About

I have an Occupational Therapy degree from Indiana University, with 40 years of experience starting at a trauma hospital, then rehabilitation centers, and now in a private clinic. Expanding manual therapy skills but still specializing in neurology, pediatrics and sensory integration, I have returned to my roots as a generalist in health and wellness. 

Honored to witness and assist many clients' recoveries and discoveries. I work with infants on breastfeeding, colic, plagiocephaly, tongue-tie, and torticollis. Complications of concussions and head injuries, autism, seizures, learning problems, and other neurological challenges are a particular interest of mine. I also work with orthopedic issues such as athletic injuries, carpal tunnel, back and neck pain, and sprains. Many clients dealing with effects of chronic auto-immune, Lyme, COVID, and PANS have found positive results with these various forms of bodywork at our clinic. Positive changes of scars and adhesion can also be helped by these methods. My background has prepared me to feel confident to work with nearly any condition, any age.  

In addition to owning & managing staff in a private clinic for three decades, I enjoy a position of invited lecturer, author, consultant, and researcher.

My Skills

Diplomate - CranioSacral Therapy (Upledger method)

Brain work (CST, Chikly, Wanveer) 

Lymphatic Drainage (Chikly method)

Visceral Manipulation (Barral method)

Interstitial integration with above methods

Certified in Sensory Integration (Ayres' Fidelity)

Qualified in NeuroDevelopmental Treatment (Bobath methods)

Articles & Books Written

  • SOON TO BE RELEASED BOOK : "Bodywork  for Sensory Integration"  
  • "Bodywork for Babies". Waukesha, Wisconsin: Orange Hat Publishing - Ten16 Press. 2022
  • Effects of CranioSacral Therapy upon Symptoms of Post-Acute Concussion and Post-          Concussion Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2021.
  • Case report: Manual therapies promote resolution of persistent post-concussion symptoms in a 24-year-old athlete. SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, 9, 2050313X20952224. 2021
  • Case Report: Lymphatic Drainage Resolves Toe Walking Gait in a Boy with      Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Foot Ankle, 4, 039. 2020.
  • Breman, G.M. and Kratz, S.V. “A Touch Better: Two Therapists’ Journeys and the     Lessons They Learned from Dr. John E. Upledger about CranioSacral Therapy”. Upledger   Productions: Palm Beach Gardens. 2020
  • Manual Ther Reduce Pain Assoc w/ Trigeminal Neuralgia. Journal of Pain, 1(1), 5. 2017.
  • Manual Therapies Promote Continence and Mobility in a Patient with Cerebellar Agenesis.   Int J Phys Med Rehabil, 4(345),2.  2016.
  • The use of CranioSacral therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Benefits from the  viewpoints of parents, clients, and therapists. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 21(1), 19-29. 2016.
  • 2 Case Studies: Upledger, J. E.  Working Wonders: Changing Lives with CranioSacral Therapy. North Atlantic Books. 2005.
  • "CST: Are We Helping the Brain Heal?" Autism File magazine - December 2009 issue
  • "Historical Perspectives on Sensory Integration & its effect w/ Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease. J of Inherited Diseases Aug 2008.

    • Professional Associations / Memberships

  • Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • International Association of Healthcare Practitioners 
  • Chikly Health Institute

    • Susan Vaughan Kratz OTR, CST-D

    License Number

    499194 - National, 1001-Wisconsin

    Special Therapies, Inc.
    1720 Dolphin Drive, Suite B
    Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
    USA

    tel. 262-347-2222 (day)
    fax. 262-347-2251

    specialtherapies1720@gmail.com

    Hours of operation / Fees

  • Appointments available Mon - Fri and some Saturday mornings.
  • Individual Treatment: $125.00 / hour. 
  • We are a fee-for-service clinic and ask for payment at time of service. We are happy to submit insurance claims as a courtesy for our clients with allowed coverage.