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

Ali received a bachelor’s of science degree in Psychology from Boise State University. While at BSU, Ali worked as a researcher for the Center for Health Policy and is published author on two federally funded reports. She went on to receive a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Her doctoral research evaluated barriers and supports employment for young adults with visual impairments. She has clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics, adult inpatient rehabilitation, and low vision home health settings.  Ali enjoys hiking, skiing, and running.

Ali has had additional training in:

•           DiR/Floor Time Model
•           Powerfully You: Compassionate Self-Regulation Curriculum
•           Adaptations and environmental modifications for the visually impaired population

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

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.

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

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.

Tracy grew up in Houston, TX.  She has been a speech language pathologist for over 15 years.  At UT-Austin, she earned a bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a masters degree in Speech Language Pathology. Tracy 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. She is experienced with bottle feeding, breast feeding, the transition to/through solids, and tongue and lip ties. She is especially passionate about infant feeding and supporting caregivers during that challenging time.  Tracy has helped children with a wide range of needs and abilities, including speech articulation, expressive and receptive communication deficits, cleft palate, Down Syndrome, Autism, and stuttering. Tracy integrates traditional therapy techniques with special attention to oral-motor, oral-respiratory, and sensory needs. Tracy’s training and coursework includes:

•       Bottle-feeding and breastfeeding
•           The SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants (Erin Sundseth Ross)
•      Complex Feeding Challenges and Feeding Tube Dependency (Heidi Moreland and Jennifer Berry) 
  
•      Treatment for Feeding, Speech, and Mouth (Diane Bahr)
•     The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters/Anxious Mealtimes (Marsha Dunn Klein)
•        Treatment Strategies for Feeding and Swallowing (Rona Alexander)
•           School-based therapy services, IEP’s, special education
•           Addressing needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations
•           Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (Joy Moeller)
•           Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention (Debra Beckman)
•           Introduction to DiR and DiR Floortime (Jeffrey J. Guenzel)

Tracy enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She loves cats, vegetarian food, reading, warm weather, and jiu-jitsu training.

Mary was born and raised in Austin, TX, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders – Speech-Language Pathology along with minors in American Sign Language and Health Communication. She received her Master of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. In graduate school, she had a variety of clinical rotations working with the adult and pediatric population. Mary chose a career in speech therapy to help children grow to be the best version of themselves. Prior to joining KidWorks, Mary worked in the home health setting and learned the importance of utilizing parent coaching and routines-based intervention for young children and infants. She incorporates neurodiversity-affirming practices in conjunction with play-based and functional therapy approaches in which the child can carry over skills to everyday situations. When not working, Mary enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends, playing with her two dogs and cat, and exploring the city.

Mary’s clinical experience and coursework includes:

• Rotation in the hospital setting with a focus in infant/pediatric feeding and swallowing to obtain skills to assess and treat in areas including: swallow study administration, bottle- and breastfeeding difficulties, genetic and craniofacial disorders, g-tube weaning, NICU graduates, oral-motor disorders, and sensory feeding disorders.

• The SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants with Dr. Erin Ross

• Challenges and Solutions for Infants and Children with Complex Feeding and Swallowing Disorders with Dr. Joan Arvedson

• Medically-complex feeding and swallowing in infants and children in the home setting

• Language and literacy through Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

Carly was born and raised in Wenatchee, Washington and obtained her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science along with a minor in psychology from University of Utah. She received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at Austin. 

While at the University of Texas at Austin, she worked side by side with families teaching two, eight-week courses to support language development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has experience in a variety of settings working with both adults and children at a home health agency, an elementary school, and several outpatient clinics. Carly is passionate about collaborating with families to find strategies and tools that support their individual needs and lifestyle. In addition to working with children and families, she enjoys spending time cooking, hiking, camping, traveling and yoga. 

She has completed the following course:

• DIR Floortime 101

Bio Coming Soon! 

Shanece was born and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. While in school she worked as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist where she became passionate about autism spectrum disorder. She then received her Master of Speech Language Pathology degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Shanece is passionate about the speech pathology field and loves being a part of the KidWorks team! When Shanece is not at KidWorks she enjoys cuddling with her puppy, traveling, and exploring Austin with her fiancé.

Her interests and post-graduate experience includes:

• School-based therapy, IEP’s, special education
• PROMPT certified
• Fluency (stuttering) childhood and adolescents
• Early intervention (birth to 3)
• Feeding disorders
• Whole language/reading comprehension 
  

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

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

Bio Coming Soon! 

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)

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

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. 

Makayla was born and raised in Dripping Springs, TX. Makayla comes to KidWorks with 5 years of experience in the medical field.  She has worked with children since high school through summer camp programs, then became a Child Development center teacher for newborns/infants to 2 years of age. She then worked for a physical therapy office in Dripping Springs that allowed her to continue her learning experience as she participated and worked with children in their sessions. Her love and passion for helping children continues to grow on a daily basis.

In her spare time, she loves playing with her dog Tucker, fishing, hunting, camping, going to the beach, playing softball, cooking/baking and spending time with her family.

She can’t wait to greet and get to know you and your kiddos!

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.