurance participation may vary by therapist. Credentialing with additional panels may be in progress. Please contact Empowering the Best to confirm coverage or join the wait-list.
Ashley’s Philosophy
I believe communication is more than words, it’s connection, confidence, and being understood. I partner with clients and families to create practical, individualized strategies that support daily function and meaningful participation. My approach is strengths-based, supportive, and rooted in helping each person feel capable, empowered, and heard.
Jesicalyn Stoddard, MA, CCC-SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi, I’m jesicalyn. I bring experience across medical-based outpatient hospital settings and Michigan school systems. My work across healthcare and educational environments has shaped my commitment to ethical, collaborative, and person-centered speech and language services.
I have extensive experience providing speech-language therapy in one-to-one, small group, and virtual formats. I tailor intervention to each individual’s communication profile, learning style, and environment, with an emphasis on measurable progress and meaningful participation.
My background within school systems has strengthened my ability to align speech and language goals with IEP frameworks, classroom expectations, and academic standards. I prioritize evidence-based intervention that supports expressive and receptive language development, articulation and speech clarity, social communication, and functional communication across settings.
I am passionate about helping individuals increase communication skills, confidence, and self expression. I value multimodal communication systems, including verbal speech, AAC, and alternative forms of expression, so that each person has access to a communication method that supports autonomy and authentic connection.
Within Empowering the Best, jesicalyn brings strong speech-language expertise to our collaborative model, helping ensure communication strategies are developmentally appropriate, functional, and integrated across home, clinic, and educational environments.
Focused Expertise and Professional Areas
-Expressive and receptive language development
-Articulation and speech sound disorders
-Social communication and pragmatic language
-Multimodal communication and AAC support
-Functional communication across environments
-One-to-one, group, and virtual speech-language therapy
-Collaboration with educators, therapists, and families
-Evidence-based, ethically grounded service delivery
-Experienced with virtual service delivery options
Payment & Reimbursement Options
Private Pay
Auto No-Fault Insurance
Insurance participation may vary by therapist. Credentialing with additional panels may be in progress. Please contact Empowering the Best to confirm coverage or join the waitlist.
Jesicalyn’s Philosophy
I believe communication is foundational to connection, learning, and participation. Speech-language therapy should empower individuals to express their thoughts, needs, and identities with clarity and confidence.
Through collaborative, evidence-based practice, I support individuals and families in building communication systems that are functional, transferable, and sustainable across settings.
Tennessee Davenport - Respite and Caregiver Support Provider
Hi, I’m Tennessee. I provide respite and caregiver support services for children and adults across the lifespan. My work is grounded in healthy caregiving principles, play-based engagement, and nature-informed support that helps individuals feel safe, seen, and supported in everyday life.
With experience as an individual and group teacher, I bring creativity, structure, and flexibility to the families I support. I value relationship-centered care and believe that nurturing, kindness, and consistency create the foundation for meaningful growth and participation.
I offer customized support options that may include practical daily assistance, direct supervision, structured engagement, and follow through with school or therapy plans. Whether working one-to-one or in small group settings, my goal is to provide steady, reliable, and encouraging support that builds confidence and reduces overwhelm.
Within Empowering the Best, Tennessee provides safe, consistent care that complements therapeutic plans and strengthens carryover into real-life routines.
Focused Support Areas
-Respite care and direct safe supervision
-Play-based individual and group support
-Nature-based engagement and outdoor learning
-Follow through with school or therapy plans
-Practical daily living support for children and adults
-Customized caregiver support tailored to family needs
-Nurturing, structured, and relationship-centered care
Payment & Reimbursement Options
Private Pay
Auto No-Fault Insurance
Insurance participation may vary by therapist. Credentialing with additional panels may be in progress. Please contact Empowering the Best to confirm coverage or join the wait-list.
Tennessee’s Philosophy
I believe the best support is steady, compassionate, and built on trust. When individuals feel safe and understood, they are more open to connection, learning, and growth.
My role is to provide practical, joyful, and dependable support that helps families function with greater ease and confidence.
Jenny Stadtmiller - Respite and Caregiver Support Provider
Hi, I’m Jenny. I provide respite and caregiver support services for individuals across the lifespan, including infants through older adults. I offer direct supervision and practical, day-to-day support that helps families feel safe, supported, and less overwhelmed as they move through routines and daily demands.
I have experience supporting medically complex children and adults and approach each individual with patience, consistency, and a strengths-based mindset. My goal is to provide calm, structured care while reinforcing routines and promoting follow through in ways that feel manageable and sustainable.
Jenny partners closely with our team and can collaborate with therapists and other support providers to strengthen carryover and generalization of skills into everyday life. If a home program, routine, or study plan feels difficult to maintain independently, Jenny provides steady support to help implement those plans safely and consistently.
Within Empowering the Best, Jenny offers reliable, respectful care that complements therapeutic services and supports families in building structure, confidence, and independence.
Focused Support Areas
-Respite care and direct supervision
-Support for medically complex children and adults
-Reinforcement of therapy or home programs
-Daily routine and structure support
-Instrumental activities of daily living support
-Community-based assistance when appropriate
-Practical, family-centered caregiver support
Options for Reimbursement
Private Pay
Auto No-Fault Insurance
Insurance participation may vary by therapist. Credentialing with additional panels may be in progress. Please contact Empowering the Best to confirm coverage or join the wait-list.
Jenny’s Philosophy
I believe strong support is calm, practical, and consistent. When families have reliable help that aligns with their goals, daily life becomes more manageable and meaningful.
My role is to provide safe, steady care that strengthens independence and supports participation across environments.
Client Care Coordination Team - Intake & Administrative Support
Our Client Care Coordination team helps ensure your experience with Empowering the Best feels organized, responsive, and thoughtfully guided from the very beginning.
From initial inquiry and intake coordination to insurance verification and billing support, we help families understand available services and navigate next steps with clarity. We work to connect individuals with the most appropriate supports within our collaborative model, helping align needs, goals, and service options.
We understand that starting services can feel overwhelming. Our role is to provide steady communication, benefits clarification, documentation support, and coordination so families feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Within Empowering the Best, Client Care Coordination plays an essential role in maintaining ethical, sustainable, and accessible service delivery across settings.
Support Areas
-Initial inquiry response and intake coordination
-Service matching and care pathway guidance
Assistance understanding insurance benefits
-Billing coordination and payment processing
-Intake documentation and onboarding support
-Communication coordination with providers
Our Philosophy
We believe the beginning of care should feel clear, supportive, and collaborative. When families understand their options and feel guided through next steps, the therapeutic process becomes more accessible and less stressful.
Our role is to provide structure, transparency, and connection so the focus can remain on meaningful, whole-person growth.