Judy Marchant, OTR/CEAS

Judy is an Occupational Therapist (OTR) licensed in Wisconsin. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary College. As an Occupational Therapist, she has specialized in workplace ergonomics and work reconditioning program for the past 25 years.

In 1998, Judy completed her studies as a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS) and routinely educates clients with proper ergonomics are essential to their health and recovery. She completes specialized evaluations including Functional Capacity Evaluation, Prosthetic Training and On-Site Ergonomic Evaluations. Judy is currently the manager at The Hand Center.

Judy continues to educate residents and fellows through lectures and in-services for the PM&R program as well as the Hand Surgery Program at Medical College of Wisconsin. Judy enjoys sharing her knowledge with the Occupational Therapy students at the college level. She continue to lecture annually on Physical Agent Modalities as well as Introduction to Hand Therapy.

Additionally, Judy is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA) and their respective Work Program Special Interest Sections.

Emily Otzelberger, COTA

Emily received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Human Services from St. Norbert College. After several years of working in mental health, Emily continued her education at MATC to receive her degree as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). While working as a Rehabilitation Technician at the Froedtert Sports Medicine Center, she completed her degree and graduated in 2020. She began working in The Hand Center in February of 2021. Emily's passions and areas of interest include working with pediatrics, traumas, special needs, and is excited about the variety of diagnosis and treatments she gets to learn about at MCW.

Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoors & on the water. Her free time is otherwise filled by traveling and participating on adult sports teams.

Jennifer Orth, OTR, CHT

Jennifer Orth received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Carthage College in 2003, where she majored in Exercise and Sport Science/Athletic Training. Jen spent over 13 years providing sports medicine coverage to youth, high school, semi-professional and professional teams, as well as industrial rehabilitation services to injured workers. She went on to receive her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University in 2016 and became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2021. Jen has committed herself to expanding her knowledge of post-operative and conservative management of upper extremity injuries and conditions through continuing education and hands-on experiences. Away from the clinic, Jen enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and dogs.
 

 

Wendy Schmidt, OTR, CHT

Wendy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2004 with her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2010, which is also when she began to work at The Medical College of Wisconsin – The Hand Center. Wendy is deeply passionate about hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. Her areas of special interest include traumatic hand injuries, wound care, custom splinting and manual therapy. Wendy enjoys being a Clinical Instructor and mentor to Occupational Therapy students who have a significant interest in Hand Therapy. She also truly values attending continuing education courses in hand and upper extremity rehab. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband and little girl, cooking and gardening.

 

 

Kim Schroeder, OTR

Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Psychology from Cornell College in 2012, followed by her Master of Occupational Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2016. Between completing her Bachelor's degree and beginning the pursuit of her Master's degree, Kim worked as a Rehabilitation Aide at an outpatient Occupational and Physical Therapy clinic in Des Plaines, IL. It was there that she realized her passion for Occupational Therapy – specifically rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity. From that point on, she committed herself to obtaining as much knowledge and hands-on experience possible in that setting. Kim completed her clinical placements in Inpatient Rehab and Outpatient Rehab through Concordia University Wisconsin. Upon graduating with her Master's, Kim began working at The Hand Center at The Medical College of Wisconsin in December 2016. She works closely with the surgeons in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department providing post-operative care and conservative management of various upper extremity injuries and conditions. Kim is now beginning to prepare to take the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) examination when eligible. In her spare time outside of The Hand Center, Kim enjoys participating in outdoor activities, sports, and traveling.

 

Tina Sowinski, OTR, CHT

Tina graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2003. She has been working in outpatient hand therapy since 2005. Tina joined the Medical College of Wisconsin, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department’s Hand Center team in 2011. he attained her Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT) in November 2012. Tina has pursued continuing education coursework in lymphedema management, upper extremity orthopedics, splinting, and arthritis and flexor/extensor tendon management. Outside of the clinic Tina enjoys spending time with her family, biking and beach days.

 

 

Amy Vallejo, OTR, CHT

Amy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2000 with a degree in Psychology and Occupational Therapy. She earned her Hand Certification (CHT) in 2007. Amy’s extensive training includes upper extremity ergonomics, splinting and hand trauma. She works closely with the surgeons in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department providing quality care and treatment for patients with upper extremity conditions. Continuing education courses focus on manual therapy to enhance her clinical skills. Some of Amy’s special interests area include sport-related injuries. Away from the clinic, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and participating in sport activities.

 

 

Abby Wilson, COTA

Abby is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant-COTA that graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2008 with honors. Started working at The Medical College of Wisconsin Hand Center in August 2008. Abby specializes in the Work Hardening program at The Hand Center focusing on maximizing function for work and daily tasks. As a COTA Abby also assists all physicians in the clinic setting to help advocate occupational therapy needs for the patients. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on the Vikings and outdoor recreational activities.