Hand Therapy

Mary Ann Appleby received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston and earned her Master’s from Texas Woman’s University. She owned Dallas Hand Rehabilitation for 39 years and officed with hand surgeon Sigurd Sandzen during the first 15 years of the practice. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 1991. Mary Ann has published several research articles on hand rehabilitation in peer review journals and presented at local, state, and national conferences on the subject. She has been a fieldwork supervisor since starting her career. She joined Texas Hand and Arm Center in 2020 and enjoys working with the surgeons that have cared both for herself and four generations of her extended family for various orthopedic needs. Mary Ann is a member of the DFW Hand Interest group, Texas Society for Hand Therapy, the American Society of Hand Therapists and the Riordan Society.

Sarah Heid is a Certified Hand Therapist who graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016. Sarah has 5 years of experience treating in a fast paced orthopedic clinic where she learned from working closely with other CHTs and hand surgeons before joining THAC in 2022. She found her passion for working with the hand population during her clinical rotations in school. Sarah’s favorite part of working as a therapist is getting to know her patients and develop relationships with them all while helping them achieve their goals. Sarah is a member of the DFW Hand Society, Texas Society of Hand Therapists, and American Society for Hand Therapists.

Hollie Morris attended Texas Woman’s University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2015. Upon graduation, she began working at a therapist-owned outpatient hand therapy practice where she gained knowledge and experience working with other experienced hand therapists. She has focused her career specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of upper extremity conditions both conservatively and post-operatively. Her greatest enjoyment as a therapist is developing meaningful relationships with her patients as they work towards achieving their goals. Working closely with the surgeons at THAC provides countless challenges and opportunities for growth. Hollie is a member of the Texas Society of Hand Therapists and the American Society of Hand Therapists.

Alicia Paiboon is a Certified Hand Therapist who has treated hand and upper extremity injuries in the DFW area for over 20 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Louisiana, Monroe in 1994 and moved to Texas shortly after completing her degree. She began her career in inpatient rehabilitation but quickly gravitated toward outpatient hand therapy. Alicia obtained her Certified Hand Therapy credentials in 2000. Since this time, she has served in both clinical and management roles at area hospitals and outpatient clinics. She has worked with Dr. Megan Wood since 2013. Her passion lies in working with complex hand injuries and helping patients achieve their goals. Alicia is a member of the Texas Society of Hand Therapists.

Valerie N. Schmitz graduated with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from North Central College in Naperville, IL in May of 2021. She received a Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health with special interests in Nutrition and Abnormal Psychopathology at Miami University. Valerie completed a Level II Clinical Rotation at Texas Hand and Arm Center prior to accepting a full-time OTR/L position. She is a passionate entry-level practitioner who aspires to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Valerie has attended the AOTA conference and Wisconsin Hand Experience. She is enthusiastic about constantly growing her knowledge base with continuing education in addition to learning from her fellow therapists and physicians. Valerie is devoted to helping her patients regain independence in all of their occupations and meaningful daily activities.