Unleashing Potential in Autism through Education & Communication Training
Creating Optimal Rhythms in life, learning, communication & independence for those who struggle to communicate with speech.
Meet our Leadership team
Casey DePriest, MT-BC Founder / CEO
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Casey is a board-certified music therapist, small business owner, sought after presenter, and fierce advocate for the rights of those with communication disabilities. She founded Optimal Rhythms, Inc. to provide increased access to community training programs and support services for autistic individuals and those with neurologic disability or injury who struggle to communicate via speech.
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin has been a member of the Optimal Rhythms team since 2019, supporting students in-person and virtually. She is passionate and skilled at helping families get the supports they need to address the individualized needs of our students. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and is pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Counseling.
Eric Lund, MT-BC Community Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Eric Lund, MT-BC Community Liaison / Support Coach
Eric is a University of Evansville grad with 13+ years of experience in the field of music therapy. Eric started his career with Integrative Music Therapy and was instrumental in the start of Optimal Rhythms and ACCESS Academy. He has presented at regional and national conferences, often alongside self-advocates. Eric is a composer and songwriter and enjoys making music with all people.
About Us
Our COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 has disrupted many lives, but it has lead to a highly successful CAN-Do Camp [Home Edition] and the development of an innovative homeschool education program to support the academic success of underserved students with complex sensory-motor, regulation, and communication needs.
CAN-Do Camp [Home Edition] 2021 Wrap-Up
The 2021 CAN-Do Camp [Home Edition] was a HUGE SUCCESS! It looked very different, but it was designed to meet the needs of camp families, while ensuring the safety of campers, parent, and our incredible staff. Camp was held virtually, and each family was assigned a Camp Coach and a Music Therapist. Families received pre-filled activity buckets with all the materials needed for our themed camp activities each week. Large group and small group sessions were filled with engaging activities, movement breaks, sensory-motor supports, communication opportunities, sharing with peers, and parent/caregiver training that led to improved confidence and communication in the home. Thank you to all of the campers and families who participated during an another unexpected pandemic summer. We learned so much and we have so much to celebrate!!
ACCESS2academics Program for K-12 or Adult Education
This program grew out of the needs we've heard expressed for years from parents and students who have been advocating for an educational opportunity that presumed competence and supported the motor and regulation challenges so many autistic students face in our schools. This program is implemented virtually, and we are so excited and prepared to partner with students and families all across the country (and beyond) to unleash potential and achieve their dream of rigorous classes that allows them to earn an academic diploma -even if they believed they had missed their chance! No more discrimination. No more set-backs. No more isolation. Welcome to our A2A Community!
Help Our COVID-19 Response Efforts
COVID-19 has necessitated many changes to our normal operations. We are doing our best to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by autism who are really struggling during the stay at home orders with difficult changes in routine and limited supports due to the quarantine.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
