Birmingham Therapy

Meet Our Team of Birmingham Therapists

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

Allyson Pasternack

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

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

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

Amber Davis

Amber is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist from Birmingham, AL. She graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!) with her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science in 2018. She then attended Alabama State University and received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2020.

Amber currently provides school-based therapy in two local school settings. She began her career working in the home health setting and is excited to work in pediatrics, which has always been her passion.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, German Shepherd (Luna), family, and friends. She loves watching Auburn football, playing golf, reading, and being outdoors.

Bailey Smith

Bailey Smith was born and raised in Hoover, Alabama and graduated from Samford University. She also attended Baylor University where I obtained my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She has a 5 year old husky named Charlotte. Her favorite things to do are visit with friends/family, go to the beach, go on walks, shop, and travel.

She has a passion for helping those who are unable to do what they want or need to do in their everyday lives and is looking forward to working at Child’s Play Therapy.

Brantley Peddy

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

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

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

Caroline Allums

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

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

Chandler Ray

Chandler joined our team in August 2025 after completing her doctorate in occupational therapy at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her first pediatric clinical experience was completed at Child’sPlay during her doctoral education and she also completed a full pediatric Level II placement at Performance Pediatrics.

In her free time, Chandler enjoys spending time with her fiancé (she is getting married in December 2025!) as well as reading, journaling, traveling, and hanging with friends, family and her cat named Mr. Gibbs.

Danielle Horne

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

Dani is currently trained in SOS Approach to Feeding and has experience working with children in both the clinic and school settings.

She is passionate about helping children learn and grow. In her free time, Dani enjoys making bracelets, reading, painting, and completing puzzles.

Elinor Anthony

Elinor is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Speech Pathology degrees from The University of Alabama. She has clinical experience working in clinics, schools, and in early intervention. Elinor has worked in pediatrics since graduating and has experience treating children diagnosed with motor speech disorders, phonological disorders, language delays, and other developmental disorders.

Elinor is passionate about teaching children to self-advocate through multimodal communication. She has experience treating children with high-tech communication devices including LAMP WFL, TD Snap, and Unity. Elinor currently works in both the clinic and provides school-based services. When Elinor is not working, she enjoys going to the lake, completing home DIY projects, and watching Alabama football.

Emily Boyd

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

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

Erica Williamson

Erica is native to Talladega County and graduated from UAB with a Bachelor’s of science degree in Kinesiology followed by completion of the PTA program at Jeff State. She has been licensed since 2017, working across multiple clinical settings with a focus on school-based therapy. Her joy and excitement when working with children is what motivated her to pursue a career in school-based therapy.

Erica loves to try new things and spend time with her husband and daughter. Their favorite thing to do is travel; specifically to National Parks. In their free time they are almost always outside, at the farm with animals, or baking something fun. Erica believes “life is what you make it”, so she tries to make the most of everyday and enjoy all the small moments that make us laugh together.

Kari Angerhofer

Kari Angerhofer is a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 7 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, earning her certification in 2021. She holds an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology, graduating Sigma Cum Laude and a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Kari is deeply passionate about teaching functional communication, believing that empowering individuals to express themselves is at the heart of meaningful progress.

With a lifelong commitment to working with children with disabilities, Kari’s focus is on creating individualized, evidence-based interventions that foster growth and independence. She firmly believes that meaningful work not only promotes skill development but is also essential for good mental health.

As a mother to a spirited 7-year-old daughter, Kari brings a personal touch to her professional work, understanding the importance of family-centered care. Her passion, expertise, and empathy make her a strong advocate for the children and families she serves.

Lauren Wiggins

Lauren is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed speech-language pathologist born in Charlotte, North Carolina and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Alabama.

Lauren has worked in pediatrics since graduating and has experience treating children with various developmental disorders. She is passionate about serving her community, advocating for her patients and encouraging self-advocacy. Lauren currently works both in the clinic and provides school-based services.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her rescue labradoodle and family, going to the beach, and completing jigsaw puzzles.

Leah Murrill

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

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

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

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

Madeline "Maclou" Dillon

Maclou is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist from Montgomery, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2021 and earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2024.

Maclou is passionate about helping children of all ages reach their fullest potential, and values building collaborative and supportive relationships with her clients and families. She has interest and experience in feeding therapy, as well as working with children with Austism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, developmental delay.
In her free time, Maclou enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, reading, needlepointing, and spending time with loved ones.

Mary-Kate Galloway

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

Mary Kate has experience working with children ranging in age from 8 months to 18 years with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and many others. Mary Kate began serving as Child’sPlay’s Public Schools Coordinator in July 2025.

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

Mary McKinney

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

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

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

Sarah Duckworth

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

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

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

Shelley Zepp

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

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

Teresa Wiggins

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

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

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