Meet Denise. Denise McClintock, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist with the McKibben & Monte team in Columbus. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Oklahoma and specializes in pediatrics and autism, bringing warmth, creativity, and play-based connection to every therapy session.

Denise’s favorite part about being an occupational therapist is watching a child become more engaged in play and seeing families feel successful alongside them. She understands that progress is not just about skill development—it’s about building confidence, joy, and connection in everyday life.

Her journey into occupational therapy began during a vocational tech health careers program, where she later had the opportunity to shadow an OT. She remembers thinking, “What a fun job! You get to play, cook, or do crafts. What could be better?” That spark turned into a lifelong passion for helping children grow through meaningful activities.

When Denise begins working with a child, she prioritizes building rapport and meeting them exactly where they are. She takes time to discover what kind of play lights them up—whether it’s imaginative games, crafts, movement, or sensory exploration—and then uses that foundation to guide skill development. For Denise, therapy works best when it feels natural, engaging, and empowering.

Her favorite children’s book is Dirt Boy by Eric Slangerup. As a child, she loved the Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish and the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series by Betty MacDonald—stories full of humor and heart that still reflect her playful spirit today.

Outside of therapy, Denise enjoys watercolor painting, tackling barn chores, reading, learning new things, and dancing with her husband. She treasures simple family time—playing board games together or enjoying beach vacations. With her joyful approach and deep appreciation for play, Denise helps children and families experience growth in ways that feel both meaningful and fun.