Occupational Therapists

Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology/exercise science from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2018 and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2021. Nicole uses a holistic approach to understanding every individual. She is passionate about collaborating with each client towards obtaining their individual goals. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, playing volleyball, trying new foods, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Niki joined Carle McLean County Orthopedics in 2009 as part of the Occupational Therapy (OT) hand care team. She has specialized in hand and upper extremity care since 1998 and achieved board certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2003. She is a member of the American Society for Hand Therapists (ASHT) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She also enjoys fabricating custom orthotic braces for patients and leading them down their road to recovery.

Niki grew up in Heyworth, IL, and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University. She completed her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis. Niki honed her skills working with prominent hand surgeons in Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis before joining Dr. Oakey's hand specialty team at Carle MCO. Niki and her husband relocated to Bloomington in 2006 to raise their children close to family.

Deb joined Carle McLean County Orthopedics in 2005. Deb graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and an Associate’s in Occupational from Illinois Central College. Deb is specialized in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. She enjoys helping patients return to function after experiencing acute hand injuries. Deb grew up in Bloomington-Normal, is an avid Cubs and Purdue fan, and enjoys traveling and volunteering at local pet rescues.

Kim attended the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado in pursuit of a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Kim specialized in the treatment of clients experiencing neurological trauma, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury in the 1990s. Since 2000, she has focused more on working with patients with orthopedic injuries of the upper extremities. Kim obtained her Certified Hand Therapist certification in 2011. Kim is passionate about working with individuals who have experienced hand trauma. Her prior work experiences contribute to her ability to treat each patient holistically. Outside of Carle MCO, Kimberly’s hobbies include waterskiing on flat water, long walks on her quiet country road, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Celia joined Carle MCO in 2013 when Dr. Newcomer and his staff merged with Carle MCO. She has practiced as an occupational therapy assistant since 2007. Originally from the East Coast, she currently resides in Central Illinois. Professionally, she enjoys helping clients return to full function. She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies from Parkland College and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eureka College. She is certified by The National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed in the State of Illinois. Outside of therapy, Celia enjoys cooking and traveling.