PHYSICAL THERAPY

occupational therapy

speech therapy

Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy for Adults and Kids in west des moines, iowa

PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

Pediatric physical therapy (PT) focuses on improving a child’s strength, mobility, balance, and coordination to support their ability to move and participate in daily activities. Pediatric physical therapists use fun and engaging exercises to help children strengthen their muscles, improve motor skills, and gain confidence in their movement. Parents may seek physical therapy if their child:

What is pediatric physical therapy and how can it help my child?

  • Is delayed in gross motor milestones, such as crawling, walking, or running

  • Has difficulty with balance or coordination, such as frequent falling or trouble climbing stairs

  • Displays unusual walking patterns, such as toe-walking or limping

  • Has a condition affecting their muscles or joints, such as low muscle tone, scoliosis, or cerebral palsy

  • Is recovering from an injury or surgery that impacts their mobility

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If your child struggles with movement, strength, or coordination compared to peers, they may benefit from an evaluation. Signs include:

What are some common conditions that pediatric physical therapy addresses?

  • Missing motor milestones (e.g., not sitting up by 6-8 months or walking by 12-18 months)
  • Difficulty running, jumping, or playing with peers
  • Persistent pain or discomfort while moving
  • Abnormal posture or movement patterns, such as favoring one side

Pediatric physical therapy can help children with a wide range of conditions, including:

How do I know if my child needs physical therapy?

  • Developmental delays
  • Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida)
  • Orthopedic conditions (e.g., scoliosis, clubfoot, or fractures)
  • Genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome)
  • Sports-related injuries or post-surgical rehabilitation

Physical therapy helps children:

What are the benefits of pediatric physical therapy?

  • Gain strength, balance, and flexibility
  • Improve posture and alignment
  • Enhance coordination for daily activities and play
  • Achieve developmental milestones at their own pace
  • Build confidence in their physical abilities

ADULT PHYSICAL THERAPY

A Path to Relief and Renewal

New Hope Healing provides a safe and supportive environment where you will always be respected and heard. You will have an opportunity to explore and share openly, honestly and freely. Although we may sometimes explore areas that pose difficulties, you will always be encouraged to use your personal strengths and resources to grow. We believe that each individual is gifted with strengths and talents that help you traverse the journey of your life. We will help you identify your personal strengths and learn how to put them to use as you grow and thrive through your journey.

Meet Our Provider

Andrea Simeck, PT

I am a licensed Physical Therapist with over 15 years of experience in helping kids and adults regain mobility and improve their quality of life. After receiving my Bachelor's degree from Hastings College, I graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University in 2007, and I have since practiced in both pediatric therapy and orthopedic rehabilitation.

I am passionate about developing personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs and goals. I believe in a holistic approach that integrates manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, muscle energy and soft tissue mobilization, therapeutic exercises, patient education, and play for kids to promote healing and prevent future injuries.

Physical therapy combines my favorite things: the amazingly designed human body and serving others. My passion stems from my desire to follow humbly in the footsteps of Jesus and love all people. I am committed to providing compassionate care and empowering patients to take an active role in their journeys towards recovery.

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LOCATION: WEST DES MOINES

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

At New Hope Healing, we specialize in providing compassionate and individualized pediatric occupational therapy and feeding therapy services. Our pediatric therapists help children develop the skills they need to thrive in daily life, from improving fine motor coordination and sensory integration to fostering independence in self-care and play. Feeding therapy focuses on addressing challenges with eating, such as sensory sensitivities, oral motor difficulties, and food aversions, empowering children and families to enjoy mealtimes together.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

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Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities, such as play, school, and self-care. OT can help children develop these skills through fun and engaging activities tailored to their specific needs. Parents may seek OT for their child if they notice:

What is occupational therapy, and why might my child need it?

  • Delays in fine motor skills (difficulty holding a pencil, using scissors, or buttoning clothes)
  • Challenges with sensory processing (sensitivity to noise, textures, or difficulty calming down)
  • Struggles with gross motor skills (poor balance, coordination, or trouble climbing stairs)
  • Difficulties with daily routines (problems with eating, dressing, or grooming independently)

We also offer tailored occupational therapy services for adults with autism, focusing on enhancing life skills, social participation, and workplace readiness. Our therapists work collaboratively to support each individual's unique strengths, promoting meaningful engagement in everyday activities. At New Hope Healing, we are dedicated to building bridges of social connection and confidence across the lifespan.

Occupational Therapy for Adults with Autism

Meet Our Provider

Kelsey Huss, OT

As an occupational therapist, I am passionate about helping those of all ages fully engage in their lives. I believe that all people, regardless of abilities, should be able participate in activities that they want to do. 

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and went on to earn my Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Drake University. I have experience working with a variety of physical conditions as well as mental or intellectual conditions, including sensory processing disorder. I have extensive experience working with individuals with autism, holding a certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I am also a Certified Sexuality Occupational Therapist, believing that all people benefit from sexuality education and how to incorporate this into their daily lives. 

I am available to treat all individuals throughout the lifespan. I am excited to serve the Des Moines community!

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LOCATION: WEST DES MOINES

PEDIATRIC SPEECH THERAPY

At New Hope Healing, we provide high-quality, compassionate, and individualized care for children in need of speech therapy. Our approach is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy, honoring each child's unique strengths and needs. We believe that all children deserve to be seen, heard, and valued as they are. Our services are designed to be child-led and play-based, using play as a powerful tool for learning and communication. We tailor each session to the child’s interests, pacing, and comfort to create a joyful, positive environment for communication growth. 

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New Hope Healing centers on the following core principles:

What makes us unique?

We respect and embrace each child’s natural ways of thinking, learning, and communicating. Our team values neurodiversity, recognizing that each brain is unique and that each child brings special strengths to the table. Our interventions are designed to support your child's needs without trying to "fix" or change who they are.

Neurodiversity Affirming

Our services are ideal for children experiencing:

  • Speech or language delays
  • Social communication challenges
  • Autism or ADHD-related communication needs
  • Apraxia or other speech sound disorders
  • Needs in alternative communication methods (AAC)
  • General support with social skills and peer interactions

Who can benefit?

Referrals and Appointments

We welcome referrals from healthcare providers, teachers, and families. Each referral is followed up with a personalized consultation to discuss specific goals and determine the best plan for care.

Children feel most motivated to learn when they are engaged in activities that feel safe and enjoyable. Our sessions follow the child’s lead, adapting to their interests and choices. We aim to foster a sense of empowerment and autonomy, allowing children to actively participate and direct their own learning.

Child-Led Sessions 

Research shows that play is central to healthy childhood development. We integrate therapeutic techniques within the context of play, encouraging natural communication and social skills in a fun, relaxed way. Our play-based approach is designed to make therapy enjoyable, allowing children to learn and grow while having a great time.

Play-Based Learning

Our Services

Talk with the SLP regarding if an evaluation is needed and if your child’s needs can be met at this clinic. 

Free Phone Consult

Comprehensive evaluations to identify each child's unique communication strengths and areas for growth.

Speech, Language, and Feeding Assessments

Custom treatment plans tailored to meet the child’s goals using engaging, play-based activities.

Individualized Therapy Plans

We work closely with families to provide strategies for continued progress at home.

Parental Guidance and Support

For children who benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication, we offer expert support in finding and using tools to help them communicate effectively.

AAC Support

Meet Our Provider

Allyssa Richards, SLP

I received my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Texas at Dallas. I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and I am licensed to practice in Iowa.

Since starting my SLP career, I have worked in pediatric private practices. My passion is treating children ages 1-12 years old. I have experience in evaluation and treatment of children with childhood apraxia of speech, speech sound disorders, feeding disorders, fluency disorders, intellectual disabilities, expressive and receptive language disorders, pragmatic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome. Additionally, I have experience with high- and low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and working with children with hearing loss. 

​Specific Trainings or Certifications:
  • DIR Floortime
  • PROMPT-trained
  • Responsive Feeding Therapy
  • Natural Language Acquisition Trained Clinician (Gestalt Language Processing) 
  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Goals

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LOCATION: WEST DES MOINES