Birmingham Therapists

Meet Our Team of Birmingham Therapists

All Child’sPlay therapists are trained and experienced in various areas of pediatric therapy. Our team of Birmingham therapists is a group of caring and compassionate people who want to promote the best for you and your child.

Anne (Abernathy) Maddox

Birmingham therapists

Anne is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She is our OT/PT Clinical Supervisor in the Hoover and Chelsea locations. She was born and raised in Alexander City, Alabama, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Rehabilitation Services from Auburn University (War Eagle!). She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Anne has received training in the Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum, Integrated Listening System®, Interactive Metronome®, Beckman Oral Motor, SOS Approach to Feeding®, and feeding training for infants and 6 -16 month children. Anne is also part of the Trauma Team at Child’sPlay, which aims to accommodate the unique needs of children with traumatic backgrounds. Anne was the recipient of the OT Excellence Award at CPTC in 2019 and the 2020 OTR of excellence award from the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association.

In her free time, Anne enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, as well as crafting, being outside, and reading. She is passionate about her work in pediatrics with the goal of helping children succeed in all areas of life! Email Anne

Caroline Allums

Birmingham therapists

Caroline is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She is originally from Pensacola, Florida. Caroline received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University (War Eagle) in 2018. She then attended the University of South Alabama to receive her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2020. Caroline completed her clinical fieldwork in outpatient pediatrics and adult inpatient mental health.

Caroline currently provides school-based therapy in a local school setting as well as therapy in the clinic. She is passionate about working with the children and their families to help them achieve their goals. When Caroline is not working she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, visiting her hometown, and baking.

Elinor Anthony

Elinor is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Speech Pathology degrees from The University of Alabama. She has clinical experience working in clinics, schools, and in early intervention. Elinor has worked in pediatrics since graduating and has experience treating children diagnosed with motor speech disorders, phonological disorders, language delays, and other developmental disorders. Elinor is passionate about teaching children to self-advocate through multimodal communication. She has experience treating children with high-tech communication devices including LAMP WFL, TD Snap, and Unity. Elinor currently works in both the clinic and provides school-based services. When Elinor is not working, she enjoys going to the lake, completing home DIY projects, and watching Alabama football. 

Morgan Bernd

Birmingham therapists

Morgan is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She is originally from Huntsville, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in 2014 and earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016. She completed a pediatric fieldwork rotation at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and she also has experience working with medically fragile children at a prescribed pediatric extended care facility in Meridian, Mississippi.

Morgan has received training in Integrated Listening System, Interactive Metronome, and Beckman Oral Motor Training for feeding therapy. She is excited to continue working with children at Child’sPlay Therapy Center to further her passion for working with children to help them achieve their highest potential.

In her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with her golden retriever, cross-stitching, and hiking. Email Morgan

Emily Boyd

Emily is a licensed Physical Therapist. She is originally from Auburn, Alabama. Emily received her Bachelors of  Science degree in Exercise Science from Auburn University in 2013. She then attended the University of South Alabama to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2016. 

Emily currently provides school-based therapy in two local school settings as well as therapy in the Hoover clinic. She is passionate about working with children and their families to help them achieve their goals. In her free time Emily enjoys traveling, reading, knitting (she has just recently learned this skill!) and spending time with her husband and dog, Ruby.

Katie Burt

Birmingham therapists

Katie is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist from central Louisiana.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Services and Disorders from Ouachita Baptist University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Central Arkansas.

Katie loves working with children of all ages and has a passion for serving others. In her free time, Katie enjoys serving at her church, crafting, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog Lucy. Email Katie

Caroline (Caldwell) Laird

Birmingham therapists

Caroline is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from The University of Alabama in 2015 and earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2018.

Caroline has experience working with adults and children in the outpatient setting. She completed a pediatric fieldwork rotation at Child’sPlay providing therapy services to children and adolescents in the outpatient and school setting. Caroline currently provides school-based therapy services at a local school system.

She enjoys working with children of all ages and helping them to maximize their independence at school and at home.

Grace Cox

Grace is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at Auburn University. She went on to receive her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Tennessee State University in 2020. She has experience in the clinic and school system but has spent most of her time in elementary schools over the past year. 

She is passionate about this setting because each child and family are so unique. She loves to problem solve to find the appropriate needs for children to progress and thrive. In her free time, she enjoys crafts that include painting or calligraphy and spending time with her husband and her dog, Chloe.

Maggie Cox

Birmingham therapists

Maggie is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders from Florida State University and her Masters of Communication Disorders in Speech-Language Pathology from Auburn University.  Maggie completed her clinical fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Sparks Clinics, an interdisciplinary pediatric diagnostics clinic. Maggie has been at Child’s Play Therapy Center since 2015.

Maggie has worked with children of all ages in many settings, in both public and private schools, as well as in private practice. Her special interests include literacy, language disorders, articulation disorders, Autism Spectrum disorders, and other developmental disorders.  Maggie has received training in trauma-informed care, Orton-Gillingham reading approach, TalkTools® Oral Placement Therapy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Integrated Listening System®, and Interactive Metronome®.  

Her favorite part of her job is coming alongside families to work together as their children gain speech and language skills! In her free time, Maggie enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. Email Maggie

Deidra Davies

Birmingham therapists

Deidra is a licensed physical therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Auburn University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Florida.  She completed her pediatric internship at Madonna Rehab Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has also worked in the adult orthopedic setting. 

Deidra has worked with children in many settings including an integrated preschool for children with Autism and in the community as a case manager for children with mental health diagnoses.  She is passionate about providing individualized care while making therapy fun and enjoyable. 

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing the guitar, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Kimberly Docking

Birmingham therapists

Kimberly is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed her Master of Science in Communication Disorders at Indiana State University in 2013. Since graduating, Kimberly has provided services to children in both the school and pediatric clinic settings.

She has worked extensively with children with autism spectrum disorders, articulation disorders, language disorders, and other developmental disorders. Her favorite part of her job is being able to see children grow with pride and encouragement as they gain stronger speech and language skills!

A new transplant from Chicago, by way of Michigan, she is excited to call Birmingham her new home! In her free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring Birmingham with her husband. Email Kimberly

Sarah Duckworth

Sarah Duckworth

Sarah is a licensed and registered occupational therapist from Birmingham, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Samford University in 2020 and earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in 2023.

Sarah has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and developmental delay. During her Doctoral Capstone, Sarah focused on elopement prevention by developing tools to improve the experience of caregivers with children who elope.

Sarah has always had a passion for working with children with disabilities and is looking forward to continuing to collaborate with children and their families throughout her career. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading, painting, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Georgie Dunn

Georgie is a graduate student from Dallas, Texas at The University of Alabama pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also received her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from UA in 2022.

Georgie is passionate about working with kids and their families in hopes to create understanding relationships that allow emotion exploration and foster safety and security. She values a collaborative approach and a strong therapeutic relationship to create sustainable, healthy change. 

When she is not in school or working, Georgie loves painting, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time with her dog Luna.

Rachel Evans

Birmingham therapists

Rachel is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist originally from Madison, Alabama. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and has worked in pediatrics since graduating in 2016.

She has experience working with children in both the school and private practice settings and is a trained Orton-Gillingham therapist. Other clinical areas of interest include working with children with phonological disorders, articulation impairments, literacy, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know families and seeing children reach their full potential.

Rachel is married to her high school sweetheart, Stephen, and has two sons named Liam and Judah. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, having coffee, podcasts, and watching Auburn sports!

Caroline Favrot

Caroline Favrot

Caroline is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2019. She went on to receive her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans in 2022. Caroline has received training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) and Interoceptive Awareness.  

Caroline loves working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping them function at their highest potential. In her free time, Caroline enjoys hiking, drinking specialty coffee, and spending time with people she loves (& her dog Moose).  

Nicole Frost

Birmingham Therapists

Nicole is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She is originally from Decatur, AL, and moved to Birmingham to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. 

Nicole has experience working with children of all ages and is currently serving a local school system. She is passionate about helping children reach their full potential so they can thrive while in the classroom. 

In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, hiking, and playing games. 

Mary Kate Galloway

Birmingham therapists

Mary Kate is a licensed and registered occupational therapist born and raised in Birmingham. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University in 2014, and later attended Alabama State University, where she received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2017.

Mary Kate has experience working with children ranging in age from 8 months to 18 years with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and many others.

In her free time, you can find her cooking, attempting to enjoy yoga/other exercise classes, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. (And don’t forget her two furry sidekicks Poppy and Woody too!) Email Mary Kate

Jessi Garzarek

Birmingham therapists

Jessi Garzarek is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2010 and her Master of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Georgia in 2015. Jessi enjoys and has experience working with clients of all ages, including babies through young adulthood. Her heart is in personally connecting and partnering with families to foster growth and confidence while working on functional communication skills and infant feeding skills. 

Jessi’s special interests include early language development and infant feeding. She is also part of the trauma team at Child’s Play which aims to accommodate the unique needs of children with traumatic backgrounds.

Jessi is married with 2 sons. On her time off, you can find her playing outside with her boys! Email Jessi

Madison Gaston

Madison Gaston

Madison is a licensed occupational therapist from Birmingham, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University in 2021 and earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023. Madison is currently completing the Multitiered Approach to Trauma graduate certificate. 

Madison enjoys working with children of all ages and has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and developmental delay. In her free time Madison enjoys reading, baking, and doing yoga and other workout classes. 

Danielle Horne

Danielle Horne

Dani is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She grew up a military brat, so is from all over. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science from The University of Alabama in 2017. She went on to receiver her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dani is currently trained in SOS Approach to Feeding and has experience working with children in both the clinic and school setting. She is passionate about helping children learn and grow. In her free time, Dani enjoys making bracelets, reading, painting, and completing puzzles.

Tanner King

Tanner is a certified and state-licensed speech-language pathologist originally from McKenzie, Alabama. She received her Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Missouri and Masters of Speech Pathology from The University of Alabama.

Tanner has experience working in pediatric clinics and pre-schools, elementary, and middle schools where she has treated children diagnosed with ASD, phonological disorders, language delays, and other communicative disorders. 

Tanner’s favorite parts of being an SLP are helping her clients connect with their families and peers and witnessing the joy and confidence that communication can bring. She currently provides clinic and school-based services. 

In her personal life, Tanner enjoys homemaking, spending time with family, going exploring with her daughter, traveling, baking, and drinking lots and lots of good coffee. 

Larkin Lowry

Larkin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in our Hoover and Chelsea locations. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide). Throughout her career, Larkin has developed her practice working with a diverse clientele, including children, teens, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. She enjoys working with individuals and providing space for their growth and empowerment within themselves. She has witnessed how the power of play therapy can provide children with the skills to process their feelings and experiences in healthy ways and promote healthy attachment and communication skills within their families. 

Larkin specializes in working with children and teens who find it difficult to recognize and understand their emotions, those who feel lost and hopeless or overwhelmed by what life has placed before them. She believes that her clients have strength and power within themselves even if it can’t always be felt or seen. Larkin’s therapy style is open, interactive, positive, and client-centered in order to allow the client to build healthy and effective interpersonal skills.

When she is not working with clients, you can likely find Larkin outside. She enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, two dogs, and a horse. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and being active!

Mary McKinney

Mary McKinney

Mary is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She is originally from Clanton, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University in 2019. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Mary is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the post-professional program. She has experience both within the clinic and school system environments.

She has worked in pediatrics since becoming a licensed occupational therapist, and she is passionate about helping children and their families reach their goals. When she is not working, Mary enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with her family and friends.  

Leah Murrill

Birmingham therapists

Leah Murrill is a licensed and registered occupational therapist.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Samford University in 1998 and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2001. 

Leah started her career in orthopedic and acute care.  She then served for the next ten years as a member of an interdisciplinary team working closely with children with a broad range of physical, developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges to provide customized evaluations and recommendations for therapies, treatment, and activities in their communities and homes.  Since that time, Leah continued her career serving students in a local school system, working to make a positive impact in the lives of students every day. 

She joins Child’sPlay Therapy Center to continue her work with one of our local contracted public schools.  She finds joy in learning the strengths of each student and working with them to build their skills so that they can take pride in their accomplishments and achieve their goals. 

Leah continues learning each day from her students and their families, colleagues, and professional education to better serve her students. When not at work, she enjoys time with her husband Jay, son Peyton, daughter June, large affectionate cat Sunny, and a tiny dog with a big personality Molly.

Allyson Pasternack

Birmingham therapists

Allyson Pasternack is the Assistant Director for the Huntsville, Hoover and Chelsea clinics, as well as the Clinical Supervisor of Speech-Language Pathology in Hoover. Allyson Pasternack is an Alabama state licensed, and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist who has over 20 years of experience in the profession.  Allyson was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and relocated to Hoover in 2012.  Allyson earned both her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Communication Disorders from Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus, where she also served as an adjunct professor. 

Mentoring new therapists and providing clinical support for her team is what Allyson enjoys most about her role as Clinical Supervisor.  She has completed specialized training in Integrated Listening Systems® (ILS) and has completed two levels of training in Talk Tools® Oral Placement Therapy.  She is also a certified SpeechEasy® provider.  

Allyson’s clinical passions include early language learning and play as well as working with children and adults who stutter. Allyson is a two-time recipient of an ASHA ACE award for continuing education.  When out of the office, Allyson enjoys spending time with her family, including her son, daughter, and cat Yankee.  She is a proud baseball mom, loves to sing and bake, and enjoys musical theater! Email Allyson

Brantley Peddy

Birmingham therapists

Brantley is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University in Communication Disorders and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo.

Brantley completed graduate clinical work with children in clinic, school, and early intervention. Brantley is excited to be a part of the Child’sPlay Birmingham therapists team to pursue her passion for helping children reach their full potential.

In her free time, Brantley enjoys spending time with friends and family, needle pointing, and cheering for the Auburn Tigers. Email Brantley

Andrea Reed

Andrea is a licensed and registered occupational therapist who joined the Child’s Play Therapy Center team in August of 2022. She graduated from Viginia Tech with a bachelor’s of science degree in Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise in 2007, and received her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration from Strayer University in 2012, then went on to receive her Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2020.

Andrea has worked in a variety of settings including: school system, acute care, and outpatient pediatrics. She has had training and experience in Handwriting Without Tears, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, and Interoception. 

Andrea loves the pediatric population and is excited to help the children and their families reach their goals. She provides individualized therapy to address the specific areas of concern that are impacting her client’s occupational performance in their activities of daily living. Outside of work, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and two boys, decorating, watching movies, and traveling. 

Danielle Russo

Danielle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with children, teens, and their families. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy From
The University of Alabama. She completed clinic hours at Sprayberry Education Center, DCH Employee Assistance Program, and the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic. She has also worked in private practice for 2 years with children and families.

Danielle has experience working with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to behavioral issues and complex trauma. Working with children is different from working with adults because they do not have the language to express what they are experiencing internally. Danielle utilizes play therapy techniques to help them explore and process what is going on for them internally and in life.

When she’s not working with kids, she likes to spend time with her friends, family, and pets. Email Danielle

Whitney Shelton

Whitney Shelton

Whitney is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated from Troy University-Montgomery. She has a Masters in Counseling and Psychology. For 12 years, she has worked in the mental health field with children, adolescents, adults and families, in addition to working with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, ADHD and grief. 

Mrs. Shelton has had the pleasure to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has experience assisting them in gaining confidence and self-awareness using her background in training and consulting for behavior management. 

Mrs. Shelton is currently pursuing certification in grief therapy. Having a strong desire to help individuals gain a new perspective as they experience the journey of grief, her goal is to help them create a new reality that gives meaning to their life.

Mrs. Shelton is passionate about helping individuals reach their maximum potential while facilitating change in their lives. She believes in meeting each individual where they are and takes pride in her ability to listen and support them through fun, engaging and thoughtful activities that promote healthy expression of feelings and emotions. 

In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new foods and engaging in artistic activities. 

Janet Simon

Janet is a licensed and registered occupational therapist.  She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Janet has been on the Child’sPlay team since 2010 and has worked primarily in the local public schools.  Janet now serves as the Coordinator of Public School Services and enjoys mentoring and supervising our therapists in the public school setting, as well as partnering with the local public schools to ensure we are exceeding their expectations.

Janet enjoys working with children of all ages and helping them reach their full potential and independence in their home and school environments.  Her passion is working with her students in the local school systems.  Her areas of interest include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Integration disorders, and genetic disorders. She has specialized training in the Handwriting Without Tears® program, as well as the Thera pressure Technique, and the Wilbarger Protocol for Sensory Defensiveness. 

She has participated in several sensory integration methods and theories.   Janet is also a certified Integrated Listening® practitioner and certified in Interactive Metronome®.  She has been trained in LAMP and different methods of feeding therapy, including Talk Tools®, Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor approach.  Janet, her husband Eric, and her daughter Victoria live in Hoover.

She enjoys spending time with her family, reading mystery books, running races, and bicycling rides for charitable causes in the community.  Her biggest joy is to give any child the confidence and ability to be successful and happy at their school, at play, or at home. Email Janet

Katy Smith

Katy Smith

Katy is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a major in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed a pediatric fieldwork rotation at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the inpatient psychiatry unit and has experience working with children of all ages across settings.

Katy loves working with children and is passionate about helping them learn and grow. In her free time, Katy enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her dog Frankie.  

Taylor Tidmore

Taylor is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders in 2015. She received her Master of Communication Disorders degree from Auburn University in 2017. Taylor has experience working with children of all ages in schools and private practice and has completed training in Talk Tools® Oral Placement Therapy.

Her special interests include language disorders, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and other developmental disorders. Taylor loves working with families to help children take steps toward their goals and develop functional communication skills.

Taylor lives in Homewood with her husband, son, and 2 crazy dogs, and loves watching college football-War Eagle! Email Taylor

Jessica (Varnadore) Powell

Jessica is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She is originally from Prattville, AL, and moved to Birmingham in 2011 to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management and a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has received training in the Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding, Interoception Awareness, and Integrated Listening System®.

Jessica is also a part of the Trauma Team at Child’sPlay, which aims to accommodate the unique needs of children with traumatic backgrounds. Jessica believes that play is the means by which children learn, grow, and heal. Therefore, she is passionate about utilizing play to help children thrive in all areas of life.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her pets. Email Jessica

Alicia Varner

Alicia Varner is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed speech-language pathologist. Her desire to become a speech-language pathologist came from her own experience receiving speech therapy as a child in elementary school. Alicia received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and her graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University. She has experience working with preschool through adolescent-aged children and over 10 years of experience working in the school setting.

Alicia enjoys working with students who have a wide range of needs in the area of language, articulation/phonology, fluency, and emergent literacy. She has experience with children with complex communication needs who are multi-modal communicators and use a variety of AAC supports. She has completed the Inside Out Sensory Certificate Course for SLPs and received training in neurodiversity-affirming practices.  Currently, Alicia is contracted through Child’sPlay to work for a local public school system.

Alicia has lived in Birmingham for 8 years with her husband and son. Her family recently added a Standard Poodle to their family named Teddy. Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks with Teddy, trips to the library, and yoga.

Erin Christine Waterman

Erin is a licensed physical therapist. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Florida. Erin has worked in multiple pediatric and adult settings, including early intervention, school, outpatient, acute care, and inpatient rehab.

She is passionate about providing individualized routine-based interventions to support patients and their families in achieving their goals. In her free time, Erin enjoys hiking with her dog Bobby, running, and reading. 

Teresa Wiggins

Birmingham therapists

Teresa is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Sociology with a focus on Medical Sociology. She earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Brenau University in 2015. Teresa has recently moved back to Birmingham, Alabama from Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to her family and friends.

Teresa has experience working with children in both a clinic and school system setting. She has a passion for helping children and their families learn the skills needed to thrive in their everyday life.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and looking for a unique find at local antique markets. Email Teresa

Shelley Zepp

Shelley is a licensed and registered speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Pathology from Florida State University. Shelley received her Master of Science in Clinical Speech Pathology from Northern Arizona University. She has worked in clinical and school settings with most of her career spent in elementary schools.

Her interests include articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and language impairments. Shelley loves working with children and seeing all the progress they are able to make in therapy. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and two children. Email Shelley