Feeding Therapy

BRIANNA ROUSSIN
DPT

Brianna (Bri) earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of North Florida before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Gannon University in Ruskin, FL. During graduate school, she coached gymnastics, where she discovered her love for working with children of all ages. Brianna has a passion for helping kids build independence through play-based and functional movement activities. She values working closely with families to support progress both in the clinic and at home. When Bri is not at PTS she enjoys spending time with friends and family and soaking up the sun at the beach.

CHRISTI DUTCHESS
MS, OTR/L

Christi earned her Bachelor of Science in Special and Elementary Education at Indiana State University and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Indianapolis. Christi has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 29 years. She has a passion for connecting with her clients and their families and partnering to assist in enabling children to reach their full potential. Outside of PTS, Christi enjoys working out, spending time with her adult children and grandchildren, time at the beach, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and reading.

ANNA UNDERWOOD
MS, SLP-CF

Anna earned her Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2023 and Masters of Speech-Language Pathology in 2025 from the University of South Alabama. Her areas of interest include early language development and alternative and augmentative communication. In her free time, Anna enjoys reading, watching movies, shopping, watching sports, and going to Disney!

MELANIE BURNS
PT, DPT

Dr. Melanie has been working with infants and children with disabilities for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1998, and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2006. She became a Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist in 2005 and recertified in 2015. Dr. Melanie specializes in working with premature babies, medically frail infants, and children with rare diagnoses and youth sports medicine. Dr. Melanie uses an eclectic approach to treatment including Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT-Certified 2015), sensory integration, motor learning/motor control, myofascial release, infant massage, Kinesio Tape (CKTP 2005 and CKTI 2014), Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), and Spider Cage. The use of a variety of strategies taps into and brings out the child’s fullest potential by promoting play-based therapy with salient activities for the child. She has extensive experience working with athletes performing decision-based movement for true agility and sport specific training. She believes children of all abilities should have access and became a Seating and Positioning Specialist in 1999 to assist in providing appropriate durable medical equipment to expand independence. Dr. Melanie is passionate about her work as a pediatric physical therapist and believes in life-long learning. Dr. Melanie has been a Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the APTA since 2000 and enjoys working with physical therapists of the future. When not treating, she attends continuing education conferences and teaches medical professionals nationally and internationally.

EDWARD “MITCH” BROOM
MS, CCC-SLP

Mitch earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2015 and Master of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2021 from the University of South Florida. He has worked in Polk County Schools as an SLP from 2016 to 2024 with elementary, middle, and high school students. He enjoys a collaborative approach to therapy and giving parents tangible ways to help facilitate their speech language skills outside of the therapy session. In his free time, he spends time playing drums, basketball, watching movies, and most importantly spending time with his family.

HALEY BLACK
MS, CCC-SLP

Haley earned her Bachelor of Science in 2021 and Master of Science in 2023 in Communication Disorders from Marshall University in West Virginia. She has worked in both the school setting and private practice setting, where she supports children of various ages with a variety of speech and language needs. Haley recently received her certification as an NLA Trained Clinician and enjoys continuing to learn more about the field in order to better serve her clients. Haley values a child-led approach to therapy in order to better support children to promote engagement in therapy. When not at PTS, Haley enjoys spending time with her dog, going to the beach, exploring new coffee shops, or hanging out in a hammock by the water.

TORI ROBERTSON
MS, CCC-SLP

Tori earned her Bachelor of Science in 2022 and Master of Science in 2024 in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University. She has experience working in both the school and private practice setting, where she supports children with a variety of speech and language needs. Tori values a child-centered and collaborative approach to therapy, aiming to make sessions functional, engaging, and individualized to each child’s strengths. She is passionate about empowering families and helping children find their voice. Outside of PTS, Tori enjoys coaching Special Olympics Pickleball, baking, practicing yoga as well as spending quality time with her fiancé and family.

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.

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.

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.

JOSIE KALBAUGH
MS, CCC-SLP

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

KENZIE DODD
MEd, CCC-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).

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!

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.

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.

DIANA RIVA
OTR/L, CO-Owner

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again”
Diana Riva – June 8th, 1982 to March 12th, 2025
Diana Houston Riva began her career at PTS as an Occupational Therapist on February 16th of 2006. It was evident immediately that she was an incredibly special person and an exceptional therapist. Her commitment to providing quality care for her patients was legendary. Throughout her early career she continued to also grow as a leader and mentor with colleagues gravitating toward her boundless positivity and vast knowledge base. She was soon identified by PTS ownership as a potential succession candidate as they neared retirement.
Diana was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in August of 2016 only a few short months after purchasing PTS with her business partner in March 2016. She was understandably surprised and very scared of what that meant, but she was undeterred by her diagnosis. She remained committed to our goals of making PTS a place where patients would thrive and staff would love to work. She would continue to give her patients high quality care and all of the staff at PTS her absolute best effort day in and day out while suffering through countless doctor’s appointments, treatments, constant changes in medications, and the unfortunate deterioration of her body. In spite of all of that she was absolutely a fighter and showed an uncompromising will to live. She battled for nearly 9 years. She did not let on how much she must have been suffering. There were no complaints about her diagnosis or how poorly she felt. She was always more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than her own. She was an incredibly strong willed person and never gave up hope.
Her warmth and compassion for others will live on. PTS will carry her legacy of selflessness forward. We will honor her. We hope her determination and will have inspired some of you to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others every day. Greet each day with a smile no matter what darkness may be on the horizon. Diana always did.
Be a friend to each other. Say something nice to someone you care about or someone you don’t even know. It may change their life for the better the way Diana has changed ours.
PTS will miss her presence dearly. We will take solace in knowing that there are special people in our lives who never leave us… Even after they’re gone.

The PTS Family

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.

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.

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!

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.