Melanie Lohwater, OTR/L, BCBA

Melanie Lohwater is the founder and owner of Personalized Therapy, LLC, where she brings more than two decades of expertise as a dual-certified Occupational Therapist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Known for her holistic, client-centered approach, Melanie is a dynamic and compassionate clinician who has worked across all age groups and a wide range of diagnoses. Her dedication lies in meeting individuals exactly where they are, tailoring each therapeutic experience to the person, not just the condition.

Her career began with a strong belief that both adults and children deserve access to high-quality, individualized therapy. Inspired by this vision, she created Personalized Therapy, LLC in 2006 with the mission of providing integrated, multidisciplinary services that support the entire family. Among the first to join her in this mission was Kristi Getson, now the clinic’s Chief Operating Officer. Their collaboration, grounded in shared values and a mutual commitment to family-centered care, has helped shape the practice’s inclusive and responsive approach to serving the community. Over the years, Melanie has cultivated a team that continually evolves to meet the diverse and growing needs of the local community. She finds deep value in watching her practice grow—not only in size but in impact.

Melanie’s areas of clinical focus include orthopedic and neurological conditions, neuro reeducation, pelvic health, cognitive training, splinting, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, primitive reflex integration, sensory processing, therapeutic listening, and interventions for handwriting challenges, toe walking, and torticollis. Her ability to combine occupational therapy with applied behavior analysis allows her to craft comprehensive treatment plans that address both physical function and behavior. She holds certifications in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Complete Decongestive Therapy, Neurobiofeedback, and the Graston Technique, all of which contribute to her wide-ranging therapeutic toolbox.

Throughout her career, Melanie has remained steadfast in her commitment to helping individuals regain or develop independence, seeing it as the most fulfilling aspect of her work. Whether a patient is learning a new skill or relearning one lost to injury or illness, Melanie is there to guide the process with empathy, creativity, and clinical precision.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Therapy from Mount Aloysius College and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Professionally, she has served in roles ranging from traveling occupational therapist to clinical provider in burn units, psychiatric wards, nursing homes, and outpatient settings. This diversity of experience enriches her perspective and informs her nuanced, adaptable approach to therapy.

Outside the clinic, Melanie enjoys traveling, a great plate of nachos, and keeping up with the latest television series. She brings the same joy and curiosity to her personal life that she infuses into her professional one, modeling a balanced lifestyle for the clients and families she serves.