Meet Christina Kreider, Occupational Therapist

Christina Kreider is one of Happy Heart’s newest providers. As an early intervention occupational therapist, she works with kids to help them complete everyday activities like eating, playing, and getting dressed.

Growing up, she watched several family members, including grandparents and cousins, benefit from occupational therapy. “I saw how unique it was and how it really does make a change in people’s life,” Christina shares. “I wanted to be able to do that as well and make an impact and difference for people.”

Christina attended Penn State University for undergrad and then Chatham University in Pittsburg to complete her doctorate in occupational therapy. During her fieldwork, she had meaningful early intervention experiences in school settings which showed her how much she enjoyed supporting children's growth and working with families. By the time she graduated it was clear early intervention was the right career path for her. 

While looking for a job in a pediatric setting, she noticed a job posting for Happy Hearts. She applied, met with Jess, and knew as soon as she learned more about the role that it was the right fit. She joined the Happy Hearts team in March of 2025.

Christina loves building strong connections with families and getting to work with parents and children in their natural environment. “It’s so rewarding to support parents and show them how little changes to their everyday routine can lead to progress for their child,” she says. “My favorite part of the job is gaining their trust and helping them feel confident using different strategies to support their child’s success.” 

Recently, Christina was demonstrating some feeding strategies during a session. The mom was initially hesitant about occupational therapy and wasn’t sure how it would help her child. Then her child put food in his mouth instead of throwing it on the ground. Mom was so shocked and happy that she actually started crying. “It was such a rewarding feeling for both of us,” Christina shares. “It’s always amazing to see the moment when I give parents a strategy that really clicks with them and they see how it’s helping their child make progress. I can feel how I’m making an impact.”

Christina describes herself as “a big family girl.” When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her friends and family, which includes two older sisters. She especially enjoys taking trips to the Outer Banks with her family. She also loves to go running when the weather is nice and hopes to run another half marathon in the future.  

Christina would like parents to know that she’s always there to listen to their concerns and questions and is committed to work with them to see their child succeed. She also encourages them to be involved and open in each session. “Parents know their child better than anyone else. Observe everything and share what you know. Really collaborating with the therapist makes a huge difference in the child’s progress. When we work together as a team, the child is more likely to succeed.”