Rebecca Pokluda, OTR, P.C., Director & Owner

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.
Elizabeth Darwin, MA, CCC-SLP,, Assistant Clinical Director

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)
Brenna Culley, OTR,

Brenna was born in Austin, Texas and raised there with her younger sister. She attended the University of Texas Tech, where she was involved in many school organizations and received her Bachelors of Allied Health Sciences. She continued her occupational therapy education in Lubbock, Texas attending the University of Texas Tech Health Science Center (TTUHSC), where she received her masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Growing up Brenna has always had a strong dedication and passion to work with children. Throughout her graduate school career, Brenna gained a lot of hands on experience working with a vast extent of disabilities and cultures. Brenna has experience treating a wide variety of pediatric patients including feeding, sensory, neurological, developmental delayed, and orthopedic patients. Outside of work Brenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to live music, going to the lake, wakeboarding, and traveling. She has completed post graduate advanced training/certification in the following areas:
- Autism, Asperger's, Sensory and ADHD- John Taylor, Ph.D
- Mind On The Move-Analysis of Movement from an NDT Perspective-Gail Ritchie, OTR,C-NDT
- Basic Course on the DIR/Floortime Approach-Stanly Greenspan
- Vision Screening and Vision Rehab Therapy-Laurie Chaikin
- iLs Certified (Integrated Listening Systems) Practitioner
- Advanced Intensive Mentorship: Diagnosis & Treatment of SPD L1
Alexa Thibodeaux, OTR,

Alexa was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. During college and after graduating, Alexa worked with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist under the guidance of a school psychologist. It was during her time as an ABA therapist that she was first introduced to both pediatric therapy and occupational therapy. She received her master of occupational therapy degree at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Her clinical experience includes rotations in acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospitals, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, orthopedic outpatient therapy, skilled nursing facilities, acute care (intensive care unit), inpatient rehabilitation, and here at Kidworks! Alexa is dedicated to fostering positive relationships and learning experiences with her clients and their families. In her free time, Alexa enjoys exploring Austin, attending live music and theater performances, cooking, traveling, yoga, dancing, and establishing roots in her new Texas community.
- Basic Course on the DIR/Floortime Approach-Stanly
Greenspan
- Tips and
strategies for working with children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities
- Reasoning with Unreasonable People
Carrie Comstock, OTR,

Carrie was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Science followed by her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida. While in school she completed an undergraduate thesis focusing on college students with learning disabilities. Carrie’s passion for pediatrics led her to early in her career seek out opportunities to become an expert in pediatric needs, both for the child and the family.
These experiences include:
- Volunteer coordinator for Special Olympics
Young Athletes Program
- Clinical rotation in outpatient pediatric
therapy
- Clinical rotation in acute care on the
pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (NICU)
- Mentoring under Rebecca Pokluda, OT
- DIR 101: Introduction to Floortime Course
- Pediatric NDT Intensive Handling Course
- Level 1 Intensive Mentorship at STAR Institute for SPD
- Low Vision Conference: Navigating Services for Students with Reading Disabilities
- Low Vision Conference: Navigating Services for Students with Reading Disabilities
- Pediatric Orthotic Symposium
- The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters/Anxious Meal Times
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Current Understanding and Treatment
- Safe Learning Environments
- The Heart of Learning: Using Relationships to Create
- Learning Disorders in Guiding Occupational Therapy Practice
- Leveraging Understanding from Emerging Adults with Developmental
- TBRI 101 Trust Based Relationship Intervention
Reasoning with Unreasonable People: Focus on Disorders of
Emotional Regulation
Her goal is to create positive relationships and learning experiences with her clients and to serve as a resource for families. She is thrilled to be a part of the KidWorks Therapy team that will foster her skills and expand her knowledge!
In her free time Carrie enjoys spending time with her family and
friends, live music, yoga, baking, exploring Austin, and paddle boarding.
Terri Sejnowski, OTR/L,

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
Ariana Cristino, OTR,

Ariana was born and raised in Illinois. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in occupational therapy. Her clinical experience includes rotations in outpatient hand rehabilitation, pediatrics, and mental health. Ariana believes in taking a holistic approach to therapy and is dedicated to fostering therapeutic relationships with her clients and their families. Her post-graduate training includes the following:
The Alert Program for All by Sherry Shellenberger and MarySue Williams
AOTA COVID-19 & OT Online CE Series
In her free time, Ariana enjoys cooking, biking, yoga, and traveling.
Beth Bacon, OTR,

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.
Baliey Bowlen, OTR,

Bailey was born and raised in Southeast Texas. She has two sisters, one of whom has Down syndrome, which has inspired her to want to work with people with special needs. While attending Lamar University for her undergraduate degree in Health, Bailey discovered the field of occupational therapy and knew it was exactly what she wanted to do. She went on to obtain her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Following graduation, Bailey began working in the pediatric outpatient setting, where she became passionate about play-based therapy that promotes development and socialization with peers. Bailey is excited to be a part of the KidWorks team where she can continue to help kids master the occupation of play. Over the years she has completed training in:
- The SCERTS Framework--Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Supports
- DIR/Floortime
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention
- Sensory Processing
- Self Regulation Programs
- Handwriting Without Tears
Molly Hamill, MA, CCC-SLP,

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.
· Attended the virtual
Responsive Feeding Conference 2020 to learn from experts in the area of
selective eating including child psychologists, gastrointestinal doctors,
speech pathologists, authors, and dietitians
In her free time, Molly enjoys running, paddle
boarding at Town Lake, exploring new restaurants, and traveling to mountains.
Lexi Smith, MA., CCC-SLP,

Lexi was born and raised in Houston, Texas and received a bachelor’s degree in retail merchandising and a business foundations certification from the University of Texas at Austin. She then realized that she wanted a career where she could serve and interact more with others, so she returned to UT Austin where she received a Masters Degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders with a focus on speech-language pathology. Lexi interned at KidWorks during her final year in graduate school at UT and started her clinical fellowship as a speech-language pathologist at KidWorks shortly after. She enjoys being part of such a supportive environment at KidWorks and getting to learn more about the children she gets to work with every day. Lexi is interested in all areas of communication difficulties with a special interest and training in:
- Stuttering
- Feeding Disorders
- Administration and interpretation of Modified Barium Swallows
- DiR
- Hanen Parent Training Programs
- Ingersoll and Dvortcsak Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism
When she is not at KidWorks, Lexi enjoys hiking the Greenbelt, walking her dog, Leia, around Austin, attending sporting events, strength training, and trying all the new restaurants around Austin!
Angela Schneider, MS, CCC-SLP,

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 Thottam, MA, CCC-SLP,

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)
- 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.
Shanece Solomon, MS. CCC-SLP,

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
Tina Hetherington, MS. CCC-SLP,

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
Tracy Camille, CFY-SLP,

Tracy is originally from the Chicagoland area. She received her undergraduate degree in Human Communication Sciences with a minor in Linguistics from Northwestern University in 2012. Using her special interests in feeding, child development, and music, she nannied and worked for music non-profits while based out of Seattle, WA. Missing working with infants and parents full-time, she returned to school to better serve families as a resource for communication and feeding development. She graduated with her master's of science from Syracuse University in 2020 and is thrilled to join the Kidworks team in her clinical fellowship year. Tracy loves working with children with all areas of communication needs. She has had specific experience and training from her time at Kidworks in the following areas:
· Feeding Disorders
· DiR
· Articulation Disorders
· Sensory Processing Disorders
When not at KidWorks, Therapy Services, Tracy enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dog Daisy. She plays french horn, loves to garden, and loves traveling!
Carla Moore, PT,

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
Nicole Enas, DPT,

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
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and their 3 dogs, reading, watching movies, and spending time outdoors on hikes with the dogs, exploring new restaurants in Austin, and spending time on the lake!
Jill Ciomperlik, PT,

Jill was born and raised in the Texas Panhandle.
She earned her bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry at Texas
A&M University and her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from
Texas Woman's University in Dallas. Following graduation, she moved to Austin
and worked in a hospital, outpatient, aquatic, and wound care clinic
settings. After her children were born, she stayed home with them
and worked part-time as the director of a preschool ministry. Through these
experiences, she discovered how much she enjoys working with children, and
decided to combine her love for kids with her physical therapy background to
transition into pediatric therapy. She loves the team-oriented,
nurturing environment at KidWorks and is excited to be incorporated
the DiR philosophy into her practice.
Areas of interest and specialized training
include the following:
·
Evaluation and treatment
of the pediatric patient
·
Physical therapy for
children with autistic spectrum disorders
·
Assessment and treatment
of infants and children with torticollis and plagiocephaly
·
Pediatric NDT intensive
Handling Techniques
·
DIR 101 overview of the
DIR Model and DIR Floortime Principles
·
Don’t Wait For Gait!
Therapeutic Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Gait.
·
Infantile Torticollis…A
softer gentler approach (Webinar)
·
Contemporary NDT
Treatment of the Baby and Young Child
In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading,
camping, and traveling
Jeanette Hutchinson, Bookkeeper,

-Crystal Castillo, Clinic & Accounts Manager,

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 12 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.
Shelbi Falcon, Assistant Accounts Manager,

Shelbi was born in Dallas,TX and raised in Baton Rouge Louisiana. She recently moved to Austin TX in March of 2017 to pursue her education. She is attending the College of Health Care professions and is working on her Bachelors in Health Care Management. 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 Hurlbut, , Front office coordinator

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!
Marshmellow Pokluda, Clinic Pet Therapist,

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.