DEBBIE ROYAL, OTR/L - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Debbie graduated from the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Central Arkansas and now has over 30 years experience in pediatric occupational therapy.“I love working with the pediatric population with sensory integration; auditory processing, touch processing, attention and movement processing, oral sensory processing, behavioral issues related to sensory processing… it’s like a puzzle. No two kids are the same, so you can’t have a cookie-cutter approach. I love working out the unique challenges present in each child and then taking steps to progress that child toward meeting goals that will improve the quality of their life!"
After three decades of serving families with her therapy skillset, Debbie is known for getting results. She’s described as both firm and fun. She is also experienced in food chaining, reflex integration, fine motor handwriting, and visual motor.
“I love working with the kids that are all over the place -- ADD, ADHD, and kids that are on the spectrum. The improvements that are possible and the change that I can help bring to their life is why I’m still doing this all these years later. It’s as fun to me today as it was when I first started.”
ELIZABETH E. MELCHER, MS, OTR/L - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Elizabeth has lived in Northwest Arkansas for nearly 28 years, where she and her husband raised five children. Once her kids were grown, she went back to school to become an occupational therapist. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2016.“My husband and I always had a heart to adopt. When we welcomed two of our children into our family through adoption, they required an array of professional services — including OT. As I watched my children grow, thrive, and gain developmental milestones they were previously missing, I fell in love with occupational therapy. My own heart began yearning to help other families and children in the way those wonderful professionals had helped mine. So, I embarked on my college journey at the age of 46 and graduated with my masters degree in occupational therapy in 2016.”
Elizabeth’s background in behavioral health adds to her insight and understanding of childhood trauma and how it affects all aspects of daily living skills and milestones.
“I love working to help children and families gain skills they need in order to be successful in activities that are meaningful to them. There is no better feeling than when a child meets a goal they have been working so hard to master. We all need help at various times in our lives, and I am so happy and blessed to offer therapy services that enrich the lives of the children and families that come my way. I will celebrate every little wonderful step along the way with you!”
Every family who works with Elizabeth will find her to be others-focused. It’s with a huge heart that she pursued her education and career, and it shows.