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About Us
Meet the Infant OT, Nikki
Nikki Rode, MOT, OTR/L, CLC
Nikki is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Lactation Counselor, specializing in infant feeding and developmental delay. Her passion is to work with families and problem solve solutions to feeding and developmental challenges.
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Nikki is a Delphos native and graduated from Delphos St. John's High School. She pursued her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Findlay. Nikki has previous employment experience working within the NICU with preterm infants, Early Intervention, and Outpatient Pediatric Therapy. Nikki is a member of OOTA and OLCA.
Additional Certifications and Training
-Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice
-Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS)
-Pre/Post Frenectomy Therapy
-Bodywork for Breastfeeding/Bottle Feeding
-Certified Infant Massage Coach (CIMC)
-TummyTime! Method
Occupation-Based Intervention
I believe that treating the person, or child in my case, is more important than treating an physical impairment. A child's occupation is what takes up time in his or her day and what they find meaningful. Though this may seem small, eating, sleeping, and playing are all occupations and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) for families.
Individualized Care
There is no cookie-cutter answer to infant support. I do not know how many times a baby may need seen for therapy or let alone the strategies I use for treatment until they are evaluated and a conversation is had with family on their goals. I use an individualized approach, tailoring therapy specifically to that person's unique needs.
Transparency
As I am working with and alongside families, I am transparent speaking to them about what I see in assessment. What may be standing out to me clinically, parents may not have known this to be an issue. I use compassionate and transparent language to create a plan that works best for each family.
The Infant OT Way
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