Our Team

Pediatric Physical Therapist

 Tabitha is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has experience working in a variety of pediatric settings including: orthopedics and sports, early intervention, home health, and outpatient settings. She is a passionate therapist who loves to see children succeed and specializes in a wide range of pediatric conditions including but not limited to: developmental delays, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, torticollis, medically complex and premature infants.  . 

Certification and Training: 

• Registered and Licensed Physical Therapist
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from Florida International University
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University 
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support and CPR certified
• West Central Early Steps Provider
• Bay Area Early Steps Provider
• Level I Noninvasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation certified 

Pediatric Physical Therapist

 Morgan is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has experience working outpatient pediatrics treating a variety of conditions including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, torticollis, Friedreich's ataxia, and muscular dystrophy. She is a dedicated therapist who enjoys helping children achieve their goals through movement and play-based activities. She believes that therapy should be fun, functional, and individualized to each child’s specific needs. 

Certification and Training: 

• Registered and Licensed Physical Therapist
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of South Florida
• Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech
• West Central Early Steps Provider

Pediatric Physical Therapist 

Jaime is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Jaime has over 12 years of pediatric experience from birth to 18 years old. She is licensed in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. She is a compassionate therapist who specializes in a wide range of pediatric conditions/diagnoses including but not limited to: developmental delays, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, torticollis, medically complex and premature infants. She has worked in a variety of pediatric and adult settings.

Certification and Training: 

• Certified and Licensed Physical Therapist
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University
• Bachelors of Science, University of Illinois, Kinesiology
• West Central Early Steps Provider
• Bay Area Early Steps Provider
• CPR certified in pediatrics and adults
• APTA Member (Illinois Chapter & Pediatric Member)
• Schroth Method Certification by Rigo Concept by the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS)

Pediatric Physical Therapist 

 Justin began his career as an athletic trainer, working with patients in both collegiate and professional sports. He earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University, with the goal of continuing to treat the athletic population of all ages. Justin was named one of Chicago’s Favorite Kids Docs in Chicago Parent Magazine and has been listed in Chicago Magazine as a Five Star Award recipient for top physical therapists in Chicago. His impressive career includes working with the NFL, with SLU sports medicine, as well as building and managing physical therapy clinics. He continues to be passionate about treating sports related and post-surgical patients with the most comprehensive and individualized care. Justin’s philosophy is to treat not only a pathology, but a total person, thus providing a new level of physical therapy. Justin recently moved to Florida and is excited to be working along side the amazing practitioners at Little Steps Florida.  

Certification and Training: 

• Certified and Licensed Physical Therapist
• Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist 
• Certified Wellness Coach
• Masters of Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University
• Bachelors of Applied Exercise Science, Saint Louis University
• CPR certified in pediatrics and adults
• APTA Member
• NSCA Member
• NATA Member
  
  

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

  Melissa (Missy) is a licensed occupational therapist and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is active with the national board of occupational therapy in research and initial licensure protocols. Missy has over 20 years experience with pediatrics and has had extensive experience treating several disorders and conditions of childhood including autism, cerebral palsy, reflexive integration disorders, pervasive developmental disorder, developmentally disabled, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, errbs palsy, sensory integrative disorders and fine motor delay. Missy spent most of her career in New York and recently relocated to Florida in 2021.  

Certification and Training:  

• Certified and licensed Occupational Therapist
• Masters degree in Occupational Therapy with minor in child psychology from D’Youville College in Buffalo NY. 
• Associates degree in Nursing and Medical Management from Alfred State College
• Certification in Sensory Integration and Praxis test through Jean Ayres 
• Certified Hippo (equestrian) Therapist
• Certified DIR Floortime Model provider
• Extensive training in Reflex Integrative Therapy
  

Pediatric Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant  

Nikia is a certified and licensed occupational therapy assistant and member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Prior to earning her degree, Nikia worked in the medical field obtaining experience working with a wide range of diagnoses. Nikia pursued a career in occupational therapy having gained a personal gratitude for the field, aspiring to make a difference and increase the quality of life for others. Nikia has experience in pediatrics treating conditions and disorders including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental disorder, developmental disabilities and delay, sensory integration disorders and motor skills delay.

Certification and Training:  

• Certified and licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant
•  Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
•  American Heart Association Basic Life Support and CPR training

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Savannah is a certified/licensed occupational therapist and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. With over 6 years of experience specializing in pediatrics, she has garnered extensive expertise in a wide range of diagnoses and conditions, including but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, sensory Integration disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, developmental delay, PANDAs/PANs, behavioral disorders, fine motor delays, and various neurological conditions. Her primary dedication lies in assisting children and families in achieving their utmost potential and success in their

everyday lives.

Certifications and Training:

•  Certified and licensed Occupational Therapist, OTR/L
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Milligan College
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science From East Tennessee State University
• DIR Floortime Training
•  Extensive training in feeding therapy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS)
• Extensive Training in Reflex Integration (CPRCS)
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support and CPR certified

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

 Paige is a licensed occupational therapist and member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Prior to working in pediatrics, Paige worked as an occupational therapist in the geriatric setting focusing on a wide range of diagnoses from strokes, spinal cord Injuries, Dementia, traumatic brain injuries to Parkinson's and currently is certified in LSVT-BIG. She discovered her passion for the field in the school setting working as a paraprofessional. Paige is currently focusing on pursuing her certification in Reflex integration and has had experience in working in pediatrics treating conditions and disorders including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental disabilities and delay, sensory integration disorders and motor skills delays. 

Certifications and Training:

• Certified and licensed Occupational Therapist, OTR/L
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Missouri State
• LSVT-BIG certified 

Insurance and Authorization Specialist  

Victoria is our insurance authorization specialist. She has over 15 years experience working as a medical receptionist. She was born and raised in NY.  7 years ago she moved to sunny Florida. She enjoys relaxing at the beach and loves dogs. 

Patient Coordinator

 Jalena was born and raised in Florida. She went to college in Jacksonville to work towards becoming a pediatric OT but took a break to focus on being a mom. After falling in love with pediatric development, Jalena went on to work for the school system as a Teacher's Assistant in elementary schools across Pasco and Pinellas counties. Jalena has over 8 years of previous administrative experience. She is so happy to be at Little Steps to put her skills to use and be a part of positive development for families!