Maria graduated from Elizabethtown College in 1987. Maria started her OT career with adult rehab and work hardening, in an innovative program of on-site rehab. In 2007, she joined Austills as an independent contractor in Lancaster County. She joined the management team in 2012, in Delaware County then returning to her roots, covering the Lancaster, York, Dauphin County areas! The team here at Austill’s has been amazing – the longevity, creativity, work ethic and knowledge base is unmatched.
Elena Spearing, PT, DPT, PCS, MBA Director of Clinical Operations
Elena has been a PT for over 30 years with experience in a variety of pediatric settings including inpatient acute care and rehab, outpatient, schools and early intervention. She has been with Austill's since 2013, first as a treating therapist and then transitioned to a manager in 2022. She loves school-based practice because it allows her to help students reach their full potential in their educational setting. She feels Austill's is a great place for therapists to find the work-life balance that they need.
Laura “LBN” graduated from Juniata College (bio/psych) in 1986 and University of Pittsburgh (Occupational Therapy) in 1992. She began her career in Pittsburgh working in the acute rehab setting with adults recovering from strokes, spinal cord and brain injuries. She continued in this practice setting in the Philadelphia area, becoming a clinical coordinator of the stroke team. As a life learner she wanted to explore pediatric school-based practice. She began working as a contractor with Austill’s in 2006 and fell in love with this setting. In 2011 she joined Austill’s management team as the Placement and Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator, became SIPT certified and advanced to Director in 2018. Laura loves collaborating with the AOT and Austill’s family, learning the best practice methods and connecting with therapists to enhance the lives of the students. In her free time she loves reading, cooking, crocheting, dog sitting her son’s fur babies, hiking, and traveling!
Jessica Johnston graduated from Oakland University (Rochester, MI) with her Master of Physical Therapy and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Arcadia University. Jessica enjoys the continuous learning environment of the therapy world and earned her Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist standing in 2022. She has spent most of her career (20+ years) working in the school-based setting and loves the supportive and family-oriented atmosphere that Austill’s is able to foster with its therapists. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family.
Wendy Coulter, MS, OTR/L Manager of Educational Therapy Services
Wendy started her OT career working with children from birth through three years of age as part of an awesome interdisciplinary team in Massachusetts where she grew up. From there her career took a different turn into management work in the rehab industry after she obtained a graduate degree in management from Penn State. Several years later, her young daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities and her research into therapy interventions for these types of challenges inspired her to refocus her career in school-based OT. She joined Austills in 2011 as an OT working with preschool and school-age students. She joined the Austills management team in 2017. Wendy values working with the truly amazing team of professionals and feels very fortunate to find inspiration in the work Austills does each day!
Kristin Engel, PT, DPT Manager of Educational Therapy Services
Kristin graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1996 with a degree in Biology/Pre-Med. In 2000, she graduated from Temple University with her Master of Physical Therapy and in 2003, completed her transitional doctorate degree at Temple. Kristin joined Austill’s Educational Therapy Services in 2003, and in 2007 became a Manager of Educational Therapy. Over the last 24 years, she has worked in New Jersey and Pennsylvania school districts in 8 different counties. Physical Therapy is where her love for medicine and movement joined giving her the purpose in work she desired. Meeting people where they are mentally and physically and then encouraging the next step is the best, especially with children when they learn a new skill! Austill’s is a place where she is inspired by the children we serve, the therapists we work with, and the agencies we support.
Amy Vanic, MPT Manager of Educational Therapy Services
Amy Vanic graduated from University of the Sciences with her Masters in physical therapy in 2001. She started with Austill’s as an independent contractor in 2005 working with ages 3-21 in multiple settings. In 2017, Amy became a manager of educational therapy within the company and supports school districts, IU’s and specialty schools throughout the Philadelphia area. Amy loves supporting therapists and school district personnel with related services. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outside to exercise, work in her garden, or to visit Longwood gardens.
Megan Rafferty graduated from Philadelphia University with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2003. With over 20 years of school-based experience, she has supported students from birth to 22 in a variety of educational settings throughout her career. Since joining Austill’s in 2010, she has served as a treating therapist in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, building strong relationships with students, families, and educational teams. In 2025, Megan transitioned into a managerial role at Austill’s. Megan is beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the amazing, students, dedicated therapists, and experienced educational teams that are part of the Austill’s family in this new capacity!
Tara graduated from Cabrini College in 2004 with a degree in Psychology. Her interests in human development and sensory integration led her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. In 2006, she earned a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Forthe past 20 years, Tara has worked as a pediatric school-based occupational therapist throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania.In 2017, Tara joined the Austill’s team of therapists. She is grateful for the opportunity to provide students and districts withexceptional therapy services with Austill’s!
Marketing, Business Development, and Client Success
