The Outreach Theraplay Team
Kristy Nalder- Founder
Kristy was born and raised in the small town of Gardnerville, Nevada. She graduated from The University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Psychology. She then went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona. Kristy has worked in pediatric outpatient clinics in both Phoenix and San Diego. She now works for the San Diego Unified School District as an Occupational Therapist. Kristy has always had a desire to travel and embraces the opportunity to learn about new cultures..
Allison Merlo- founder
Allison was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She graduated form the University of Scranton with her Bachelors in Occupational Therapy with minors in Psychology and Counseling and Human Services in 2012 and her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2013. She is now working as a School Based Occupational Therapist in Southwest Phoenix and a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Head to Toe Therapy, Inc. She is also a registered yoga instructor and loves to incorporate yoga and mindful movement into therapy treatment sessions as it certainly benefits play and development!
Kelsey Nalder-media
Kelsey is the younger sister of Kristy Nalder. She traveled on her first outreach trip in November of 2014 and returned again in 2018. Her life will forever be changed and her passion for helping others continues to grow. Kelsey currently lives in Lake Tahoe, Nevada where she is attending university. Her passion for taking photos, capturing incredible moments, and writing is so valuable to Outreach Theraplay. She continues to inspire others through her work!