About Us
Welcome to Smile Therapy for Kids Midwest!
We are thrilled to be the first and only SMILE Therapy for Kids in the United States, under the direction of none other than the fabulous, JoAnne Weltman, Physiotherapist and co-founder of Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI). Here at SMILE Therapy for Kids-Midwest, we truly understand that every child requires an individualized approach to their treatment. Our multidisciplinary team of highly educated professionals places an emphasis on addressing areas of development while empowering your child to reach their fullest potential.
Being co-owned by a parent of a child with a rare, multi-system genetic disorder shapes our operations to prioritize the comfort and needs of both parents and children. We truly understand the journey you’re on. Here, you’re not just a client; you’re part of a compassionate community that genuinely cares. We’re dedicated to providing more than just clinical services—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Story
Like many parents, my husband and I were ecstatic as we prepared for the arrival of our third and final addition to our family. We have been blessed with two energetic, rambunctious, daredevil little boys and were over the moon knowing we’d be having a sweet little princess joining our crazy crew. Soon after welcoming our sweet Lydia to the world, she was whisked off to the NICU, a place we were all too familiar with. However, this time was different. Lydia herself was different than her brothers. After 21 days in the NICU, we received the results of Lydia’s genetic test. Our perfect princess was born without a tiny little piece of her Chromosome 15 and is living with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). After receiving the news, my husband and I looked at each other and responded to the NICU physicians with a “ok, what’s next?” Shocked by our response, they didn’t have an answer. As parents, we are determined to give each of our children the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential. To set the bar high and give them the tools and experiences needed to reach it! So, the first thing we did was start researching, day and night, to find exceptional medical providers that specialize in caring for individuals living with PWS. We were building Lydia’s “Dream Team.”
In all my research, I stumbled upon none other than the fabulous JoAnne Weltman, Physiotherapy, founder of SMILE Therapy for Kids in Ontario, Canada and co-founder of Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy. After watching several Instagram videos that SMILE Therapy for Kids posted showcasing remarkable progress of children with alternative abilities, much like Lydia, I was captivated. I shared these videos with Jenna, our daughter’s physical therapy assistant from our state’s early intervention program; she was equally amazed and intrigued. Determined to provide Lydia with this innovative therapy, I found a few certified DMI therapists but faced long waitlists. Then, I saw a DMI training course nearby seeking “demo kids” for hands-on training. I eagerly secured a spot for our princess and convinced them to make space for Jenna to participate in the course. Meeting JoAnne and witnessing our daughter’s progress—sitting up independently, bearing weight, and standing—ignited our hope and determination.
Inspired by this experience, Jenna and I envisioned opening our own pediatric therapy clinic. Initially, it seemed like a far-fetched dream, but as Lydia’s confidence grew, so did ours. When Jenna casually mentioned the idea to JoAnne while attending another training course, JoAnne responded with a playful, yet determined, “Let’s make that happen.” And so, our journey began, ignited by hope, determination, and inspiration from JoAnne Weltman.
Meet The Team
Jamie Caldwell
LMSW / Co-Owner
Licensed Social Worker/Mental Health Therapist
Jamie is a dedicated wife and mother of three beautiful young children, as well as a seasoned mental health professional with a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of families and individuals. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from William Woods University in Fulton, MO in 2010, laying a strong foundation for her career in mental health advocacy.
With a wealth of experience in the community, Jamie has tirelessly worked to provide care and support for individuals with developmental and mental health-related disabilities. Her journey continued as she obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2016. Jamie has held various impactful roles, including community-based services, medical social work within the hospital setting and program director for an outpatient substance abuse treatment program. Currently, she serves as a private mental health therapist at West County Behavioral Health in Creve Coeur.
Jamie’s personal experience as the primary caregiver for a child with alternative needs has ignited her passion for providing mental health services to other caregivers. She deeply understands the challenges and isolation that can accompany this journey. With compassion and determination, she is dedicated to assisting families as they navigate healthcare systems and access vital resources for their children.
Now accepting new clients and families at both SMILE Therapy for Kids-Midwest and West County Behavioral Health locations, Jamie invites you to reach out for support. Her commitment to fostering resilience and well-being in families is at the heart of her practice.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Jamie directly at the information provided below. Let Jamie help guide you on your journey toward healing and empowerment.
Jenna Kuehn
Physical Therapist Assistant/Co-Owner
Brandi Schwartz
Physical Therapist
Brandi Schwartz is a passionate and experienced physical therapist with a flair for making therapy sessions both effective and enjoyable. A proud alumni of Maryville University, Brandi earned her master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2005. Ste. Genevieve is her hometown, where she lives with her husband, David, and their spirited 13-year-old son, Braxton. When she’s not working, Brandi loves to spend time with family and friends, go for runs, dive into novels, explore new places, and cheer on Braxton at his hockey games. For the past eight years, Brandi has dedicated her career to pediatric physical therapy, working with children from birth to age 21. She currently holds a Level B certification in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) and is eagerly pursuing higher certifications. Brandi finds immense joy and fulfillment in her work, considering it the most rewarding job she has ever had.
Brandi is passionate about collaborating with other therapists, teachers, families, and staff to help her young clients develop new skills and reach their milestones. Her enthusiasm for her job is palpable, and she takes great pride in watching the children she works with grow and improve. Every new achievement brings a smile to her face, reaffirming her love for a job that never feels like work.
Heather Nickelson
Occupational Therapist
Heather Nickelson is a dedicated and dynamic occupational therapist who brings a wealth of knowledge and a joyful spirit to her work. A proud graduate of Washington University, she earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2016. Heather now resides in the charming town of Ste. Genevieve, where she and her husband are raising their three energetic daughters. Her family keeps her on her toes and constantly learning something new every day! Heather’s passion for mental health and trauma-informed care has been a cornerstone of her career. She believes that children thrive best when their emotional well-being and that of their parents are fully supported. To this end, she has pursued various certifications in perinatal mental health, breastfeeding counseling, and postpartum home health education.
As her love for pediatrics blossomed, Heather expanded her expertise with additional trainings and certifications. She is proficient in vestibular-visual protocols (Astronaut Training), primitive reflex integration, therapeutic listening, sensory integration, and functional vision/oculomotor training. Heather’s approach is all about helping children discover their abilities in the most enjoyable and rewarding ways possible—even if it gets a bit messy sometimes! Heather’s blend of professional expertise and playful energy makes her a beloved figure in her community. She is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families she works with, one fun-filled, skill-building session at a time.
Colleen Roslen
Care Coordination (RN)
We are excited to introduce to you our newest team member, Colleen Roslen – Care Coordinator at SMILE Therapy for Kids-Midwest. Colleen Roslen is a dedicated healthcare professional who recently joined our team as a Care Coordinator. Originally from Ste. Genevieve, MO, she now resides in Northwest Arkansas with her husband and two young sons. In her spare time, Colleen enjoys exploring the beautiful Ozarks with her family, as well as reading, crafting, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family in Missouri. Colleen earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 2007. She began her career in Labor and Delivery but soon discovered her passion for the Operating Room. Over the past fifteen years, she has worked as a circulator in various surgical settings, including four and a half years as a travel nurse across the country. Most recently, she spent six years in Wisconsin, where she forged lasting friendships and built a family with her husband.
Throughout her career, Colleen has had the privilege of caring for patients at every stage of life, supporting them during their most vulnerable and transformative moments. Relocating to a new state with her young children has inspired Colleen to embrace this new opportunity at SMILE Therapy for Kids-Midwest. While she will miss the daily in-person interactions with patients and their families, she is excited to contribute to a team that provides invaluable resources to the children of her hometown and beyond.