About Blue Skies Pediatric Therapy
Our Story
In 2002, after working in the public school system for several years, an occupational therapist named Aimee Roberts decided she wanted to do more for children and families than she could within that system.
She wanted to help families whose children didn’t qualify for help through the schools – meaning their behaviors and academic performance weren’t “bad enough” – but who still needed and wanted it.
Families of children who struggled with friendships, who behaved well at school but terribly at home, who hardly felt like they could go out in public with their child without “something” happening.
Families who felt hopeless with nowhere to turn.
So, she opened Blue Skies Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Federal Way, Washington, where she operated until 2005 when she, her family, and the clinic moved to Billings.
Since then, Aimee has grown Blue Skies to include multiple occupational therapists, currently serving hundreds of families – and countless families over the years.
“I’ve always wanted to give parents hope that their kid could live as functional, happy kids, and ultimately, adults, and that’s what we work to achieve at Blue Skies.” – Aimee Roberts, Founder
Our Team
Aimee Roberts, OTR/L
Founder & Owner
Hi there!
I’m Aimee, the founder and director of Blue Skies. I started Blue Skies back in 2005 with a vision of a holistic pediatric clinic that would give families hope for the future of their children with special needs. I had been working as an OT in the Seattle area both in the schools and private practice, but tired of the busy “city life.” Having specialized in sensory processing, I knew that my expertise could fill a need in my hometown of Billings. Since opening Blue Skies, I have had the privilege of working with countless families and am humbled by the trust and faith of the families I work with. It has motivated me to continue to learn and grow both as a person and a therapist so that I can provide the best services possible. My desire to provide the best possible care to families has led me to get certifications in Therapeutic Listening, M.O.R.E. (oralmotor prog), SOS Feeding, Bal-A-Vis-X, the Alert Program, Social Thinking, and be one of the first Montanans to complete an intensive mentorship at the Star Center.
My passion for children and families has extended to a passion for “spreading the word” to community organizations. Throughout the years I have given presentations at the MOTA annual conference as well as several special needs organizations, schools, and advocacy groups. I also serve on the Health Services Advisory Committee for Head Start and am currently an Assistant Professor at Rocky Mountain College for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program.
When I’m not jumping on the trampoline or hanging out in the ball pit at work, you can find me spending quality time with my husband, 2 kids, and plethora of animals (dogs, cats, bunnies, chickens). I’m an avid DIYer and love to build, create, and grow so don’t be surprised if you see me on the weekend covered in sawdust or dirt!
Alison Rogers, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Ali!
I grew up in Wyoming in a very close, and active extended family. As the daughter of a teacher, I spent a lot of time helping out in the classroom and knew early on that I too wanted to work with children. I soon discovered occupational therapy, and I was hooked. I attended the University of Wyoming for my Bachelor’s Degree. Go Pokes! I then earned my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA. I started my career in pediatrics, but I also have experience working with the adult population in outpatient orthopedics. While I gained valuable clinical skills and insight during my time working with adults, my true passion is working with children and teenagers.
In 2018, I joined the Blue Skies team, returning to the world of pediatrics. Building relationships with my clients and their families is such rewarding work. The kids’ endless curiosity and positive outlook inspires me to think outside of the box. Together we work to solve problems big and small, always striving to reach their greatest potential. I have a special interest in working with teenagers with anxiety and sensory processing challenges. I hope to continue to advance my clinical skills and expand my treatment approaches to support the unique challenges my clients face. As a lifelong learner, I am constantly seeking continuing education opportunities. I have completed the Level 1 Advanced Intensive Mentorship through the STAR Center for Sensory Processing as well as other trainings and courses including Bal-A-Vis-X, trauma informed care, Social Thinking, Handwriting Without Tears, and the Alert Program.
In my free time I enjoy traveling and exploring new places with my husband, my dog Finn, and the rest of my close knit family. I also love kickboxing, paddleboarding, cycling, and yoga.
Angela Valdez
Dyslexia Tutor & Administrative Assistant
Hi There! I’m Angela. I graduated from MSU-Billings with a degree in Sociology and Early Childhood Studies. I have an extensive background working with special needs children including teaching preschool and being a family support specialist for 13 years. My work with children and their families led me to Blue Skies and in 2010 I began working at Blue Skies as an OT aide. As the years progressed I have taken on many different roles and responsibilities. I am now the Administrative Assistant and have the difficult task of keeping things running smoothly.
Like all of us at Blue Skies, I am working to diversify my skills. I love teaching and have a special interest in learning disorders. I recently completed my certification at the Dyslexia Training Institute in the Orton Gillingham Method. I’m excited to provide individualized tutoring at Blue Skies for kids with dyslexia and other reading disorders using a multi-sensory approach for students that require more than just flashcards to learn.
When I’m not at Blue Skies wearing one of my many hats, you can find me camping in the mountains with my husband, daughter, and four dogs or crafting up a storm in my craft room! I look forward to working with your family as you start the journey of enhancing your child’s development!
Kelcy Ellis, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hello! I’m Kelcy and I grew up in Laurel, MT. I first became interested in working with kids while volunteering as a ski instructor for an adaptive ski program. That experience led me right to occupational therapy. I was so excited about OT that I moved to North Dakota for 5 years to focus on my education. I attended the University of Mary in Bismarck and earned my Master’s Degree in occupational therapy. After a few years away from Montana, I knew that I wanted to come home. I started my career in Columbus MT, working with both children and adults. I soon realized that my true passion was working with children and their families. I have a special interest in working with toddlers and grade school children. I joined the Blue Skies team in August of 2020. Today, I am focused on providing child-centered therapy and helping kids grow their skills, exceed their goals, while having fun in the process.
In order to better serve families, I have worked hard to expand my own skills and knowledge through courses such as dynamic core for kids, SOS approach to feeding therapy, pediatric complex feeding issues, and bal-a-vis-x. I plan to continue to improve my knowledge and experience in areas such as feeding, sensory processing, physical disabilities, and anxiety.
When I am not at the clinic, you can find me hanging out with my husband and my adorable pets (2 dogs and a cat). I love to be outdoors and enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, and traveling to Canada with my family.
Lindsey Merrill, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Hi there, I’m Lindsey!
I was born and raised in Montana, which has greatly influenced my love of the outdoors. Growing up, I spent most of my time camping with family, building elaborate forts, or making dance routines on my trampoline with my younger sister.
At a young age, I felt a calling to serve, whether at the homeless shelter or as a camp counselor at Optimist Children’s Camp in the Beartooth Mountains. It was during these experiences that I saw the power of human interaction. Feeling the need to follow this passion, I discovered the field of occupational therapy and completed my associate’s degree in OT at Spokane Falls in 2015. I am a certified occupational therapy assistant with plans to complete my Master’s in OT. I have extensive experience working with kids with a wide range of abilities. I also love to dive into the newest research in the field of pediatrics. My favorite thing about my job is getting to see the joy on kids’ faces when they realize “I can.”
No day is the same at Blue Skies and I enjoy incorporating my training in Bal-A-Vis-X, Social Thinking, primitive reflexes, and sensory integration into my therapy sessions. In the future, I would like to specialize in treating the littlest of the pediatric population and help families to incorporate play into their everyday environments.
In my free time, I bounce between gardening, cooking, and exploring the outdoors while camping with my husband and son.
Eddy McAnally, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Eddy!
I grew up in Helena enjoying time outdoors with my family. Growing up I loved boating, hiking and exploring, baseball, hunting and fishing. I also participated in 4-H, football, and any farm chore my parents could imagine. After high school, I attended Montana Tech in Butte, earning my bachelor’s degree in general engineering. I worked in civil engineering for the state of Montana for over 14 years, helping to assure quality design and construction of our roads and bridges all over Western and South Central Montana. I have lived all over Montana including Helena, Kalispell, Butte, Belgrade and Billings!
I was first introduced to OT when my mother sustained a traumatic brain injury and spent over a year in an inpatient rehab facility. It was here that I came to understand the importance of the patient/therapist relationship and how important perseverance on both our parts is paramount to success. I started to sense that I could make a difference as a therapist and completed my doctorate at University of Mary-Billings in 2023. Blue Skies was a natural fit for me, where we thrive as a team, take on some of the toughest challenges, and stick with our clients in order to help them succeed. I love my work and I’m humbled to be a part of this team and your journey.
When I’m not at Blue Skies having nerf battles, you can catch me at one of my kids’ events as a ref, coach, or top fan!
Ashley Brano
Intake Coordinator
Hi I'm Ashley! I was born and raised in Billings and like to consider myself a true Montana girl through and through. I am a mom to the most amazing twins, Chase (boy) and Ryley (girl)! They were born premature at 25 weeks which resulted in a lengthy hospital stay and a rough start to life. Due to their prematurity, they both have developmental delays/special needs which introduced me into the pediatric therapy world.
Here at Blue Skies, I work alot behind the scenes and do a little bit of everything to keep the office running smoothly. My favorite role is being able to connect with our families and being one of the first people you talk to when seeking out an occupational therapist. I am a mom who “gets it” and understands first hand the struggles and concerns of having a child with special needs. I love being able to connect with caregivers and letting them know that they are not alone.
When I am not at the clinic I enjoy spending as much time outdoors camping and fishing, watching/playing sports, crafting and of course making memories with my kiddos!
