Meet the Team – Pediatric Therapy Services

RAECHEL KILBURN
Director of Clinical Operations

As a Marketing and Business Development Professional, Raechel has a passion for building strong, purpose-driven teams. Her strategic mindset and collaborative spirit have helped organizations grow while staying true to their core mission. Outside of work, she enjoys being active and spending quality time with her husband, their two children, and their dog.

SARA JIMENEZ-BRUCE
OTR/L

Sara is a bilingual therapist originally from Colombia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University in Miami, FL, and went on to complete her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA. Passionate about working with children, Sara is dedicated to helping them reach their fullest potential, supporting their growth and development. She has received specialized training in the SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy, as she enjoys using a gentle and sensory approach to help children with feeding issues. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her family on walks, reading, and baking delicious treats.

ELISE TASICH
OTR/L

Elise earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University. She has experience with outpatient therapy for both pediatric and adult populations within a traumatic brain injury rehab, though her passion has always been to work with children. Elise aims to cultivate a caring and fun setting to help all children achieve their full potential to engage in their daily activities. Outside of the office, Elise enjoys being outdoors, going to Disney and Universal, traveling, and spending time with her friends, family, and cat!

MARIA BUSHMAN
MA, CCC-SLP

Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Purdue University. She then earned her Master’s degree from Miami University (Ohio). Maria is passionate about helping individuals of all ages improve their communication skills. She also believes in personalized and compassionate approach to therapy, empowering clients to find their voice and reach their full potential. Outside of work, Maria can be found curled up with her dog and a good book.

ABIGAIL KUBASKY
MS, CCC-SLP

Abbie earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2022 and Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2024 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Abbie discovered her love for working with pediatrics after having a clinical internship with medically fragile children with speech, language, and feeding needs. Her goal as an SLP is to alter her treatment style to meet the child’s needs and provide them with functional communication in a variety of settings. She has a passion for working with children with AAC and enjoys doing feeding therapy as well. Outside of PTS, Abbie enjoys spending time at the beach, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and shopping.

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, Marlowe.

KRISTINA PEREZ
OTR/L

Kristina is a University of South Florida alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2012. She then earned her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2015. She is a bilingual therapist who has been working in the pediatric field since 2016, doing her utmost to provide the best quality of care to the children and families she serves. Kristina has been formally trained in the Learning Without Tears handwriting program and AEIOU Feeding intervention. Outside of work, Kristina enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, being outdoors, discovering new music, and traveling.

CARLY PALKOVICH
OTD, OTR/L

Carly is originally from Sarasota, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Florida and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Gannon University. While attending the University of Florida, Carly taught adaptive swim lessons, and through this, realized her greatest passion is to help children live their most meaningful lives. Outside the clinic, Carly enjoys swimming, reading, watching Gator football, and spending time with friends and family.

CAITLYN FARRELL
PT, DPT

Caitlyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Caitlyn’s passion is to assist children of various ages and diagnoses meet their developmental goals and promote independence. She loves collaborating with the OT’s and SLP’s at PTS to provide the most effective treatment for her patients. When Caitlyn is not working she loves to explore the beaches, restaurants, and scenery of Tampa with her friends and family.

BISSAN MUSTAFA
PT, DPT

Bissan earned her bachelors in Psychology and Health Sciences degree from the University of South Florida. She then earned her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami. Bissan is deeply passionate about helping children reach their full potential, both physically and developmentally. Bissan enjoys the ability to make a lasting impact on a child’s quality of life. She is passionate about empowering children to move, explore, and play without limitations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends/family, traveling, and exploring various coffee shops, and outdoor activities.

JOSIE KALBAUGH
SLP-CF

Josie received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. She has always wanted to work with pediatrics and has experience in a variety of different settings from her time as a graduate student. She enjoys working together with families and is passionate about helping children reach their communication goals! In her free time, Josie enjoys traveling, reading, running, and going to the beach.

CASSIDY KUDJA
BS SLPA

I graduated from the University of South Florida and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. It’s always been a dream to pursue this career, and to help kids who have the same difficulties as I had as a young child. My passion and drive are to pursue more school and receive my master’s in Speech Pathology in the near future. I enjoy creating a fun based environment for all my children during our sessions and building a connection with each and every one of them, and providing insight and tips that can be used at home. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter and 2 dogs, spending time with family in Miami, or traveling.

TIFFANY COX
PTA

Tiffany is a PTA who received her degree from Polk State College. Her plans for the near future are to continue her education and receive her DPT. She was drawn to physical therapy due to receiving it at PTS when she was a teen. She has always wanted to work in pediatrics and has over 5 years of experience. She also has experience with adults. She believes that physical therapy is not only physical, however, emotional as well. She loves to be creative in her sessions and make work fun. She loves connecting with her patients and helping to push them to reach their goals one step at a time. Outside of the clinic, she loves to spend time with her family and be active with them, always on the move!

ASHLEY ENGLAND
PT, DPT

Ashley earned her Bachelors of Exercise Science from Illinois State, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Bradley University. Ashley has experience working with the pediatric population in private practice and acute care settings. She also has adult experience in acute care neurology and orthopedics. Ashley’s approach to therapy changes with every patient and she prides herself on the adaptability of her treatment sessions with the ability to change it based on the patient. Outside the clinic, Ashley enjoys paddle boarding, watching hockey, spending time and the beach and traveling with family and friends.

BRIAR MAYS
MS, CCC-SLP

Briar earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia Southern University-Armstrong and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Central Missouri. Briar is passionate about helping children reach their goals and grow in their communication abilities. Her areas of interest include Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Phonological Disorders, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Briar is trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing related to the treatment of apraxia. Outside of the clinic, Briar enjoys spending time with her pets and significant other, reading, watching hockey and baseball, and traveling.

CRYSTAL NAVAS
BILLING DEPARTMENT:
Director of Authorizations

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.

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.

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!

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.

KENZIE DODD
MEd, 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).

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.

SHELBY WITHERSPOON
CCC-SLP

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.

STEPHANIE KING
COTA/L

Hi, I’m Stephanie! I graduated from St. Katherine University as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in 2023. After completing my internship with PTS I joined the team in July after passing my board exam. I am originally from Chicago, IL, and moved to the Tampa area in 2021. Before becoming a COTA I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as well as other pediatric units for 5+ years. I have always had a passion for the pediatric community and helping tiny humans learn and grow to their fullest! I am passionate about using play, crafts, and sensory to help children reach their goals to have a brighter and fulfilled future. When I am not at work I enjoy reading, being outside or near the water, watching golf and football (Go Bears), and being around those I love!

TAYLOR TELLES
BILLING DEPARTMENT:
Director of Billing & Patient Accounts

Taylor is a Lakeland native that joined us at PTS in February 2022 as a Scheduling Coordinator and is now the Director of Billing. 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 and wrestling, going to comedy shows, reading, and spending time with family.

MARIA RODRIGUEZ
MOT, OTR/L

Maria earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Southern Florida in 2018 and a Master of Occupational Therapy from AdventHealth University in 2021. She is passionate and dedicated to working with the pediatric population to achieve their highest level of independence. Maria is a bilingual occupational therapist and enjoys having the privilege to communicate with both English and Spanish families to address the concerns and needs of their child. During Maria’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching the sunset at the beach, reading, and traveling.

JEN AUCHTER
Office Manager

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.

DOMENICA DEMEYERE
MA, CCC-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!

ZAHRAA KHAN
MS, 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.

SARA PENNO
CCC-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!

HILLARY HOLT
OTD, 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!

MELANIE GARRISON
COTA/L

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.

JENNIFER HARGIS
PT, DPT

Jennifer (Jeni) discovered her passion for helping those living with a disability when she was in elementary school and became best friends with her peers who were disabled. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Kinetic from Warner Pacific College in 1999. She then earned her Doctoral degree from the University of Puget Sound in Physical Therapy 2005. She was trained in the TheraSuit method in 2006 and enrolled in the MNRI Core Specialist Training Program in 2018. She ensures that kiddos work very hard in PT, but also have fun and enjoy getting stronger! She has worked with a wide variety of rare diagnoses and likes the challenge that comes with complex neurological diagnoses. Her family moved to Florida in March of 2023, from Oregon. When she is not at PTS, she enjoys spending time with her family, working-out, crafting, and exploring the many beaches and attractions Florida has to offer.

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.

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.

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.

ABIGAIL KUBASKY

BISSAN MUSTAFA

BRIAR MAYS

CAITLYN FARRELL

CARLY PALKOVICH

CASSIDY KUDJA

CRYSTAL NAVAS

DIANA RIVA

DOMENICA DEMEYERE

ELISE TASICH

EMIE PENAFIEL

ERICA WINTERS

GAIL PARRIS

GRAHAM KILBURN

HILLARY HOLT

JASSIMINE RIVERA

JEN AUCHTER

JENNIFER HARGIS

JOSIE KALBAUGH

KAREN COWAN

KENZIE DODD

KRISTINA PEREZ

MARIA BUSHMAN

MARIA RODRIGUEZ

MELANIE GARRISON

NIKKI GATHWRIGHT

Raechel Kilburn

SARA PENNO

SARA JIMENEZ-BRUCE

SHELBY WITHERSPOON

STEPHANIE KING

TAYLOR TELLES

TIFFANY COX

ZAHRAA KHAN

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