Meet the Team

MARLEE WHITE
CCC SLP

Marlee earned her Bachelors of Science in Communications Science and Disorders from the Florida State University and Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Florida. Marlee loves being part of the team at PTS as it gives her the ability to collaborate with all the disciplines to ensure her kiddos get the best possible care! She enjoys treating the children individually as it allows her to get to know each one on their own and learn what works for them personally. In her free time, Marlee loves to spend time with her family (she is 1 of 7 kids), exploring parks and farmer’s markets outside in the Florida sunshine and cheering on her Seminoles!

MICHAELA YAGODIN
OTR/L

Michaela earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Studies and a Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Husson University in Maine. Michaela is passionate about working with children and adolescents to improve overall functioning and meaningful independence in their everyday lives. She is certified in the Therasuit Method. Michaela enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being by the water.

MORGAN HEPLER
OTD, OTR/L

Morgan was born and raised in Lakeland, FL! She earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Southeastern University in 2018, and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in 2021. She joined PTS in August of 2021. Morgan began volunteering in special education classrooms in high school and continued through undergrad. She loves working at PTS because she gets to collaborate with speech and physical therapists to help each child grow and succeed in all areas. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outside and hanging out with her 2 cats and Great Dane puppy.

NADIA GADDIS
OTR/L

Nadia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from Florida State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in May 2017. She joined the PTS team in September 2017. Nadia became certified in Therasuit Method in 2019 and Advanced Therasuit Method in 2020. In 2020, she also received postural reflex integration training from a level III CME clinician in order to further progress her patient handling and therapeutic skills. She loves the team approach to treatment at PTS and values the mentorship provided by more seasoned therapists. Outside of the clinic, Nadia enjoys spending time outside with her husband and boys and working on projects around the house.

SHARON SOLOMON
PT, DPT

Sharon received her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Seton Hall University in May 2019. Sharon began her career working in an outpatient orthopedic setting but always had a growing passion for pediatrics. When Sharon joined the PTS family back in April she was amazed at the commitment, love, and outstanding care that the therapists here provided. Sharon is so happy to be a part of the PTS family and is excited to grow the PT team in Lakeland. Sharon spends her free time with her husband, baby girl, and sweet pup Nila. Sharon enjoys traveling, crafting, painting, serving, and dancing!

TAYLOR HARDY
CCC-SLP

Taylor earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Nicholls State University and a Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Southern University in Louisiana. Taylor’s mission is to empower children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence and maximize their full potential. She is passionate about helping others learn to enjoy communication and that our words – no matter how we express them – matter! Taylor recently moved to Florida and is excited to explore all that Lakeland has to offer. In her free time outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending time with her cats, going to the beach, and diving into self-development. She is looking forward to working with you and your family!

CAROLINE MORRIS
OTR/L

Caroline graduated with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Huntington University in Fort Wayne, IN in 2018. She briefly worked within the St. Louis Public School system before moving to Florida to pursue her goal of practicing within the pediatric outpatient setting. She enjoys working with clients and families, developing skills to carryover outside of the clinic to improve independence across all settings. She joined PTS in March of 2021 and enjoys the interdisciplinary approach PTS provides, collaborating across disciplines to provide clients with the best possible treatment. Caroline enjoys spending time with her son, husband, and dog, taking long walks, watching sports, and going to the splash pad on the weekends.

BETH DZWIERZYNSK
M.A., CCC-SLP

(Go Buckeyes!) and her Master of Arts at Cleveland State University. Beth is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She has always been passionate about working with the pediatric population and with a dynamic interdisciplinary team. Outside of the clinic, Beth enjoys coaching soccer, reading, rock climbing, and traveling.

BAYLIE WILSON
DPT, PT

Baylie received her Bachelors in Health Science in May 2019 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2021 from the University of Missouri. Through her clinical experiences she found her passion to serve the pediatric population. She works to collaborate within the interdisciplinary team to provide each child with an individualized treatment plan to achieve their personalized goals. In her free time, Baylie enjoys traveling, baking, photography, and soaking up the Florida sunshine!

KATIE SHELNITZ
DPT, PT

Katie received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2016 and graduated from Emory University in Atlanta in May 2020 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She joined the PTS team in January 2021 and has loved working with her kiddos since! Katie is certified in the TheraSuit Method. Outside of the clinic, Katie enjoys all things Disney, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Tucker.

AMANDA WIEDER
DPT, PT

Amanda received her Bachelors of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida followed by her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Florida International University. Amanda always knew she was meant to work in the field of pediatric physical therapy and is so grateful to be added on to the great team here at Pediatric Therapy Services. She strives to treat every patient with an individual approach best suited for them to target their impairments. She has a goal to get her pediatric specialist certification and has a strong interest in pediatric oncology rehab. During her time off, she enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants with her husband, cheering on her favorite football teams (Go Gators and Cowboys), and loving on her dog, Kobe.

SARA PENNO
CF-SLP

Sara earned her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and graduated with her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. She recently made her move to the Sunshine State and loves being a part of the PTS team! She enjoys working with and treating kids of all ages and has a passion for development of language through song and play. She loves to explore her new city of Tampa, read, bake sweet treats, and kayak!

ZAHRAA KAHN
M.S., CCC-SLP

Zahraa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017 and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019 from the University of South Florida. She joined PTS in September 2019. Zahraa has wanted to work with the pediatric population since her undergraduate years and continued to gain experience in the setting through her clinical fieldwork in graduate school. She enjoys working with a variety of language, fluency, and speech disorders. Zahraa enjoys painting, photography, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.

VIVIAN WALKER ACUNA
OTR/L

Vivian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Communication at the University of North Alabama and a Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree from Alabama State University. She moved from Alabama to Florida shortly after graduating and joined the PTS team March of 2022. Vivian is passionate about helping children of all ages to “live their best lives” and help families achieve their goals. Vivian enjoys drawing, hiking, and spending time with her husband and their three legged dog.

TAYLOR DUFFY
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Taylor is a Lakeland native that joined us at PTS in February 2022 as a scheduling coordinator. She is learning new things every day about the company and works diligently to help where she can! She is very excited to continue growing with the company and seeing all of your children’s smiling faces as they come in! Taylor enjoys watching her son play T-Ball, planning her wedding for October 2023, going to comedy shows, reading, and spending time with family.

SHELBY WITHERSPOON
SLP-CF

Shelby earned a Masters of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University. She has always wanted to work with the pediatric population and gained experience with pediatrics through her clinical experience during graduate school. She has a passion for working with early language delays, speech sound disorders, and children with autism. In her free time, Shelby enjoys cooking, reading books, and watching tv shows.

KENZIE WALKER
M.Ed., SLP

Kenzie graduated from Valdosta State University with a Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She knew it was her passion to be working with pediatrics and has experience working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her goal is to expand her knowledge of working with children who have feeding difficulties. Kenzie enjoys working alongside an interdisciplinary team and involving the clients and their families to create a treatment plan that best fits each individual child. Kenzie is from McDonough, Georgia and in her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, watching sports, and spending time with her two dogs (Morrigan and Blaze).

JESSICA POLACK
OTR/L

Jessica received her Bachelor of Rehabilitative Studies degree in 2019 and Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the College of Saint Mary in 2020. She has always had a passion for working with children and completed multiple clinical rotations in outpatient pediatrics as a student. She was born and raised in Omaha, NE. GO BIG RED! In her free time, she loves to figure skate, kayak, and take spontaneous adventures with her husband and husky.

DOMENICA DEMEYERE
CF-SLP

Domenica earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Western Michigan University in 2019, and a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Michigan University in 2021. She has enjoyed working with the pediatric population ever since having teaching and administrative positions in childcare and learning center environments. Domenica’s goal in speech-language therapy is to make it functional and fun in order to engage the whole family. When not at PTS, Domenica enjoys spending time outside, exploring new restaurants, beaches, and hiking trails, as well as sending postcards to her family in Michigan!

SAM ANGELA JOSE
MOTR/L

Sam Angela received her Bachelor‘s Degree in Business Management: Healthcare Administration at Polk State College in 2020. She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University, in May 2022. She believes that Occupational Therapy is not just a job, but it is a calling and is delighted to engage in diverse and rewarding experiences with clients. Sam Angela was interested in pediatrics throughout OT school. Although she is pleased to work with all age populations, her graduate fieldwork in pediatrics solidified her interest furthermore. Sam finds joy in witnessing children thrive to the best of their abilities; achieving their goals in therapy and in life (no matter how big or small). Sam was born in the Philippines and migrated to the United States at the age of 4. She enjoys music, dance, art, food adventures, and quality time with her family and friends.

MELANIE GARRISON
COTA

Melanie started her PTS journey in 2018 as an office assistant. She continues her journey at PTS as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA). Melanie graduated from South University in Tampa as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in 2021. Melanie enjoys working with the pediatric population and is passionate about helping children reach their full potential in functional performance and skills. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities, exercising and spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.

MAHA ATEEQ
OTR/L

Maha is an occupational therapist from Orlando; she received her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences from UCF and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She has always been passionate about working with children, which was solidified during her intern and volunteer experiences. Her favorite part of being an OT is getting to foster connections with clients and their families. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, being in nature, doing yoga, spending time with loved ones, and trying new restaurants and cafes.

HILLARY LEIPOLD
OTR/L

Hillary is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Thiel College in Greenville, PA and completed her Occupational Therapy Doctorate at Gannon University in Ruskin, FL. As a beneficiary of occupational therapy as an infant, Hillary’s greatest desire is to pay it forward to her patients by helping them reach their fullest potential. In her free time, Hillary enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her husband and cat, and cheering on the black and gold!

EMILY GONZALEZ
DPT

Emily earned her Bachelors of Exercise Physiology from Florida State University in December 2017, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Florida Southern College in December 2021. She joined the PTS team in July of 2022. Emily was initially drawn to pediatric PT because of the creativity it requires. She prides herself on her out-of-the-box thinking in her treatment sessions. Every kid can present issues differently, and Emily loves the challenge of having to come up with new treatment plans to address every patient’s unique needs. Outside of the office, Emily enjoys playing with her dogs, walking outdoors, and supporting the Florida State Seminoles.

CRYSTAL NAVAS
Administrative Assistant

Crystal graduated her Medical Assistant Program from American College in 2019 and obtained her Phlebotomist license in September 2021 from the National Medical Certification Board. She is currently attending FTC Lakeland to earn her Bachelor’s in Health Management. Crystal joined the PTS team in December 2021. She is always very happy, energetic and works tirelessly to make sure both her rehab tech and front office duties are accomplished. Outside of the clinic, Crystal enjoys spending time with her fiancé traveling, going to the gym, spoiling their fur baby Casey, executing house projects, and loves going to the beach to see the sunset.

BRITTANY MOONEY
M.S., CF-SLP

Brittany (“Britt”) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and a Master’s of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. Britt has experience working with pediatrics in the school system and private practice setting, as well as adults in the subacute rehabilitation setting. Britt’s approach to therapy is individualized to every child she sees, and she strives to utilize a child-led approach when treating her patients. Britt also enjoys incorporating strategies from other disciplines to provide the most holistic therapeutic experience. Outside the clinical setting, Britt enjoys spending time at the beach and in the pottery studio, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

NICOLE RING
OTR/L

Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of South Florida and a Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Florida Gulf Coast University. Nicole has experience with the Handwriting Without Tears and Zones of Regulation programs. She is certified in the Therasuit Method. Nicole strives to provide a “just-right challenge” to help her clients achieve meaningful independence in their valued occupations. Nicole enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends on the weekends.

KRISTINA ROSSMILLER
OTD, OTR/L

Kristina earned her bachelor’s degree in Community Health at Florida Gulf Coast University and completed her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University. In 2019, she became certified in Therasuit Method, which she discovered a passion for as a student during her final clinical rotation at All Children’s Hospital. In 2020, she received her certification in Advanced TheraSuit Method. Kristina has always been passionate about working with children and enjoys being a part of a team that values collaboration within the interdisciplinary team. Kristina was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, watching sports, cooking, and being on the water.

KATHLEEN QUICK
M.A., CCC-SLP

Kathleen earned a Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Texas Christian University (Go Horned Frogs!) and a Master’s of Arts in Communication Disorders at Truman State University (Go Bulldogs!). She has attended the SOS Approach to Feeding conference and loves providing pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy. Kathleen enjoys working with teenagers on the autism spectrum and pairing books with activities to instill a love of reading in her clients. Her favorite parts of her job are connecting with her clients and their families and celebrating both the big and little achievements with them. In her free time, Kathleen enjoys reading, traveling, supporting local small businesses, and spending time with her dog, Bunky.

CAROLINE EVERS
PT, DPT

Caroline received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Florida Southern College in May 2016, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University in May 2019. As part of her doctoral degree, she performed a clinical rotation in the outpatient pediatric setting that confirmed her desire to work with the pediatric population. She loves working with children of all ages. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and supporting the Tampa Bay Lightning.

KAREN COWAN
Office Manager

Karen has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. She graduated from Strayer University in 2017. She recently joined PTS and has over 30 years billing and insurance experience. Karen enjoys golf, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

JASSIMINE RIVERA
Patient Accounts Coordinator

Jassimine has a history of working in pediatrics. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her kids and exploring new places.

CLAIRE CLAUSEN
OTR/L

Claire is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology at Virginia Tech in 2014. During her summer breaks, Claire worked at a summer camp for children with Autism in Virginia Beach, where she realized her passion for working with children with special needs. Claire then received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2018. Her graduate fieldwork experiences were in outpatient pediatric therapy in Austin, TX, and in outpatient hand therapy in Brooklyn, NY. Claire loves working for PTS because of the opportunity to see the children succeed in all three disciplines of therapy! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, going to the beach, attending concerts, and crafting projects.

REBECCA WALLINGTON
M.S. CCC-SLP

Becca earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University and then pursued her Master’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Florida State University. Becca is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. She has experience working with pediatrics in the school system and private practice setting. Becca’s goal in speech and language therapy is to make therapy engaging and to involve the family to promote carryover of skills across multiple settings. When not at PTS, Becca enjoys playing volleyball, reading, cooking new recipes, and spending time with her family.

DIANA RIVA
OTR/L, CO-Owner

Diana received her Bachelors of Health Science in 2004 and Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida in 2005. She has been a part of the PTS team since 2006. Diana is certified in Sensory Integration techniques and in the administration of the SIPT. She also received her certification in the TheraSuit Method in 2015. She shares her pediatric knowledge by mentoring future Occupational Therapists. Diana enjoys cheering on the Gators and the Lightning and playing outside with her children on sunny Florida weekends.

ERICA WINTERS
MS CCC-SLP

Erica graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Erica has been working as a Speech Language Pathologist since 2012 and has experienced in the charter school setting, nursing home setting and the private practice setting. Erica is currently certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Erica enjoys treating a variety of children with various diagnoses. Erica utilizes a holistic approach when treating her patients and incorporates techniques from other disciplines whenever possible. Erica has a passion for helping others and truly enjoys working with the pediatric population. As a native Floridian, she enjoys activities such as boating, exercising, photography, spending time with family and attending sporting events.

NIKKI GATHWRIGHT
MS CCC SLP

Nikki graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Nikki has worked in a variety of pediatric settings and has been with PTS since 2002. Nikki specializes in treating all different types of children with language/feeding disorders. She enjoys helping families become successful through her guidance with bottle and breast feeding. Nikki believes that by working together the family, child and therapy team will be successful. Nikki shares her knowledge and experiences through mentoring as a clinical supervisor for SLP’s during their clinical fellowship year. Nikki enjoys reading, movies and all dogs.

OLIVIA TURNER
CCC SLP

Olivia is originally from Huntsville, AL. She did her undergraduate work at Oakwood University, majoring in Music Performance, Piano, and then switched gears to receive her Master’s Degree from The Ohio State University in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She has been a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist since 1991. Her experience spans a variety of age groups with various needs. She is married to a wonderful husband, Bruce, and has two beautiful children, Erika, age 14, and Elijah, age 11. She enjoys playing the piano, singing, listening to music, bowling, swimming, traveling and spending time with family.

STACIE DE L’ETOILE
PT, DPT, Director of TheraSuit

Stacie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Florida in May 2007 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of North Florida in April 2010. She has proudly been a part of the PTS team since June 2013. Stacie enjoys helping children of all ages with compassion, a positive attitude, and a well-known “cheer” for therapy accomplishments, big and small. In 2015, Stacie received her certification in the TheraSuit Method and in 2016, she became certified in Advanced TheraSuit Method. She is extremely proud of each child’s progress with the use of the TheraSuit Method. In 2020, she further advanced her therapeutic skills with postural reflex integration training from a level III CME clinician. She also has certifications in Kinesio Taping and strives to utilize evidence-based practice through continuing education. Outside of the clinic, Stacie loves spending time with her husband and two daughters.

GAIL PARRIS
Reception & Scheduling

Gail joined the PTS team in 2007. Gail balances the many demands of the front desk while greeting families, children and staff with warmth and respect. She offers nurturing to everyone, growing the family concept that PTS strives for. Gail enjoys her interactions with children, families, and staff. She has learned so much from her interactions with the therapists and finds their jobs fascinating. Outside of her clinic, Gail enjoys being with her family and friends.

GRAHAM KILBURN
President

Graham has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/ Financial Management from Florida Southern College. He has worked with PTS since 2005. Graham enjoys cooking, reading, outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and playing with his children!

EMIE PENAFIEL
MA CCC-SLP

Emie received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science in 2007 and Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The Ohio State University in 2009. Go Buckeyes! Emie has been a PTS team member since September 2009. Her areas of interest include early language development, alternative and augmentative communication, and literacy. In her free time, Emie enjoys running, watching movies, reading, and playing with her cat, Mickey.

JENNIFER KLEINER
OTR/L

Jen earned a Bachelors of Health Science degree and a Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Florida. She joined the PTS team in March 2016. Jen is passionate about working with children and families to help them achieve their goals through play and meaningful activities to become independent and live life to the fullest. Jen has completed continuing education courses to further her education in the SOS Approach to Feeding and Zones of Regulation to better address the needs of her clients. Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her horse, Ren, and playing with her cat, Miko.

THERESE REBAIN
DPT

Therese received her Bachelors of Health Science from the University of Florida in 2012 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Central Florida in 2016. She received her certification in the TheraSuit Method in 2019 and became certified in the Advanced TheraSuit Method in 2020. Additionally in 2020, she received postural reflex integration training from a level III CME clinician which she utilizes to improve functional movements and progress gross motor skills with her patients. She loves being on a team of great therapists at PTS as she feels a unique, collaborative approach maximizes gains for all of the children. Therese enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and on the water, traveling, and watching Gator football.

JEN HERRINGTON
DPT

Jen is a graduate of West Virginia University and holds a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. After college she spent several years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. She came to work at PTS after seeing what wonderful services they provided to one of her own children, and believes wholeheartedly in helping kids “be their best!” Jen enjoys spending time with her family and lots of outdoor activities in the Florida sunshine.

AMANDA WIEDER

BAYLIE WILSON

BETH DZWIERZYNSK

BRITTANY MOONEY

CAROLINE EVERS

CAROLINE MORRIS

CLAIRE CLAUSEN

CRYSTAL NAVAS

DIANA RIVA

DOMENICA DEMEYERE

EMIE PENAFIEL

EMILY GONZALEZ

ERICA WINTERS

GAIL PARRIS

GRAHAM KILBURN

HILLARY LEIPOLD

JASSIMINE RIVERA

JEN HERRINGTON

JENNIFER KLEINER

JESSICA POLACK

KAREN COWAN

KATIE SHELNITZ

KENZIE WALKER

KRISTINA ROSSMILLER

MAHA ATEEQ

MARLEE WHITE

MELANIE GARRISON

MICHAELA YAGODIN

MORGAN HEPLER

NADIA GADDIS

NICOLE RING

NIKKI GATHWRIGHT

OLIVIA TURNER

REBECCA WALLINGTON

SAM ANGELA JOSE

SARA PENNO

SHELBY WITHERSPOON

TAYLOR DUFFY

TAYLOR HARDY

THERESE REBAIN

VIVIAN WALKER ACUNA

ZAHRAA KAHN

READY FOR A FUN THERAPY ENVIRONMENT, THAT TRULY CARES ABOUT YOUR CHILD AND YOUR FAMILY?

Quality Therapy Specifically For Children

About PTS

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Quality Therapy Specifically For Children

About PTS

Contact Us

READY FOR A FUN THERAPY ENVIRONMENT,
THAT TRULY CARES ABOUT YOUR CHILD AND YOUR FAMILY?

Quality Therapy Specifically
For Children