Our Team
Jessica Shotwell, M.S. CCC-SLP
Hi! My name is Jessica Shotwell, but I go by Jess. I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the owner of Big Steps. I have been passionate about the pediatric population since the very beginning of my education! What I love most about being a pediatric speech-language pathologist is being able to help children make progress towards their goals, while playing! I believe that play is powerful and children learn best when they’re having fun, so I strive to infuse playfulness into my sessions while working on the functional communication skills that my clients will need throughout their lives. Nothing compares to sitting on the floor having so much fun with a little one that it doesn’t feel like work to either of us!
I am an Idaho native, and I obtained my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Idaho State University. I have a particular interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), autism, literacy, and speech-sound disorders, and primarily work with children ages 2-18. One of my aims in therapy is to create a collaborative team environment with caregivers to determine appropriate goals and treatment for their children. I strongly believe that children make the most progress when their caregivers are involved in the therapy process, so one of my primary goals in therapy is to educate and empower caregivers to carry over the skills we work on in therapy into the home environment.
When I’m not working with kids, I love spending time outside - mountain biking, hiking, paddleboarding, and cross country skiing are some of my favorite activities! I also enjoy doing crafts, reading, and playing with my pup.
Devin Meldrum, OTR/L
Hi! My name is Devin Meldrum, and I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I earned my Master’s degree from Idaho State University, and I have always had a passion for learning about the world and what makes us human. I was drawn to occupational therapy because as a practice it seeks to guide clients in living a meaningful life. My love for creativity and discovery led me to pediatric therapy, as I am fascinated by human development and seek to see the world from another perspective.
Through my training and experience working with children, I have learned the importance of guiding children in learning how to learn. Many children can struggle to regulate their emotions, to slow down or stop impulses, to persist through a challenge, to plan ahead, or to self-reflect. I have seen that without these abilities children struggle to participate in building the skills necessary for meeting the expectations of life and finding happiness through relationships with family members, teachers and mentors, and friends.
My approach to therapy focuses on identity development and self-expression. I seek to promote a growth mindset through supporting positive behavior and facilitating curiosity. I feel that children are most motivated when they are working towards a personal goal, their interests and creativity are being employed, and they are guided in identifying their values. I love to implement elements of games, arts and crafts, and imagination as much as possible.
I believe that caregiver involvement is of the utmost importance. My goal is to help caregivers feel comfortable and confident working on therapy goals at home. I find that children have the best outcomes when they are practicing every day. My goal is to be a mentor for you and the children you care for.
When I’m not working, my family and I love spending our time exploring the wonderful mountains that surround our town. I also enjoy reading, writing, painting, gardening, and cooking.