Meet Our Team

Rebecca is the owner and clinical director of KidWorks Therapy Services. She started KidWorks Therapy in 1999. Rebecca has worked in therapeutic environments for over 25 years. Rebecca graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology from University of Texas and with her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Women’s University, completing her thesis on Sensory Integration. She has worked in various settings including adult and pediatric acute, rehabilitative, and outpatient care, as well as in aquatic therapy and  hippotherapy. Rebecca specializes in pediatrics with expertise in early childhood intervention, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, vision therapy, and sensory integration. She has completed post graduate advanced training/certification in the following areas:

• SPD Foundation Intensive Mentorship - Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR
• Administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing, including planning and implementation of appropriate treatment of sensory processing. SIPT Certification # 494
• Certified and trained to administer IM interactive metronome treatment.
• Advanced training in Therapeutic Listening / Sound Therapy. Certification # M22229
• Guest Lecturer at A&M University Graduate Speech and Language Program
• Adjunct Faculty at St. Augustine’s University in the Doctorate PT and Graduate OT program
• Clinical Instructor affiliated with many universities including: University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio , UT Galveston,  University of Texas in Austin, Texas Woman's University, Tufts University, Xavier University, LSU Health Science Center, Universityof St. Augustine.
• Community Service Trainings to teachers, social workers, parents, nurses, and educational specialists at  preschool, private and public schools, and foster care agencies.
• Extensive training with self-regulation and social, emotional development and dysfunction, including Stanley Greenspan's Floortime Approach
• Certification  in DIR/ Floortime Model
• Research and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Participation in research related to up-dated standardization of the:
•  BOT-2, a widely used motor assessment for school-aged children
•  SEE- Social-Emotional Evaluation Tool
• Advanced training in Vision Therapy and Aquatic Therapy
• Advanced training in treatment of learning disabilities and ADHD including PACE
• PACE: Processing and Cognitive Enhancement Certification
• Clinical Instructor affiliated with many universities including: University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, UT Galveston,  University of Texas in Austin, Texas Woman's University, Tufts University, Xavier University, LSU Health Science Center, University of St. Augustine.
• Adjunct Professor at The University of St. Augustine’s
• Trained in Neuro-feedback and EEG Feedback  with Certification through EEG Spectrum
• Kinesiotaping certified
• Postgraduate studies in Vision Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
• In the process of obtaining "Certification of Neurodevelopment Treatment"(CNDT) 

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys trail-running, mountain biking, hiking, and exploring scuba diving, and cave research and exploration.

Liz Darwin is a native Austinite. She received both her bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Liz has been practicing as a speech- language pathologist for over 25 years and looks forward to her job every day! Through the years, Liz has focused on oral-motor and feeding for the infant through young child, cleft palate and cranio-facial, severe articulation disorders, mild-severe language disorders, Down syndrome, and autism. She has practiced in early childhood facilities, served as the director of Capitol School of Austin, and in private practices. Liz loves working with the families and includes them extensively in the therapy sessions. Liz incorporates both traditional therapy techniques, as well as oral-motor and oral- respiratory techniques for children with underlying oral-respiratory difficulties. In addition, she has extensive experience with premature babies, bottle-feeding, breast feeding and tongue-tie revision. She has presented over the years at professional conferences to local professionals and at preschools on topics such as recognizing speech and language delays, oral-motor and feeding identification and treatment and ways to support language development. When not working, Liz loves spending time with her boys, family, her dog, listening to live music and practicing yoga.

Advanced training and coursework includes:

• Extensive Training in feeding disorders including: The Get Permission Approach by Marsha Dunn Klein
• Bottle-Feeding
• Post Tongue Tie Revision Treatment
•  SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy by Kay Toomey, Ph.D,
• Food Chaining By Cheri Fraker and Laura Walbert
• Debra Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention
• Debra Beckman Deep Tissue Release
• Extensive training in oral-motor and oral-respiratory work including: Assessment and Treatment of the Rib Cage, Levels 1 and 2 by Rona Alexander, MS, CCC- SLP and Assessment and Treatment of Children with Oral Motor Feeding/ Swallowing and Respiratory Challenges by Rona Alexander, MS, CCC-SLP
• NDT Training: Multiple Neuro-Developmental Courses
• Myofascial Release courses
• Hanen Training
• Multiple workshops on auditory processing and language disorders
• Tube Weaning through Thrive with Spectrum
• In the process of obtaining "Certification of Neurodevelopmental Treatment" (CNDT) 

Terri was born and raised in Austin, Texas and obtained her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences along with a teacher certification from Texas State University. She has a strong passion and dedication for working with children and has experience as a pre-school teacher as well as a high school educator.  She received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 2017. While at the University of Texas, Terri participated in a research program called Go Baby Go which is a design and outreach program that provides modified ride-on cars to children birth to age three who experience limited mobility. Her goal with the program is to bring a chapter to Austin in 2018. Her clinical experiences include rotations in acute inpatient pediatrics and adults, acute adult neurology, early childhood intervention and outpatient pediatrics at KidWorks. In addition to working with children and families, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, traveling and listening to live music. She has received training in:

• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Therapeutic Brushing
• Social-Emotional Development in Young Children
• Handwriting without Tears
• Self-Regulation Programs
• The Road to Reading Literacy Program

Beth Ann was born and raised in Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Wittenberg University in Ohio. After working in nonprofit management, Beth Ann earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Early in her career, Beth Ann focused in pediatrics. Most recently, she developed a passion for incorporating the use of the outdoors & nature to assist with self-regulation. Over the years she has had training in:

•     NDT handling
•     Sensory feeding
•     The Listening Program
•     Handwriting Without Tears
•     Sensory processing
•     Vision processing therapy
•     Self-regulation programs
•     Anxiety disorders
•     Trauma 
• TAR Institue for Sensory Processing Level 1 Advanced Intensive Mentorship

     In addition to working with kids and their families, Beth Ann enjoys going on family hikes, attending art openings, live music, and most of all spending time with her two young children.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio coming soon!

Meranda was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, with minors in Pre-Health and American Sign Language. Meranda continued her education at The University of St. Augustine, where she received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Her doctoral research included creating an occupation-based developmental play group for children birth to three years old, to implement in under-resourced communities. She has clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics, outpatient adult, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation.

In her free time, Meranda enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and playing with her dog. 

Continuing Education courses include:

• What’s in your Sensory Assessment Toolbox? 

Sarah was born and raised in Indiana. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Purdue University. Sarah continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Her doctoral capstone involved helping currently practicing clinicians implement theoretical practice models into their practice through writing and presenting a continuing education course. She also served as a teaching assistant to first-year doctoral occupational therapy students. During this time, she wrote and taught a lecture on the theoretical grounding of Sensory Integration and how to successfully implement it into practice. She has clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics, school-based, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute care. 

In her free time, Sarah enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, baking, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the city of Austin.

Continuing Education courses include:

• Introduction to DiR/DiRFloortime

• Sensory Integration and Processing 101

Tracy grew up in Houston, TX. She has been a speech language pathologist for about 20 years. At UT-Austin, she earned a Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology. She has practiced speech therapy at a sensory integration clinic, as a home health care provider, and for 10 years as a school-based speech therapist. After becoming a mother, Tracy became interested in pediatric feeding therapy and responsive feeding practices. She is experienced with bottle feeding, breast feeding, the transition to/through solids, feeding tube weans, tongue and lip ties, reflux management, and more. Tracy is especially passionate about infant feeding and supporting caregivers during that challenging time. She has helped children with a wide range of needs and abilities in the areas of speech articulation, expressive and receptive language, cleft palate, and autism. Her treatment methods pay special attention to oral motor skills, oral respiratory skills, sensory needs, and parent coaching. Tracy’s training and coursework includes: 

● The SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants (Erin Sundseth Ross) 

● Complex Feeding Challenges and Feeding Tube Dependency (Heidi Moreland and Jennifer Berry) 

● Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach for Infants and Toddlers and other NDT courses 

● The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters/Anxious Mealtimes (Marsha Dunn Klein) 

● Treatment Strategies for Feeding and Swallowing (Rona Alexander)

● Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (Joy Moeller) 

● Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention (Debra Beckman) ● DiR and DiR Floortime (Jeffrey J. Guenzel) 

Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and being outdoors.

Angela was born and raised in North Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and her Master’s in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. In graduate school, she completed training as a Pediatric Aural Habilitation specialist and her early work experience was in a deaf education preschool. Angela spent a year working at an international school in Chiang Mai, Thailand and 5 years working in early intervention home health in Los Angeles, California.

Angela is fluent in Spanish and proficient in American Sign Language.

Additional training and expertise include:

• Hanen certification
• DIR Floortime training
• Melodic Based Communication Therapy
• Family Guided Routines Based Intervention
• Multiple workshops on speech, language, and sensory intervention for kids ages birth-5
• Natural Language Acquisition in Autism: Echolalia to Self-Generated Language
• Improving Intelligibility in Children with Apraxia and Dysarthria
• Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention
• The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters/Anxious Mealtimes
• Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach
• Integrated Treatment of Feeding, Speech, and Mouth

In her free time, Angela enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and two boys, cooking and baking, and curling up with a good book.

Bio coming soon!

Melissa spent her first 25 years in Chicago then moved to Minneapolis with her husband where she spent another 25 years and raised 2 fun-loving girls.  Melissa has plenty of drive left and is ready to explore Austin while continuing her passion as a Speech/Language Pathologist. She earned both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences in Illinois (1995) and has dedicated her career to serving a wide variety early childhood and school-aged children.

Melissa believes that integrating the whole body through motor, sensory & cognitive approaches along with family involvement is the most successful combination to help clients reach their speech/language goals. Melissa enjoys motivating kids through fun and engaging hands-on activities and has established a strong, trusting bond with her families.  Melissa still loves her job, has plenty of experience, and enjoys life!

Melissa has been trained and gained experience in the following areas:

• PROMPT 

• Facial Reflex Integration 

• Executive Functioning  

• Sensory Processing Integration

• SOS Approach to Feeding 

• PECS

• DIR Floortime 

• Visualizing and Verbalizing

• Brain Gym Exercises 

• Behavior 

• Zones of Regulation 

• Therapeutic Listening

• Strong family, client, and staff collaboration 

• Several workshops over several years

Molly was born and raised in Houston, Texas and graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Spanish. She received her Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas in Speech-Language Pathology. Molly interned at KidWorks during her time at UT and started working as a speech-language pathologist assistant during her final year. Molly completed her master’s thesis by carrying out a parent training program for children with sensory feeding disorders. Molly’s passion for cooking and sharing experiences over meals carries over into her work at KidWorks as she helps selective eaters and their families find enjoyment in mealtimes. Molly and Liz teach a parent feeding series aimed at providing parents of selective eaters with tips for implementing structure and routines around food and mealtimes at home in order to eliminate stress and find joy as a family at the table.

Since beginning her career, Molly has attended the following trainings:

•      Marsha Dunn Klein “The Get Permission Approach”
•      Marsha Dunn Klein “Anxious Eaters”
•      International Association of Orofacial Myology Level I course: Understanding the Orofacial Complex
•     Rona Alexander “Assessment and Treatment of Children with Oral Motor, Feeding/Swallowing and Respiratory Function Challenges: Children with Neuromuscular Involvement”
•      Beckman Oral Motor Protocol: Assessment and Intervention
•      Introduction to NDT: The Basics for Pediatric Therapists
•      American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention to learn about the latest research in the speech and language field.
•      DIR training to further support her application of the clinic’s framework in her treatment sessions.

In her free time, Molly enjoys running, paddleboarding at Town Lake, exploring new restaurants, and traveling to mountains.

 Susan grew up in Denton, Texas, and has lived and worked in west Texas for most of her career.  She graduated from Abilene Christian University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Susan came to KidWorks after 20 years of working with children in outpatient, private, and school settings.  She has worked with a wide range of pediatric speech and language diagnoses in the areas of articulation, language, fluency, and pragmatics.  Susan has a passion for relating to children where they are and in the way they process in order to help them to relate to and build relationships with others in their world.  The best thing about being a speech language pathologist is that she gets to play and be a kid along with the little ones coming to KidWorks!  Susan plays in her free time as well by exploring new places, paddleboarding, kayaking, and enjoying all kinds of music!

Special interests and expertise:

• Autism

• Neuro-semantic language approach for language processing (Arwood)

• Complexity Approach

• No More Letter of the Week

• Sensory Integration

• Whole Language

• Introductory NDT

• Love and Logic

• DiR Level 1

Bio coming soon!

Tina grew up in Houston. She attended the University of Texas for her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She continued her education at Texas Christian University, where she received her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.  Tina recently moved from Dallas, where she gained clinical experience working in Early Childhood Education. She believes strongly that the child's caregiver is their best teacher and strives to equip children and families with the tools and strategies they need to help their child grow to their fullest potential. In her free time, Tina loves to travel and eat great food. 

Since beginning her career, Tina has attended the following courses:

·  PROMPT Level 1

·  DIR Floortime 101

·  "Making Sense of Sensory" with Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP

·  Behavioral Feeding Course by Melanie Potock, MS, CCC-SLP

·  Courses on Autism Spectrum Disorder

·  Marsha Dunn Klein- “The Get Permission Approach”

·  Diane Bahr-Integrated Treatment of Feeding, Speech, and Mouth Function in Pediatrics

·  Ethics for PFD: Evaluations through Treatment, Michelle Dawson

·  Adaptive Baby-Led Weaning- Jill Rabin

·  Front Lisp, Lateral Lisp-Pam Marshalla

·  International PFD Conference- Feeding Matters 2022 and 2023

BIO Coming Soon!

Carla was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She became a “Texan” upon attending the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy.  Her initial work experiences included working in a variety of acute hospital settings in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.  Carla and her husband and their 2 daughters moved to Austin in 1989.  Following their move, Carla pursued her desire to focus on specializing in pediatric physical therapy. Since that time, she has worked in Austin with children of all ages and disabilities in pediatric clinical outpatient settings and as a school-based therapist at the Texas School for the Deaf. Carla has been working at KidWorks Therapy Services since 2009.  Her area of focus is infants and young children, but she welcomes and enjoys working with children of all ages.   Carla’s therapeutic approach includes direct handling with each child to facilitate optimal alignment and movements. Carla also includes other intervention strategies, as indicated, for individualized treatment sessions. She has a personal interest in the vestibular system, and how it impacts our ability to function and move.  Incorporating vestibular input through movements and positioning is often considered as a part of her therapy sessions. Carla’s ultimate desire for each child is to help them achieve their individualized maximum functional potential.  Parents are very much a part of the decision-making process regarding their concerns and desired goals for their child. 

In keeping with my desires to focus on pediatric therapy these many years, I have attended and completed the following pediatric centered courses.

Post Graduate Courses/Certifications Include the Following:

2018:  Completion of the 261 hours “NDT/Bobath Certificate Course in the Management and Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Neuromotor Disorders”, receiving “Certification of Neurodevelopmental Treatment” (CNDT)

2019:  Completion of the 80 hours of the Neurodevelopmental Association “Advanced Baby Course”.

2006:  Completed 15 hours of post-graduate physical therapy coursework from Texas Women’s University in Houston and earned “Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Therapy” from Texas Women’s University

Continuing Education Courses Include the Following:

• “Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: Assessment and Treatment of Infants and Children Impact on the Movement System of Infants and Beyond” by Cindy Miles, PT, PhD. PCS, CNDT
• “Vestibular and Oculomotor Rehabilitation for Children” by Rose Marie Rine, P.T., PhD.
• “Rib Cage:  Focus on the Rib Cage for Improvement in Respiration, Phonation, Postural Control and Movement (Level 1)” by Rona Alexander,
• “Contemporary NDT Treatment of the Baby and Young Child” by Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, CNDT
• “Vestibular Activation: Therapeutic Movements to Optimize Physical, Social and Cognitive Occupation” by Mary Kawar
• “Kinesiotaping Fundamentals and Kinesiotaping in Pediatrics” by Audrey Yasukawa and Trish Martin
• “Ready Bodies, Learning Minds” by Athena Oden
• “Evaluation and Treatment of the Clumsy Child” by Dr. Barbara Connolly
• “Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation” by Gaye Cronin, OTD, OTR
• “Treating the Child with Hypotonia” by Barbara Hypes, PT
• “Analysis of Movement from an NDT Perspective” by Gail Ritchie, OTR
• “NDT and Myofascial Release” by Gait Ritchie, OTR

In her spare time, Carla enjoys time with her husband and “spoiling” their 4 grandchildren.  Outdoor activities are a favorite, including bike rides and hikes with the grandkids.  

Carla considers it a privilege to work with each child that comes to her at KidWorks. She considers children to be her best teachers!  Carla supports the “team approach” for each child and desires to work closely with parents in supporting their child’s progress.

Carla Moore, PT, CNDT

Katie was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Tennessee State University in Nashville. Her graduate research systematic review consisted of comparing the efficacy of hippotherapy and aquatic therapy on postural control in children with Cerebral Palsy. Prior to working at Kidworks, Katie worked at a pediatric outpatient clinic in El Paso, Texas and had clinicals in pediatric outpatient, pediatric home health, adult outpatient, and adult inpatient rehabilitation. In her free time, Katie enjoys baking, walks, and hanging out with her husband and 2 golden retrievers, Lana and Archer.

Katie has had additional training in:

•      Introduction to Neuro-Developmental Treatment for Pediatrics (Jane Styer-Acevedo, PT, DPT, C/NDT)

Nicole is an Austin native who briefly spent time in College station while attending Texas A&M where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Art. After Undergrad, she explored the medical field before finding physical therapy and working towards admission in a PT program. She moved to San Antonio to attend the University of the Incarnate Word where she received her Doctor of physical therapy degree. 

While in grad school her clinical experience included outpatient orthopedics, adult outpatient neuro rehabilitation, acute care (cardiopulmonary and oncology

units), and her favorite rotation was 16 weeks in a pediatric outpatient clinic. During the pediatric clinical rotation, she worked both in the clinic, where she focused on treating infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly, as well as other children. She was also excited to be able to travel to a nearby school district for school based physical therapy during this rotation. After graduating she volunteered at a hippotherapy clinic, working with primarily pediatric patients, until starting at KidWorks Therapy! 

She loves learning from the kids, from the amazing therapists around her, and from additional courses, to continue to learn and improve her skills in pediatric PT. Areas of interest and additional training include:  

·     Torticollis: Etiology and Implications for development by Cindy Miles, PT, Ph.D., PCS, CNDT (online) 

·     Lectures at American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting including:

·        Applying a movement system approach to the pediatric patient 

·        Cerebral palsy Syndromes: Neuromotor Development, Ambulation Function, and Developmental Trajectories 

·        Creative Movement and Play Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder 

·        Trunk Control in Children with Neuromotor Deficits: Assessment and Intervention 

·        During her pediatric clinical rotation, she also attended an intro to DIR-Floortime course

Crystal was born and raised in Harlingen, TX. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human and Family Development with a concentration in Early Childhood from The University of Texas at Austin. Crystal enjoys working with children of all ages and has been with KidWorks for over 14 years. Crystal is dedicated to providing the highest service possible to the families of KidWorks Therapy Services.

In her spare time, Crystal loves playing softball, watching sports, dancing, listening to music, watching movies, and, most importantly, hanging out with friends, family, and her dog Malibu. 

Shelbi was born in Dallas, TX and raised in Baton Rouge Louisiana. She received a Bachelors in Health Care Management from the College of Health Care Professions. Shelbi has a passion for all children and particularly children with special needs.

Shelbi is using her passion to insure that each child's receives their insurance benefits in order to quickly and efficiently begin intervention. She believes that all children are unique and deserve a chance to blossom at their full potential. Shelbi looks forward to getting to know your family and child!

In her spare time she enjoys making memories with her daughter, fishing, sunbathing, hanging out with her family, music, walking her dog, and enjoying all types of food. 

Bio coming soon!

Elisha is a Student at the University of Texas at Austin, Majoring in Psychology BA and minoring in Kinesiology and Health Education. She completed an independent study project with a Physical Therapist at Scottish Rite Hospital where she created a PT game they continue to use today. After shadowing multiple settings and disciplines, she has moved interest from PT and is now on the OT track in hopes of helping kiddos reach their sensory needs! She has grown up caring for kids of all ages and abilities and is so excited to be working in such a positive healing environment. Elisha is also working on becoming a certified yoga teacher– combining her love for the mind and the body! 

In her free time, Elisha loves exploring Austin markets, new food, hiking, crafting, and connecting with friends and family!

Melly was a 15-year-old Spitz-that was a valuable member of the KidWorks Team. She provided that special brand of emotional support that only pets can provide. We miss her weekly and keep her spirit with us when treating the children: laid-back, approachable, lovable!

If you are looking for a therapy or companion for your child, local groups include:

• Austin Dog Alliance

• Divine Canines

  It is important that your child’s companion be trained through a highly skilled company for the safety of your child, the animal, and our community.