Meet the Owner
Dr. Susan Zapf
PhD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP
Dr. Susan Zapf has spent more than 30 years working with children and families to help kids build confidence, independence, and skills that support everyday life. As the owner and clinical director of The Children’s Therapy Center, Inc. (TCTCI), Sue brings both deep clinical experience and a strong commitment to family-centered care.
Her path into pediatric occupational therapy began with a desire to work with children in meaningful ways. Early in her career, she completed her fieldwork at TCTCI under the clinic’s founder, Mary Basich, and quickly connected with the clinic’s child-centered, sensory-based approach. When Mary retired, Sue took over the practice and has continued that philosophy.
Sue remains actively involved in treatment. She continues to work directly with children, lead social skills groups, and mentor therapists, helping ensure care stays thoughtful and grounded in real-life progress. Her passion lies within helping each child reach their full potential and purpose in life.
Education & Credentials
Sue brings extensive education and advanced clinical training to her work with children and families, including:
- PhD in Pediatric Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
- Master’s Degree in Assistive Technology, Texas Woman’s University
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University
- Board Certified in Pediatrics (American Occupational Therapy Association)
- RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
- Sensory Integration Praxis Test Certified
- Level I Advanced Mentorship – STAR Center (Dr. Lucy Miller)
- Advanced iLs & SSP/RRP Provider
- Interactive Metronome Provider (including IM Home)
- National presenter on assistive technology & sensory strategies
Beyond the Clinic
Outside of work, Sue is happily married to her husband Joe (Director of TCTCI Swings), the mom of two wonderful adult children, Christopher and Joshua, and mother-in-Law to Joshua’s wife, Joy. Her sons have been an integral part of TCTCI and were raised to have passion in helping others. She also has three furry, 4-legged children: Teddy (TCTCI therapy dog) and Clara, both golden doodles, and Bandit, an American Paint Horse that is part of the Reining Potential of Texas Therapy program.
She loves animals, horseback riding, hiking in nature, and musical theatre. She also enjoys traveling with her family, especially trips to national parks!
A Personal Note from Dr. Sue
I was blessed to gain my first experience at TCTCI as a Level I OT student working under Mary Basich. I loved the passion and fun in the treatment rooms, the support and care shown to parents, and the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of each child.
TCTCI began with one dream: to help each child achieve their potential using a cutting-edge framework called sensory integration. Mary realized that traditional approaches were not working for many of the children coming to the clinic. TCTCI’s philosophy was about building foundational relationships with each child, supporting families during difficult seasons, and helping fragile nervous systems grow stronger and more organized.
From playing in the ball pit while making “Ms. Sue Stew,” to sliding down shaving cream mountains and flying to the moon on a sensory swing, lives were—and still are—impacted at TCTCI. One of Mary’s favorite quotes was, “Aren’t we lucky to get to play with kids, change their lives, and work with our friends?” That belief has always stayed with me.
I asked Mary to mentor me and train me in sensory-based therapy, and I am honored to now carry the TCTCI mission forward—leading therapists and staff as we support children and families and continue growing professionally together. Yes, we truly are lucky.
The scripture that guides me in the work that I do in leading the clinic comes from Jeremiah 1:5:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
We believe every child is a gift, created with purpose. It is a privilege for the TCTCI team to help children gain the skills they need to live out that purpose.