
JEN KLEINER
Jen earned a Bachelor’s 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. Through graduate school and her clinical fieldworks, Jen knew her passion was to work with children and to incorporate animals into the therapy process. Jen enjoys working with children and their families in achieving their goals to become independent and to live life to the fullest. Jen is a PATH Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Jen enjoys spending time with her horse, Ren, and playing with her cat, Miko.

THERESE VANDEL
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.

Jen Herrington
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.

Tierra Momplaisir
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 Gathwright
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.

Graham Kilburn
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!

Gail Parris
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.

Carrie Womack
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 Blazina
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.

Emie Penafiel
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.

Erica Winters
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 Riva
Diana received her Bachelor’s of Health Science in 2004 and Master’s 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 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 Galbicka
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.

Stacie De L’Etoile
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.

NADIA GADDIS
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 WHITE
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!

JESSICA KAMINSKI
Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Jessica has always enjoyed working with children of all ages and wanted to pursue a career in pediatrics. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and 2 dogs.

Olivia Turner
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.

Rebecca Wallington
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.

Claire Clausen
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.

Stephanie Cetnar
Stephanie attended the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2013 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2015. Go Bulls! As a PROMPT trained clinician, Stephanie is able to provide specific tactile-kinesthetic input during treatment. Outside of the clinic, Stephanie enjoys bowling, playing cards, and spending time with her husband and twin boys!

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

Karen Cowan
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.

Caroline Evers
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.

Erin King
Erin received her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Florida and Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Florida. She enjoys working with her clients and their families to customize treatment plans to best meet the needs and goals of each specific child. Erin is PROMPT trained, which allows her to take a multi-faceted treatment approach to verbal speech production. She loves being part of the PTS family and working alongside a supportive interdisciplinary team to help provide her clients with the best possible care. When not at PTS, Erin enjoys visiting farmers markets and food festivals, traveling, cooking, and attempting DIY projects.

Kathleen Lebar
Kathleen earned a Bachelor’s 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!). Kathleen loves working with teenagers on the autism spectrum, nonverbal children, and children with behavioral challenges. She enjoys pairing books with activities to instill a love of reading in her clients. Kathleen has focused on completing continuing education courses related to pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. 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, and spending time with her dog, Bunky.

Kristina Runyan
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. She is certified in the Therasuit Method, which she discovered a passion for as a student during her final clinical rotation at All Children’s Hospital. Kristina has always been passionate about working with children and is excited to be 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.

Nicole Ring
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.

Zahraa Khan
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.
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