Ashley Adams, BS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Optimae Rehabilitation Services Director
Ashley Adams brings expertise and experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment, pediatrics and physical disability rehabilitation services to her position as an occupational therapist at Optimae Rehabilitation Services in Central Iowa.
Adams focuses her treatment on the whole person, including his/her support systems such as family, friends or caregivers. Her strategies may include completing home safety assessments, modifying behaviors, hygiene and sleep management, and teaching pain management and mental health coping strategies. The goal is to have customers complete their daily tasks as safely and independently as possible, while also improving their overall health and well-being.
Adams graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She earned her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from St. Ambrose University.
Dianne Kobberdahl, MS, OTR/L, CHT, Occupational Therapist
Kobberdahl is a certified hand therapist (CHT) and a certified dementia care practitioner (DCP) familiar with acute care and skilled rehabilitation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to joining Optimae, she served for twenty-five years in Des Moines hospitals and clinics. Kobberdahl also served a number of Central Iowa agencies while leading her own independent practice.
Kobberdahl graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She earned her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Rush College of Health Sciences in Chicago.
Sharon Lane, MOT, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
Sharon Lane, a registered occupational therapist, brings a passion for helping people achieve independence to her position as an occupational therapist at Optimae Rehabilitation Services in Central Iowa.
Lane has experience in acute and subacute care, inpatient rehabilitation, pediatrics and individualized, evidence-based sensory programs and interventions. As a member of the Rehabilitation Services team, she assesses individuals’ unique perspectives and backgrounds to determine how those unique aspects impact their participation and independence in life’s daily tasks.
Lane graduated from Grace University with a bachelor’s degree in intercultural studies; she spent 18 months of her degree work studying overseas in France and Mali. She earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Neb.
Nancy Cardenas, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
As part of the Rehabilitation Services team, Cardenas applies a dedicated and compassionate approach to those struggling with life’s basic activities. She teaches new skills or retrains customers in once familiar daily activities lost due to illness or injury. She also evaluates customers’ muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, self-care abilities and work capacity as they strive to achieve their personal goals.
Cardenas earned her associate degree from Hawkeye Community College’s occupational therapy assistant program.
Andrea Talavera, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Andrea Talavera serves Optimae Rehabilitation Services as a certified occupational therapy assistant, bringing experiences in home health, skilled nursing, inpatient, outpatient and pediatric settings to the team, which she joined in 2019.
In her role at Optimae, Talavera evaluates and adapts individuals’ environments to promote optimal functioning, facilitating the development of skills needed for independent living such as using community resources, managing one’s home, managing time, managing medication, and being safe at home and in the community. She also works with customers to develop their leisure activities or personal interests and pursuits.
In addition to her occupational therapy training, Talavera worked in direct support roles for community-based nonprofits in Waterloo, assisting individuals with special needs.
Talavera earned her associate degree from Hawkeye Community College’s occupational therapy assistant program.