Meet Gratia, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with the McKibben & Monte team in Cincinnati. Gratia earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Dayton and later pursued her Associate’s Degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Brown Mackie College. She brings nearly a decade of experience supporting children in both school and clinical settings, including her impactful work with the YMCA Autism Learning Center and Ultimate Rehab.
Specializing in pediatric interventions, Gratia is trained in Handwriting Without Tears for both Pre-K and K-5, and she incorporates pediatric yoga and mindfulness into her sessions to support regulation, focus, and overall well-being. Her favorite part of being a therapist is having fun with the kids while watching them grow and learn new skills. She believes therapy should be both engaging and effective, and she finds joy in the progress her clients make each day.
Gratia was inspired to pursue occupational therapy while working as a case manager for a foster care agency. Many of the children she supported received OT services, and she was struck by how meaningful and beneficial those interventions were. That experience motivated her to return to school and dedicate her career to the field.
Her approach to therapy is child-centered and relational. When beginning with a new child, she starts with play—discovering the toys and activities they enjoy—while gently introducing expectations for therapy. This balance of fun and structure helps children feel comfortable and sets the stage for progress. Among her professional accomplishments, Gratia is especially proud of developing a gross motor program for children with autism, designed to strengthen motor skills and support carryover into functional, everyday tasks.
Outside of work, Gratia loves spending time with her own children, often going to story time or the park together. She also enjoys cooking, which she considers her favorite hobby. With her compassion, creativity, and deep dedication to helping children thrive, Gratia brings warmth and expertise to every family she serves at McKibben & Monte.