Jay Clayton, MOTR/L, CHT
Jay earned his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Dakota and is a Certified Hand Therapist.
He chose Orthopedic Institute to be able to work closely with hand surgeons to treat acute, chronic and post-surgical conditions of the upper extremities. OI’s team of therapists with hand and upper extremity experience share ideas and provide the highest quality of care and treatment for patients. Jay finds great satisfaction in being an independent outpatient therapy provider and helping patients excel in their environment.
After hours, Jay enjoys exercising, fishing, hunting, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends.
Leslie Cleveringa, MS, OTR/L
Leslie holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Dakota, where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She is passionate about using patients’ most valued activities in their treatment to keep them engaged in recovery.
Leslie knew Orthopedic Institute was where she wanted to begin her career through a fieldwork assignment during her education and also after receiving the kind of care she wanted to provide for patients as a patient at Orthopedic Institute herself. She specializes in hand therapy, providing a range of treatments including joint mobilization, pain relief, and custom splinting.
When she is not at work, Leslie enjoys time outdoors with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Champ. Leslie is an avid runner, participating in multiple events throughout the year. When she isn’t running for a cause she volunteers in other ways, including teaching Sunday school.
Chad Harms, MOTR/L, CHT
Chad completed his graduate work at the University of Minnesota, obtaining a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. He is also a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which requires additional training. He chose his career after finding out what a Certified Hand Therapist does and how they focus in orthopedics.
Chad specializes in hand and upper extremity, from the shoulder to the fingers. Orthopedic Institute has a great ability to offer patients the treatment that they need all in one location. Physicians and therapists work closely with each other. He is motivated by knowing he has helped patients to get better.
Outside of work, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, motorcycling, fishing, and boating.
Kendra Harms, MOTR/L, CHT
Kendra has a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Occupational Therapy, as well as additional training and credential as a Certified Hand Therapist. She knew restoring function to a person’s hand, which is intimately involved in every area of their lives, would be greatly rewarding.
Kendra chose to work at Orthopedic Institute because she appreciated the family environment between employees as well as the communication and collaboration with the physicians. She works specifically in hands but has have further specialized training in wound care, ergonomics/work conditioning and pediatrics. She loves the variety of ages, injuries/diagnoses and types of people she engages with each day.
Outside of the office, Kendra enjoys spending time with her family, building and designing homes with her husband, and outdoor activities. She is involved in Sanford Children’s Hospital parent advisory council and kick starting and developing a support group for kids/adolescents with Crohns/Coliits.
Kate Olson, MSOTR/L, CLT
Growing up, Kate’s mom was a speech pathologist for a preschool for children with special needs and Kate would often help with summer school and field trips. She was able to watch the occupational therapist in action, and was inspired at a young age to choose this for her career. She pursued a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Mary and, later on, a certification in Lymphedema Management.
Kate is grateful for the family-like environment at OI and enjoys the companionship of her co-workers. Together they strive to provide great care and help their patients to return home following an orthopedic surgery, feeling confident to safely complete their everyday tasks. Outside of work, she stays active indoors and out with her husband and two children.
Jessica Rawson, MS, OTR/L
A job as a CNA working alongside therapists in a nursing home during high school led Jessica to pursue a career in occupational therapy. She attended the University of South Dakota, earning a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
The reputation for excellence of the Orthopedic Institute’s therapy team and staff attracted Jessica to join OI. She takes a particular interest in total joint replacements and is passionate about caring for patients recovering from these procedures, helping them restore their quality of life and independence.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys quality time with her family and time with a good book.
