Why AppleTree
AppleTree CEU was created out of a passion for teaching and the desire to improve interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals. We recognize that the best outcomes are achieved when teamwork is at its best.
As an occupational therapist for over 16 years, Jeffrey Despommier has observed the challenges that clinicians face in addressing bowel and bladder issues as well as complex positioning needs with their patients. These courses were created to help occupational therapists, physical therapists and nurses grow in their career and work together to make a difference in their patients’ lives.
AppleTree has now expanded to offer 1:1 mentoring services to help clinicians reach their true potential!
Meet the Team
Jeffrey Despommier, OTR, ATP, OMS, WCC, CUA
Owner / Founder / Principal Instructor
Graduated from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport in 2008 with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. During his career, he has consulted and assisted with bowel and bladder programs in the ICU, acute care, LTAC, SNF, inpatient rehab, outpatient and community rehab settings. He is a volunteer with the United Spinal Association of Houston and works in the Assistive Technology industry.
Jeffrey is board certified as an Ostomy Management Specialist, Wound Care Certified, Urologic Associate, an Assistive Technology Professional and has been a guest lecturer at spinal tumor conferences, cancer symposiums, universities and hospitals since 2010. He is the author of a published book titled Core Curriculum: Bowel, Bladder & Ostomy Management which is his latest contribution to the profession.
Karina Despommier, MBA
Marketing Director
Karina is a marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in brand strategy, marketing communications, and business growth. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA with a specialization in Marketing from ICESI University in Colombia, along with a specialization in Team Management from ESAN University in Peru.
As Marketing Director at AppleTree, Karina leads the strategy behind the company’s brand, communications, and marketing initiatives, helping bring its mission to life through authentic storytelling and purposeful marketing. She is passionate about building brands that inspire trust and create meaningful connections. Karina also serves as the volunteer Marketing Director and Strategist for United Spinal Association Houston, supporting the organization’s mission through strategic marketing and community outreach.
Nursing Program Coordinators
Karen Brady, MSN, APRN-CNP
Nursing Program Coordinator
Karen graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree. She spent the early part of her career working in a variety of clinical settings including the ICU, PACU and ambulatory clinics. Karen began to work in the specialty of Colon and Rectal Surgery almost 25 years ago. Dedication to this patient population led her back to school to continue her education.
After graduating from Ursuline College with her Masters of Science in Nursing, Karen began work as a Nurse Practitioner for a busy Colon and Rectal Surgery service managing the hospital patients. Her special interests include: Education of patients and nurses, patient advocacy, ostomy care, dehydration, Enhanced Recovery and research.
Maggie Baldwin, RN, BSN
Program Coordinator / Instructor
Starting online advocacy in 2010 after a diagnosis of Crohn's disease and having ileostomy surgery, Maggie Baldwin spent the next ten years educating herself on ostomy care. She created videos online to show how to complete basic ostomy care.
She then went on to become a registered nurse, working as a med-surg nurse in pediatric GI, metabolism, and endocrine. She also worked in telehealth nursing, helping to develop a team of nurses to care for ostomy patients remotely. Her passion has been education and filling a need in the underserved ostomy community.
Clients Who Have Used Our Services
