Following her graduation from East High, Kathy Schleifer attended CSU-Ft. Collins where she graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy and later attended the University of Florida where she earned a MS in Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT).  Both degrees were obtained Magna Cum Laude.  

Her career saw Kathy working in school and hospital systems and included time as department head at National Jewish Hospital in Denver.  In the early 1990s, she opened her first private practice while also working as a home health therapist.  After returning to Pueblo, Kathy continued with home health OT and private practice, later opening the Pueblo Pediatric Therapy Center which focuses on improving the lives and functional abilities of special needs children.

In addition to serving special needs populations, the Pueblo Pediatric Therapy Center hosts OT and OT assistant students from colleges and universities across the nation, as well as Pueblo Family Medicine resident doctors, in clinical rotations helping healthcare professionals gain a better understanding of the evaluation and treatment of children with special needs.

Kathy has been recognized as a Professional of the Year Finalist for YWCA Salute to Women, Professional of the Year Finalist for the Autism Society of CO, Small Business Leading Edge Graduate of the Year, and the Service Award for Occupational Therapy Association of CO.  She has been featured in Denver and Pueblo newspaper articles as well as on local television news.