Meet The Team

Therese received her Bachelors of Health Science from the University of Florida in May 2012, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Central Florida in May 2016. She loves being on a team of great therapists at PTS as she feels a unique, collaborative approach really maximizes gains for all of the children. Along with the many amazing moments in this job, her favorite thing about working with population is seeing the pure joy and sense of accomplishment on both the patients and their guardians faces when a new skill or goal has been achieved. In her spare time, Therese enjoys the beach, running, listening to music, and watching Gator football.

Lauren completed her BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida in 2014 and graduated from the University of Central Florida with her MA in Speech Pathology in 2016., She has gained clinical experience in the school setting as well in the clinical setting. Lauren enjoys treating pediatric clients with various diagnoses from diverse cultural backgrounds. Lauren strives to collaborate with OT and PT to create a comprehensive approach when treating clients. Lauren is a native Floridian who enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, the beach, and the movies. She also enjoys sports (football and baseball), cooking, and doing outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.

Jenna earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and graduated with a Masters in Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2015. Jenna has experience working with pediatrics in the school and private practice setting. Jenna values working with her patients one-on-one to provide individualized therapy. In her free time, Jenna enjoys watching football, reading, singing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Vickie received her Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting from Keiser University. Vickie additionally holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religion and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Tampa. She began working with children at a day care while in college then, became a Respite Care Worker, and coached girls’ competitive soccer for 10+ years. Vickie was first introduced to PTS as a Student PTA Intern and quickly fell in love with the patients, their families and the staff. She enjoys reading, watching movies, kayaking, attending various sporting events and spending time with her family.

Tierra received her Master of Science in Occupational therapy from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. Tierra discovered her passion to work with children while volunteering at Pediatric Therapy Services in Lakeland, FL while attending Florida Southern. Tierra was born and raised in Tampa, FL.

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.

Denise attended Grove City College in Pennsylvania and hails from Pittsburgh PA. Denise joined the PTS team in 2006. Denise manages the demands of the ever revolving therapist schedule while welcoming families and handling paperwork with efficiency. Denise enjoys working with her fellow PTS team and chatting with parents and families. When not at work Denise enjoys reading and traveling to meet with family and friends.

Graham has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/ Financial Management from Florida Southern College. He is in his 11th year working with PTS. Graham enjoys cooking, reading, outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and watching sports with his daughter!

Carrie received her Masters of Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Florida. Carrie has worked for PTS since 2010. Carrie’s approach to therapy differs with every child she sees. She works to use the interest of each child to make therapy an experience which the child will enjoy and want to engage in. She finds that the more excited and engaged a child is in a topic or activity the better they respond to new opportunities/challenges. Carrie enjoys spending her free time with her son, Clayton, and also with family and friends!

Colleen completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida. Go Gators! Colleen has experience working in a variety of settings including a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation hospital and pediatrics. She has been a treating therapist since 2011 and has found her home in pediatrics. She uses a holistic approach in treatment and embraces techniques from other disciplines. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, exercising, watching football and cooking.

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.

Diana received her Bachelors of Health Science in 2004 and Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida in 2005. Diana has 11 years of pediatric experience treating children with varied diagnoses. Diana is certified in Sensory Integration techniques and in the administration of the SIPT. Diana shares her pediatric knowledge by mentoring future Occupational Therapists. Diana enjoys cheering on Gator athletics and playing outside with her children on sunny Florida weekends.

Kathy attended Ball State University in Indiana moving to Lakeland in 1978. Kathy has made her professional home with PTS for over 20 years. Kathy is certified in Medisoft and continues her education in trainings for management, billing, and coding. Kathy works tirelessly to insure that PTS is aware of any changes in requirements that affect the overall ability of PTS to help children and families. Kathy enjoys seeing the PTS therapists guiding the children as they work to meet their goals and enjoys being able to help others succeed in their lives. Kathy’s special interests include running, gardening, art, her church and missions.

Trista graduated from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA where she received her Masters of Science of Physical Therapy. Trista has 14 years of varied experience with 11 years of it in pediatrics. Additional setting included: spinal cord, inpatient hospital, outpatient orthopedics, and aquatics. Trista loves working with children helping them learn new movement and abilities through play. Trista strives to make treatments fun and functional so that they will carry into the child’s life. She enjoys working with the child’s entire family teaching them ways to incorporate activities into their daily routine. The best reward for Trista is when a child learns independence and shows pride in their achievements. Trista enjoys spending time with her two sons as they learn and grow. Trista enjoys the outdoors and takes advantage of the Florida weather as a runner. Trista has lived in 6 states and has made Florida her permanent home with her family.

Stacie received her Bachelors 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. Stacie has experience in various settings including the Hillsborough County School System and her favorite setting, outpatient pediatrics. She found her way to Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc in June 2013 and truly enjoys working as a part of the PTS team. Stacie enjoys treating children of all ages and all diagnosed with compassion, a positive attitude, and a well-known “cheer” for therapy accomplishments, big and small. Outside of the clinic, Stacie enjoys sporting events with her husband (Go Gators), spoiling her dog, Percy, baking treats, taking pictures, party planning, and crafts inspired by Pinterest.

Kim received her Bachelors of Health Science from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she worked with children in the school and home environments which led her to the field of occupational therapy. She then went on to graduate with her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Tampa, FL. Through these experiences, Kim discovered her passion was working with children and helping them live their lives to the fullest. She has worked in the public school setting, as well as pediatric home health, treating children with varied diagnoses. She has taken continuing education in various pediatric techniques including Handwriting without Tears and Interactive Metronome as well as multiple state/national conferences. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing with her dogs, traveling, cooking, and going to Disney World!

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. Nadia spent her second clinical rotation as a student at Pediatric Therapy Services, Brandon where she confirmed that she wanted to pursue a career in pediatrics. She loves the team approach to treatment at PTS and values the mentorship that more seasoned therapists provide her as she grows as a professional. Outside of the clinic, Nadia enjoys spending time outside with her husband and boys and working on projects around the house.

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!

Lee received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Florida in 2013
and completed her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in
2016 to join the PTS team shortly thereafter. Her graduate clinical experiences include adult
and pediatric neurorehabilitation as well as hand therapy. As part of her doctoral degree, Lee
completed specialized coursework in sensory integration and a 6-month doctoral residency in
neuroscience education and research. Outside of her position at PTS, Lee teaches cadaver
dissection lab for a graduate level anatomy course at Nova Southeastern University. Lee is a
self-professed “science geek” who’s previous work experience also includes teaching kids’
science labs at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa. Lee’s interventions as a
therapist remain strongly influenced by the “creative hands on” approach to learning she
employed in her science labs. Lee’s other interests include gardening (everything from
succulents and houseplants, to urban farming), and involvement with community improvement
projects for the historical urban neighborhoods in Tampa.

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.