History

In August of 1985, Bev Bruce, OTR/L, CHT and Linda Cline, OTR/L combined their pediatric clients to provide Occupational Therapy utilizing sensory integration techniques, in a physical therapy clinic in Roseville.  As referrals grew, other therapists joined them including Jeanette Voelm, OTR/L, who provided school consultation to the growing referrals. As they outgrew the space available they moved to a building on Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights, and officially became Vista Child Therapy, LLC.  Outgrowing that space, they moved into their current location in 1992, a house which they renovated with both inside and outdoor areas for treatment in a homelike atmosphere.

Vista Child Therapy was founded with primary treatment emphasis utilizing sensory integrative techniques.  The concept of sensory integration comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR.  Dr. Ayres, an Occupational Therapist and Developmental Psychologist, was interested in the way sensory processing and motor planning disorders interfered with daily life functions and learning.  Research and literature from the fields of neuropsychology, neurology, physiology of child development, and psychology contributed to theory development and intervention strategies.

Bev Bruce, OTR/L, CHT, remains as the current owner of Vista Child Therapy.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  She has over 40 years of advanced clinical skills and specialized pediatric experience.  She attended many of Dr. Ayres early lectures and is certified in the administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT).  Bev is also a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists.  She is an Advanced Practitioner in Hand Therapy, Physical Agent Modalities, and Swallowing.  She has led numerous inservices throughout the region in the Handwriting Without Tears program and is trained in the Therapeutic Listening Program.  She has published, lectured extensively, and trained therapists in the clinical setting.  She is active on local, state, and national levels on issues concerning children and families with special needs.  She is a member of the American and California Occupational Therapy Associations.

The staff at Vista Child Therapy are professionally qualified, experienced, and work as a team to meet each child and family’s individual needs. Our staff members work with other agencies or school personnel to provide Occupational Therapy services in home or educationally based programs.