MEET OUR TEAM
Larry M. Zier, OTD, OTR/L
Some describe their work as a calling, an unexplainable pull to particular field or interest, or at the very least, an overwhelming desire to make a difference. For me, it happened well into a successful career in business. Its impact was so great that I changed careers, returning to school to work with children in an area that is little understood and certainly underserved.
Larry Zier, OTD, OTR/L, received his clinical doctorate degree from Creighton University. He has received training in the areas of sensory integration, the DIR/Floortime approach and therapeutic listening and is currently completing his DIR certification.
His passion is working with children and helping them to achieve their highest potential physically, emotionally and socially. His approach is to treat each child as an individual, always keeping in mind their unique strengths and differences. He strongly believes in the role of family involvement, as well as collaboration with caregivers, teachers and other professionals, as integral to a child’s growth and overall success.
Larry and his wife, Peggy are from Omaha, NE and have four young children. Along with his family, he enjoys running, biking, yoga, boxing and anything that will get him outside.
Stephanie Young, OTD, OTR/L
Stephanie received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy at Creighton University. Stephanice is trained in the areas of Bowen Family Systems, DIR/Floortime, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. With this unique combination of education and training, Stephanie, along with the Zier Institute, has developed a program for teenagers for understanding emotional intelligence and its power to transform learning and relationships. This new program called “Compass” began this summer and is helping transform teens lives.
Stephanie is focused on building Compass, which equips young adults with the internal tools they need to navigate this essential period in their lives – all in a safe, engaging environment.
Stephanie grew up in Minnesota with a large extended family that helped shape her interest in family systems. She spent most of her free time on missions to Guatemala, Mexico, Texas and rural Minnesota towns. While in college she honed her leadership and relationship skills in Greek life, and volunteering time to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Emilee Hunter-Maguire, OTD, OTR/L
Emilee was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University in 2010. Emilee earned her bachelor’s degree of psychology in 2014, worked for Creighton Campus Ministry and towards her Master’s of Theology in 2015, and graduated from Creighton’s Occupational Therapy program in 2018–a true blue jay! Emilee is a 200hr certified yoga instructor, [almost] certified in Children’s yoga, and has completed seminar I of John Barnes’ myofascial release training. Areas of research include animal-assisted therapy, time management skills, and a case study where yoga was used as the primary intervention in a child with anxiety. Emilee enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, Zeus. She also enjoys reading, cooking, playing games (board games and cards are her favorites!), and being outside. While she is new to Zier Institute, Emilee worked with Amy Zier and Associates abroad in Italy and has experience with the DIR/Floortime model and she continues to learn more!
Hamilton grew up in Lincoln, NE. She counts among her defining experiences the summers she spent as a camp counselor, supporting children and teens in meeting their personal goals.
Emilee Hunter-Maguire, OTD, OTR/L
Theresa Kennelly, OTD, OTR/L
Julia Neppel, OTS
Julia is attending Creighton University’s occupational therapy school. Her passion for the application of her undergraduate psychology studies within the healthcare field that would sustain meaningful relationships first brought her to an interest in a future career within Occupational Therapy. This interest has grown since starting at Zier Institute in January 2016 confirming the belief that the work of an Occupational Therapist can provide a link between mind, body, and spirit through meaningful activities to create a more successful life. She is inspired by the words of Mary Reilly from 1961, “Man through the use of his hands, as they are energized by mind and will, can influence the state of his own health.”
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Julia has enjoyed making Omaha her new home and loves spending time exploring the city as well as traveling as much as she can. In her free time, Julia enjoys volunteering with a local Girl Scout troop and trying out new recipes.
Lainey Russell, OTD, OTR/L
Your Tech Therapist
Michael is the owner of Your Tech Therapist and has been doing technical support for small businesses and individuals since 2010. Michael regularly supports Zier Institute by fixing technical issues, optimizing technical workflow, offering training, and much more.
Due to the way Michael has built Your Tech Therapist he is able to offer support for many others across the Omaha area and is always interested in meeting new clients who may be in need of Michael’s services.
(402) 431-2892
michael@yourtechtherapist.com
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