Meet the Team
Terra Scott
MSPT
President/Owner
I was born and raised here in Colorado. I graduated from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 1999 with my master's in Physical Therapy. I have always loved kids and through my clinical experiences at an outpatient pediatric clinic in Carbondale, CO and at Fletcher Miller School for special needs kids in Lakewood, CO, I found my passion in pediatric physical therapy.
After graduating, I worked for Jefferson County Schools at Molholm Preschool and at Fletcher Miller School for 2 years. I worked with children ages 3 to 21. I learned it was important to have excellent communication with the child's whole team of medical providers in order to help families be advocates for their child. I also gained a lot of experience with medically fragile kids and adaptive equipment. In 2002, I began working for various pediatric home healthcare agencies where I gained experience with children birth to 21 years old with many different diagnoses. In 2003, I formed my own business, Milestone Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc., and joined a transdisciplinary Early Intervention team at Developmental Pathways where I am still an active member.
Since 2003, I have maintained contracts with three Community Centered Boards (RMHS, DP, & DDRC) which allows me to provide services to kids in much of Denver and the surrounding area. I absolutely love the kids and families I work with. I have experience working with kids with Down Syndrome, CP, Intrauterine Stroke, torticollis, plagiocephaly, SMA, prematurity, Cohen Syndrome, medically fragile children, Noonan Syndrome, hypotonia, dwarfism, less common chromosomal deletions, Juvenile RA, orthopedic conditions after injuries (leg fractures and surgeries), hip dysplasia, fibular hemimelia (prosthetic leg), general gross motor delays, Spina Bifida, and multiples. I have enjoyed expanding my business over the years. I currently employ Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapists who provide services for kids throughout Denver and the surrounding areas in Early Intervention and also at our pediatric therapy clinic located in Centennial. I enjoy being a mentor to my team members and the PT students I take from the CU Denver PT program and Regis PT program. I began having my own children in 2001. In my free time, I enjoy being a mom to my four kids, running, hiking, and skiing.
Nickie Meyer
Clinic Manager/OT Lead
OTR
Nicolette (Nickie) Meyer, MS, OTR is a licensed Occupational Therapist who received her Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary in 2013. She also graduated with a minor in Psychology. During her graduate year within the Occupational Therapy program she traveled with a group of OT students to complete medical based missions within Guatemala. Nickie’s pediatric experience includes a variety of settings such as private outpatient clinic, preschool- middle school, home-based Early Intervention, and aquatic therapy.
Nickie has always had a passion for working with children which started with a job completing family support and respite care for children from ages 3 to 18 years old within the home. She enjoys working with children of all ages and ability levels and has experience treating many diagnoses including, but not limited to, developmental delays, prematurity, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Inrauterine Stroke, a variety of genetic disorders, torticollis, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and Autism.
Her professional interests currently include early intervention, neuro-developmental treatment (NDT), feeding, aquatic therapy and sensory integration therapy. Post-graduate education has included sensory integration in aquatic therapy and baby treatment based on NDT principles.
Raised in Mandan, ND but currently lives with her husband in Denver, CO. Her interests include spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, enjoying the outdoors and traveling.
Colleen Imerman
M.A., CCC-SLP
Consultant/Mentor
Colleen Imerman was awarded her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University and her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Central Michigan University. Colleen has her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, and a license to practice Speech-Language Pathology in the state of Colorado.
While earning her Master’s Degree, Colleen was given a unique experience to participate in Central Michigan University’s intensive Summer Speech-Language Pathology Specialty Clinics. This five week, residential therapy program allowed her to challenge her clients and other campers to use their new communication skills both in and outside the clinic. During this program, she developed a passion to help children with communication disorders.
Colleen’s professional experience has focused on the pediatric population, ranging from preschool to high school ages. As a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist, she has been part of a Special Education Team diagnosing and providing services for school-aged children requiring speech/language support services, including articulation, phonology, receptive/expressive language, social skills, childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), voice, and fluency. Colleen currently specializes in articulation/phonological disorders serving children through her private practice. Additionally, she is a member of an Early Childhood Screening Team providing speech, language, hearing, and developmental screenings for preschool-aged children. Colleen has not only worked with children, but has worked with the adult neurogenic population in medical settings, including the University of Florida Shands Acute Care and Rehabilitation Hospitals. In 2004, she started a family with her husband and they now have three school-aged children. In her free time she likes to ski, mountain bike, hike, travel, visit family, and sail on Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Meaghan McGann
MS CCC-SLP
Meaghan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. A major influencer in Meaghan’s personal and professional life is her dearest friend with Down syndrome. It was this friendship that helped develop her dream to work with and advocate for individuals with special needs. Meaghan’s passion for Speech-Language Pathology became even more focused while working at a school in Connecticut for children with a wide range of disabilities.
It was there she developed her passion for working with individuals with complex communication needs and provided her with extensive experience developing and implementing successful programs for her patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.
Since receiving her degree, Meaghan has had the opportunity to work in both an Early Intervention and clinical setting with children of all ages. She has evaluated and treated children with a variety of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Her special interests include implementing/evaluating for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, working with individuals with ASD, and pragmatic language intervention. Meaghan has received advanced training for a variety of AAC devices/programs including LAMP Words for Life, TobiiDynavox, NovaChat/TouchChat, Proloquo2go, and PECS. Meaghan is devoted to ensuring the most holistic approach to therapy for each child while advocating for individuals with special needs and their families.
Outside of the clinic, Meaghan is an active member of two Young Professional Boards-Tall Tales Ranch and IN-Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education- which continue to provide her with the opportunity to focus on her dedication for advocating for the special needs community in Colorado. Meaghan currently lives in Denver where she enjoys all the city has to offer. She is an avid runner and takes full advantage of the Colorado Rockies in the winter, rarely passing on the chance to ski.
Katherine Brown
Administrative Director
Katherine was born and raised in Kosciusko, MS. Katherine received her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Exercise Physiology from Mississippi University for Women. Katherine completed her clinical at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS in Cardiac Rehab and Pulmonary Care and Practicum/Internship in child growth and development including developmental disabilities. Katherine is also a veteran of U.S Air Force.
Katherine has always been passionate about seniors and pediatrics. Katherine became more passionate about pediatrics while completing her practicum in developmental disabilities. Katherine has management experience from pediatric home care agencies, as well as managing assisted living facilities and senior home care agencies.
Katherine enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, cooking, traveling and reading.
Christine Tao
MSPT
Consultant/Mentor
Christine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Business from the State University of New York at Albany in 1988. After working in a residential facility for children with developmental disabilities as a Behavioral Specialist and Assistant Treatment Director for 5 years, Christine returned to school to earn her Masters of Physical Therapy at Boston University.
Christine began her career as a PT in NY at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, working with adults with Neurological, Orthopedic, and Cardiovascular diagnoses. She then returned to Boston where she worked at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in the Outpatient Dept. Here, she worked with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to care for children from the United States and all over the world. Christine also did contract work for a home for children and young adults with traumatic brain injuries and various other neurological disorders. While at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Christine also evaluated and treated adults with neurological, orthopedic, and sports medicine diagnoses.
She later worked in Boston for HealthSouth Corp in an outpatient facility where she treated adults with orthopedic/sports medicine diagnoses, as well as caring for children with a diversity of diagnoses in HealthSouth Outpatient facilities on part time basis. Christine moved to Hawaii in 2001 where she worked at an elementary school on a military base to provide augmented physical therapy services for a special project through the Department of Defense. She later worked for a physician owned clinic in Honolulu treating adults with orthopedic/sports medicine and chronic pain diagnoses.
Christine, her husband, and her daughter moved to Colorado in 2010. She enjoys doing activities with her young daughter, yoga & exercise.
Kristin Teubner
DPT
Kristin received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2015 and is passionate about pediatric physical therapy. Kristin has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including early intervention, NICU, outpatient, and sports physical therapy. During her time at Regis University Kristin traveled to Peru for a global health immersion where she gained invaluable experience working with children with disabilities in their homes. This experience helped Kristin realize her passion for global health as well as gain an appreciation for the outcomes that can be achieved with physical therapy and other medical interventions for kids with disabilities. Kristin coaches gymnastics at Colorado Gymnastics Institute where she works with girls ages 10-18. In her free time, Kristin enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Emma Flanagan
OTR
Emma Flanagan, OTR was born and raised in Western NY. She received her Bachelors degree in Physical Education and Health from Slippery Rock University in PA, where she also played lacrosse all 4 years and was voted Co-team Captain her junior and senior year. Emma went on to earn her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, graduating in December 2015. She completed her fieldwork in an outpatient pediatric facility in Florida and at a skilled nursing facility in Aurora. Emma enjoys working in a variety of settings and is currently working in Early Intervention, at a school with grades K-5 and PRN at a skilled nursing facility. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and playing/watching any sports.
Rachelle Baker
PT, DPT
In 1998, I received my undergraduate degree in Dietetics from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. I continued my education at Northern Arizona University where I received my doctorate of physical therapy in 2001. Over the next several years, I explored the field of physical therapy in a variety of settings before I discovered my passion in pediatrics, specifically in early intervention.
After graduating from physical therapy school, I settled in Phoenix, AZ with my husband and began working in three different pediatric settings: clinic, schools and homes. Through this experience, I learned the value of treating the entire child, which includes not only every aspect of the child as a whole, but the importance of the child’s care givers and environment. My passion quickly grew for home based pediatric therapy and specifically early intervention.
I have worked with children ages birth to 18 over the past 17 years with a wide range of diagnoses, to include: Down Syndrome, CP, DiGeorge Syndrome, EDS, Intrauterine Stroke, torticollis, plagiocephaly, SMA, Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, prematurity, Cohen Syndrome, medically fragile children, Noonan Syndrome, hypotonia, epilepsy, TBI, dwarfism, less common chromosomal deletions, club foot, Juvenile RA, orthopedic conditions after injuries (leg fractures and surgeries), hip dysplasia, general gross motor delays, Spina Bifida, and multiples.
Five years ago, my husband and I moved with our three children to Denver, CO where I continue to enjoy working with children in their natural environments. When I am not working as a physical therapist, I find myself being the taxi driver for my three children, cheering them on in their sporting endeavors, hiking with my dogs and finding new ways to decorate our home
Allison Kane
PT, DPT
Allison grew up in Indiana but moved to sunny Colorado in 2007. She always had a passion for working with kids, but an internship in college with a pediatric PT and working at a camp for kids with disabilities inspired her to become a physical therapist. Allison graduated from the University of Colorado with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2011 and has been working in pediatrics since then.
She has had experience is various settings, including early intervention, home therapy with older kids/young adults, outpatient clinics, and schools. She has had the opportunity to work with children with a wide variety of diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, coordination disorders, torticollis, genetic disorders, prematurity, and many more. Allison loves meeting new families and helping children and families achieve their goals.
When not working, Allison loves spending time outdoors--walking, hiking, running, playing at the park, camping, or pretty much anything else. She also enjoys baking and spending time with her husband and son.
Leslie Quick
DPT
Leslie graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2014 with her doctorate in physical therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. During physical therapy school, Leslie completed one of her clinical experiences at St. Jude Children’s Hospital which ultimately motivated her to pursue pediatrics in her physical therapy career.
Since graduation, Leslie has worked with a variety of children including those with Down’s syndrome, Autism, general developmental delays, and rare genetic disorders. She has experience working in an adult outpatient orthopedic clinic, early intervention, therapeutic camp, and an inclusive preschool. Leslie loves working with children and families to enhance children’s functional abilities, independence, and quality of life.
Leslie moved to Denver with her husband in 2014, and after growing up in the Midwest, she loves being close to the mountains. On the weekends, Leslie enjoys hiking, camping, running, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, dog, and cat.
Kari Carey
DPT
Kari was born in Minnesota and will always be a Minnesotan at heart. She graduated from Marquette University in 2010 with a doctorate of physical therapy. She has always had a passion for working with children. Through physical therapy internships and volunteer work with children, she decided she wanted to continue to work with children for her career. She came to Colorado after graduation, and never looked back because of the mild winters and the many outdoor activities available here.
Kari has experience in a pediatric outpatient clinic and home health setting working with children ages 0-18 years old. She loves getting to know each child and their family and helping them achieve their goals and improve function. She has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, torticollis, plagiocephaly, prematurity, hypotonia, orthopedic conditions, Spina Bifida, genetic disorders, coordination disorders and more.
In addition, Kari has a passion for adaptive physical activities. She currently teaches kids yoga classes to kids of all abilities. She also started a climbing group for kids of all abilities in Colorado Springs. In her free time, she loves to do anything outdoors with her husband and son, including camping, mountain and road biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
Kendra Vander Wal
OTR/L
Kimberly Lawrence
MS-CF-SLP
Kathryn Buczek
Speech Lead
MS-CCC-SLP
Kristen Brainard
OTR
My name is Kristen Brainard. I have been an OT since 2000. I started in a small private school setting called G.E.M.S. where I was the OT in the preschool and kindergarten rooms. It was a great first experience because I had 2 more seasoned OT’s who mentored me and answered my million questions everyday. In the summer of 2002, I decided to try something new and began to work in EI as an in-home therapist. That is where I have stayed ever since. I feel like I have found my home with this population. I love being so involved with the families and I think early intervention is just so important to setting a strong foundation for our kiddos. I have seen a wide variety of diagnosis in my almost 17 years in EI but have a definite extra soft spot in my heart for kids with Down Syndrome. I would say a few traits of my therapy style is to see the whole kiddo, not just my discipline, and to think outside of the box! What works for one kiddo might not work for another one. And have fun-we get to play with kids for a living and we know they learn best when they are having fun! Personally, I have been married 20 years to my husband Mike. We have a 16 year old son named Jack and a 13 year old daughter named Sydney. We also have 2 dogs, Maci and Lola
Hannah Haugen
PT Lead
PT, DPT
Hannah graduated from Northwestern University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She received her bachelor's degree from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Hannah became interested in pursuing physical therapy after studying abroad in Norway at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, where she was immersed in a culture that emphasized a healthy, active lifestyle and preventative care. She has always loved spending time with children, but she confirmed her passion for pediatric physical therapy during a clinical rotation at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Hannah has experience working in a variety of pediatric settings, including early intervention, outpatient, spina bifida clinic, sports physical therapy, acute care, NICU, and high-risk infant clinic.
Hannah and her husband recently moved from Chicago and are excited to have the opportunity to explore the beautiful state of Colorado. Having grown up in the mountains in Montana, Hannah has always loved being in the outdoors skiing, camping, hiking, and boating on Flathead Lake. In her free time Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring outside and traveling.
Caroline Mancuso
MA, CCC-SLP, RYT
Caroline L Mancuso, MA, CCC-SLP, RYT has been practicing Speech-Language Pathology with an emphasis in Early Childhood in the south Denver area since 2004. Her areas of expertise include Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental motor planning speech disorders, play-based speech-language intervention, functional language development, and parent training. Her spirited, humorous approach to intervention is balanced with continuing study of neuroscience and related behavioral applications. She is honored to have the opportunity to guide young children and their families on the path to the joys of communication. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family
Michelle Strade-Notz
OTR/L
"Chelle" has 22 years of experience and has recently relocated from California to Colorado. She has worked both in the clinic setting and in the early intervention setting. Chelle has experience with fine motor, sensory, feeding, visual impairments, infant massage and aquatic therapy. She has taken the Baby NDT course and a NICU Baby Feeding course. In her free time, Chelle enjoys kickboxing and spending time with her two dogs.
Michelle Sullivan
BILLING SPECIALIST
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I have traveled and lived in 14 different states,and have more than one good story about each of them. Always asked what city did I like best, I graciously reply they all hold a special place in my heart. I entered a nursing program at NIACC in Mason City, Iowa, and quickly discovered my strongest assets were helping patients understand their medical bills. In addition to a comprehensive billing background, I have also served as an administrator for ambulatory surgery centers. With diverse experience in a multitude of specialty private practices, I am uniquely positioned to address all of your billing questions and concerns.In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering,walking, hiking, swimming, cooking, family & laughing.
Emalee Tarach
Front Desk Coordinator
Nice to meet you! I am 28 years young,originally born and raised in the sunny state of Florida. I am married with one child. Grayson is the light of our life and daily entertainment. We recently moved to Colorado when my husband accepted a
position within his company. Colorado has quickly grown to be our favorite place.Right out of high school, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field. I went to school to be an EMT, but later transitioned into a medical office setting. I was a medical
assistant for 8 years in orthopedics. During this time, our son was diagnosed with a genetic chromosome deletion causing major
developmental delays. We spent countless hours in a therapy clinic. Therapy became our second home. It was at this time, I realized where my passion was; with special children just like my son.I am a huge foodie! Food really does have my heart. I love baseball! Music is my zen,specifically older country music. I enjoy going on hikes with my family and our pups,(Jeter, Copper and Sadie).
Rosemarie Helton
OTR/L
Hi, my name is Rosemarie (Rosey) Helton. I have been an OT since 2002. I am a native Coloradan and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Occupational Therapy and Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in infant and child development. I started working in an outpatient pediatric clinic as well as adult inpatient acute care and rehab. In October of 2007, we moved to Las Vegas, NV for me to work in the local school district as an Occupational Therapist. I also worked in an outpatient pediatric clinic, pediatric home health and school-based telehealth. In 2013, we returned to Colorado and I took some time off to stay home with my family. In 2019, I was ready to return to OT and decided to pursue a position in early intervention. Since joining the team here at Milestone Pediatric Therapy Services, I have been welcomed with open arms and have found my true passion in working with families and children in the early intervention setting. I truly love building a rapport with both the children and the families. I have a special love for this time in a child’s life as well as the family. I enjoy looking at the whole child, focusing on the families needs and working from where the child and family currently are in the developmental process. I love the challenge and reward of finding a strategy, resource or solution for each specific child and situation. I have additional training in the areas of autism, sensory processing/integration/
Lauren Wexler
MOT, OTR/L
Lauren grew up near Chicago and received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri. Lauren figured out she wanted to be an OT at the age of 12 when she started volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding stable working alongside many different types of therapists. She worked as an EMT for several years before starting her journey as a pediatric OT. She works in both the clinic and early intervention settings. Lauren has experience targeting skills including: fine motor, feeding, self care, visual perception, social skills, sensory processing, behavioral and emotional regulation, and independent activities of daily living. Lauren enjoys collaborating with the child, family, and other professionals to develop family-centered care unique to each child. She enjoys being creative with treatment ideas and being silly in order to make therapy more fun for her kids. In her free time, Lauren enjoys hiking, camping, baking, cooking, playing roller derby, and skiing.
Jessica Hergott
PT, DPT
Scott Busteed
Clinical Director
M.S., CCC-SLP
A Nebraska native, Scott received his bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in speech-language pathology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2010 and 2013, respectively. An interim gap year provided him with an introduction to pediatrics while he served as an instructional assistant in an early childhood classroom for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Dublin, Ireland. A member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) since 2013, he began his career in the Chicago area within the public schools before transitioning to pediatric outpatient settings.
Scott is skilled in the evaluation and treatment of childhood apraxia of speech, articulation & phonological disorders, fluency disorders, language impairment and social/pragmatic language. He is experienced with identification of and early intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders, assessing children for use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), implementing positive behavioral supports, working with culturally- and linguistically-diverse learners, and co-treating with social workers, behavioral interventionists and occupational (OT) & physical (PT) therapists. His clinical training includes the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, Chmela Fluency Intervention, the SOS Approach to Feeding, the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol and Tobii-Dynavox AAC Evaluation & Programming. Scott enjoys facilitating social skills groups for children of all ages and is a Certified Provider for the Secret Agent Society Program.
Outside of the clinic, Scott loves exploring Colorado with his wife, Elizabeth, and their rescue pup, Gia. During his down time, he enjoys cooking, climbing, hiking, camping, running and traveling.
Alexa Herbers
M.S., CCC-SLP
Alexa grew up in the south, primarily living in Louisiana and moving to Arkansas to attend college. Alexa attended the University of Central Arkansas where she played four years of Division 1 college soccer while obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2014. Alexa continued school at UCA to complete her Master’s degree in 2016. Alexa gained experience in school, hospital, and clinical settings.
After graduating, Alexa moved to Denver where she began working in public schools for her first three years as a speech-language pathologist. There she gained experience treating and evaluating students from pre-school through high school age with articulation, receptive and expressive language, pragmatic language, literacy, and fluency disorders. Alexa has worked with students with high needs, multiple disabilities, and mild-moderate speech/language impairments. Alexa was a speech therapist in the Autism center-based program for all three years where she gained experience in augmentative alternative communication (AAC), running social communication groups while partnering with psychologists, and developed strengths in emotional regulation de-escalation strategies. With a strong area of interest in social communication, Alexa enjoys using different pragmatic language programs and adapting it to different learning levels, styles, and different personalities. She is a Certified Provider for the Secret Agent Society social skills program.
With a love for the outdoors, Alexa is very active in her free time. She enjoys going to the park, playing soccer, running, and hiking through the mountains with her dog, Maggie.
Aly Backhaus
M.S., CCC-SLP
Aly is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and recently moved to Denver, Colorado in August 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology & Audiology in 2016 and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2017 through an accelerated degree program at Marquette University. After graduating, she began her career working with both pediatric and adult populations. Aly most recently worked at a pediatric outpatient clinic where she gained experience evaluating and treating children with a variety of diagnoses and disorders in the areas of articulation/phonology, receptive/expressive language, social/pragmatic language, cognitive-communication, AAC, and feeding/swallowing. Aly administers diagnostic reading evaluations for struggling readers and also provides reading intervention services. She has completed the 40 hour Yoshimoto Orton Gillingham Approach to teaching reading and spelling.
In addition to developing her clinical skills, Aly has a passion for leadership and community development. She recently assisted in planning an adaptive triathlon for children of all abilities and headed a continuing education course for SLPs in Southeastern Wisconsin. She looks forward to continuously meeting professionals and families throughout the Denver area as she joins the Abound Children’s Therapy team!
Aly is excited to explore her beautiful new city! She loves to be outdoors (running, hiking, skiing) and enjoys traveling with friends and family.
Amanda Fransen
M.S., CCC-SLP
Amanda attended college at the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in 2008. After graduation, she also completed her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant certification through the University of Colorado at Boulder. Throughout her career, Amanda has found working with children who have language-based learning disabilities to be one of her areas of true interest. It is this passion that prompted her to continue her higher education through the University of California - Riverside, and was the catalyst for her becoming a Certified Educational Therapist (CET) in 2015. In early 2018, Amanda completed a 40-hour Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham continuing education, in order to become better versed with this multi-sensory reading, writing and spelling intervention. She is certified through the International Dyslexia Association Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). Amanda is currently continuing her professional development in other areas of specialty by working to obtain a certified autism specialist certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. She is in her final year of her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University, for which she has an anticipated graduation date of August 2020.
Amanda has had the opportunity to work with children who have a wide range of speech, language, and educational challenges throughout her career, and has worked predominately in the private practice setting. During her time working as a certified educational therapist and speech-language pathology assistant, Amanda has found her areas of specialty to be working with children on the autism spectrum, working with people who stutter, and working with children diagnosed with a language-based learning disorders. It is the underlying language foundation of many language-based learning disorders that prompted Amanda to continue her higher education in speech-language pathology, versus educational therapy. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys spending time outside, going to concerts, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her cat, Marcel.
Rachel West
M.S., CCC-SLP
Rachel was born in Orange, California, but mostly grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. She received her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and English minor from the University of Iowa in 2013. She then went on to Rush University in Chicago to obtain her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. After receiving her Master’s in 2015, Rachel gained experience in both school and private practice settings. She has experience working with children with needs related to apraxia, ASD, expressive/receptive language delays, feeding, and literacy, as well as augmentative/alternative communication devices. Over the years, she has deepened her knowledge by receiving advanced training for the following treatment approaches: Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking curriculum, DIR/Floortime, Interactive Metronome, LAMP Words for Life AAC software, and the Orton Gillingham reading approach. She is certified through the International Dyslexia Association Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
With a desire to be closer to family, and a love of the great outdoors, Rachel journeyed west to Denver, Colorado. She is thrilled to be part of the team at Abound Children’s Therapy, and looks forward to helping children learn and grow! In her spare time, Rachel enjoys riding her bike, creative writing, and camping.
Celeste James
M.S. OTR/L
Celeste was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and relocated to Denver in 2019. She earned her undergraduate degree in Recreational Therapy from Central Michigan University and her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University in 2017.
Celeste started her career in Detroit at Henry Ford Hospital, as well as at Sensory Systems Clinic (a private pediatric clinic). Celeste has always had a passion for working with children to support their development in areas of sensory processing, emotional regulation, fine motor, visual motor, and motor planning skills. Celeste’s professional interests include sensory integration and fine motor skill development.
For fun, Celeste likes to cook, hike, and travel. Her favorite place to travel is Costa Rica but her farthest trip was to Indonesia and Australia. Celeste also enjoys spending time at home with her fiancé and cats.
Nicole Kessler
M.S., CCC-SLP
Nicole is originally from Austin, Texas and moved to Colorado in 2018. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech Language Pathology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Nicole has gained experience in a variety of areas including: language and literacy, articulation, phonological processes, early language development, feeding, and social communication.
Stacey Kesner
MOT, OTR/L
Stacey is originally from Wisconsin and graduated from Utica College, NY with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology with a minor in Disability Studies at The Ohio State University in 2013. Prior to graduating, she has been involved in working with the special needs population in a variety of settings including the classroom, community/day camp, and private clinics.
Between undergraduate and graduate school Stacey worked as an ABA therapist, broadening her knowledge of a variety of therapeutic approaches.
Stacey has focused on pursuing professional development courses which offer training in the areas of Feeding Therapy, Sensory Processing, Self-regulation, Handwriting and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has completed the courses: SOS Approach to Feeding, Food Scientist Adaptation of the SOS Approach to Feeding, Talk Tools-Feeding Therapy Level 2, Zones of Regulation, Handwriting without Tears™, and Therapeutic Listening®.
Stacey believes in implementing a holistic, family-centered approach to treatment. Incorporating play-based and evidence-based models to therapy sessions offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and to supply families with strategies and tools which promote their own success.
In her free time, Stacey enjoys yoga, running, reading and knitting. She also enjoys trying out new restaurants, traveling, camping and hiking with her husband.
Emily Kaczmarski
MOT, OTR/L
Emily is an Occupational Therapist from Chicago, IL. She graduated from Western Michigan University with her Master's in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Health Services. Emily knew early on that pediatrics was her passion. She loves partnering with children, their families, and their team to promote meaningful participation in their activities of daily life.
She began her career at a developmental preschool and transitional kindergarten in Chicago, IL. Here she gained valuable experience working with a variety of children with developmental differences using principles from the DIR® Floortime approach and Sensory Integration framework to reach client-centered goals. She transitioned into the school-based setting after moving to Colorado. Within the school-setting, she gained experience creating educational programs for her students that focused on improving fine motor, visual motor, and executive functioning skills necessary to complete academic and daily life tasks. She also has worked with children and other therapists in group settings focusing on social skills, motor planning, sensory processing, handwriting, and executive functioning. In her spare time, Emily can be found rock climbing, hiking, camping, and gardening!
