Associated Physical & Occupational Therapists was founded in 2000 by Debra Scheider and Gayle Schutrum. Gayle is a 1985 graduate of the State University at Buffalo. She has worked in a variety of settings over the years including pediatric, outpatient, acute care, and subacute rehab. She enjoys going to the gym and playing tennis whenever she gets the chance.

Deanna Torpey is from Hamburg, New York and studied Occupational Therapy at D’Youville University. She has worked with APOT since 2011, and has practiced in a variety of pediatric realms including preschool, school aged, agency, private, and home settings. She has assisted in the development and facilitation of RTI programs that focus on areas including fine motor, sensory motor, balance, and coordination skills. She has provided lectures to the local community with a focus on sensory and reflex integration. Deanna is now an Occupational Therapy Partner and Director of Occupational Therapy at APOT. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.

Lauren Martin grew up in Shreveport, LA and attended Tulane University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science in 2007. While at Tulane, she was a member of the Women's Swimming and Diving team which led to her interest in physical therapy following a shoulder injury. Lauren moved to Buffalo, NY in 2009 and went on to complete the Doctoral Program for Physical Therapy at D’Youville College in 2011. Lauren began working for Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists (APOT) in November 2011 following licensure. She is now a Physical Therapy Partner and Director of Physical Therapy for APOT. Lauren is an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor. She taught as an adjunct professor at D’Youville College, assisting in the pediatric lecture and labs, from 2017-2019. She has provided lectures in the Western New York area with a focus on reflex integration. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring WNY, and spending time with her family and friends. Lauren and her husband, Sean, have welcomed their first son, Max, in June 2022!!

Katie grew up in Niagara County & attended D’Youville University, earning her BS/MS in Occupational Therapy and a BA in Philosophy. Before joining APOT in 2014, she worked in the human services field as a group home manager and personal care aide throughout WNY since 2000— providing specialized care for people of all ages with medical, physical, and mental health needs in their homes & community settings. Katie heads many programs at APOT including OT Mentoring, OT Clinical Fieldwork, Continuing Education, and Summer Camp programs. Katie enjoys working with students of all ages, & has a special passion for those with mental health diagnoses, ASD, & significant behavioral/sensory needs as well as providing support to new OTs joining our group. In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts near & far, reading, and spending time with her pets & family at home.