Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapy at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence is designed to improve the quality of life for patients so they are able to return to all daily activities after a musculoskeletal condition or injury.
Your OT will develop an individualized treatment plan to improve motion and strength, restore function, and reduce or eliminate pain so you can get back to your usual daily activities. You play an integral role in your care after an injury. Our occupational therapists (OT) work with you to ensure your recovery and rehabilitation meets all of the goals we set at the beginning of treatment.
We invite you to learn more about our occupational therapists.
Melanie Hubbuck, MS, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Melanie recently completed her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis. Prior to her time there, she graduated magna cum laude from Regis University with her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and from the University of California, Berkeley with her Master of Science in Metabolic Biology. She is actively involved in research, including serving as a member of the American Society for Hand Therapists Research Division. During her career in hand therapy, she looks forward to blending clinical practice with her background in the biochemical sciences, focusing on improved patient outcomes and wellness. She is originally from Colorado, and is thrilled to be returning home to both join and learn from the CCOE team as she works toward becoming a certified hand therapist!
Andrea Mackie MA, OTR, CHT
Hand Therapist
Andrea graduated from the College of St. Catherine’s in MN with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Her career started in Minnesota at a level one trauma hospital where she had the opportunity to treat traumatic and often significant injuries of the upper extremity. This is where she discovered her passion for the rehabilitation of the hand and improving ones quality of life after such injuries.
Being a military spouse, Andrea has had the opportunity to work in numerous clinics across the country and gain valuable knowledge through each experience.
Andrea has earned the prestigious designation of a certified hand therapist. She works closely with CCOE physicians to treat a broad spectrum of upper extremity injuries, from the very common overuse injury to the most complex post surgical conditions.
Angela Geaslin, OTR, CHT
Hand Therapist
Angie has practiced hand therapy for over 25 years. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1996, she started her career in Jackson Hole, WY. In 2001, Angie became a Certified Hand Therapist.
As a military spouse, Angie gained extensive experience working in several world class clinics throughout the country. She is excited to bring her depth of knowledge and experience to CCOE.
Margaret Miller, OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist / Certified Hand Therapist
Meg Miller is a Certified Hand Therapist with more than 26 years of experience in rehabilitation of the upper extremity. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy in 1995 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She has a wide range of experience including level one trauma centers, burns, post-surgical care, sports injuries, and cumulative trauma disorders. She has been a member of the CCOE team since 2015.
Shelly Watkins, OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist / Certified Hand Therapist
Shelly graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colorado State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1991. She gained experience in Nebraska, then moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she has lived since 1994. She has provided treatment in the hand therapy arena for 30 years, obtaining her CHT in 2011. She also served as Chairperson of the Wyoming Board of Occupational Therapy. Her first love, however, is the treatment of clients with all manner of upper extremity diagnoses, and working closely with surgeons for the best outcomes.
Shelly was born and raised in Fort Collins, CO, and is excited to be returning to Colorado to continue her career, and enjoy all the Springs has to offer. She is pleased to join the knowledgeable staff and surgeons of CCOE.
Katie Schweitzer, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist / Certified Hand Therapist
Katie Schweitzer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in general science and athletic training from the University of Iowa. After graduating Katie decided to leave the cold north behind and head to the desert to earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Touro University Nevada. Katie had a passion for working with athletes and in the subspecialty of hand therapy. She furthered her education by becoming a Certified Hand therapist, advanced practitioner in Kinesio taping and Graston Technique.
In her spare time, Katie loves to travel. She has studied biology in the Galapagos Islands and in 2010 she participated in an Under Graduate project spending a month in South Africa helping small communities receive clean drinking water and educating locals on health wellness and hygiene. She also loves to run, regularly participating in local races, hiking, biking, and spending time with friends or her dog Max.
Charla Stilling-Hayes, COTA/L, CEAS III
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist III
Charla Stilling-Hayes began her career in health and fitness over 25 years ago as a personal trainer, aerobics and spin instructor, specializing in training triathletes, cyclists and marathon runners. She spent several years as a therapy technician before going back to school to obtain an Associates in Occupational Studies from PIMA Medical Institute Denver in 2014. Since graduating, she focused her career primarily in hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation. She recently completed studies to achieve a level III ergonomic assessment specialist certification.
Charla has worked in hand clinics from Boulder to Golden and now Colorado Springs. She is excited to be a part of CCOE, enjoys working with the CCOE team and helping each person she has the opportunity to work with to achieve the best outcome possible.
In her spare time, Charla enjoys spending time with her husband and family, old Jeep trails, mountain biking, hiking and exploring above 8,000 feet.
Kelly Wood, OTR, CHT
Occupational Therapist / Certified Hand Therapist
Kelly is a Colorado native who graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy. She received specialty certification as a certified hand therapist in 2005. Kelly has worked in outpatient rehabilitation in Colorado Springs since 1999. She specializes in custom splinting and orthotics for the upper extremity, treating post-surgical and upper extremity trauma, and rehabilitation. She enjoys treating people of all ages, ranging from 9 days old to 99 years old. In her free time, Kelly takes advantage of all that Colorado has to offer, spending time with family and traveling.
Jennifer Yeaman, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Jennifer is a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant where she graduated from Pueblo Community College. Before pursuing occupational therapy, Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Monterey Bay, where she also ran Division 2 cross country and track. She has worked in several different settings including pediatrics and in-patient care, but has come to love the orthopedic outpatient setting. She is passionate about the field of occupational therapy and helping others return to their activities of daily living.
When she is not in the clinic, you can find her running trails and climbing mountains.
Dani Bayette, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Dani is a graduate of Barton County Community College with an Associates of Applied Science degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has worked in Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy since 2001. Danielle is skilled in working with trauma and post-surgical patients. Danielle has lived in Colorado since 2000 and enjoys camping, hiking and traveling with her husband.
