Birmingham Therapy
Meet Our Team of Birmingham Therapists
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.
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.
Lindsey Boldt
Lindsey is a Clinical Fellow Speech-Language Pathologist. 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. Lindsey completed graduate clinical work with children in the clinic, school system, and early intervention. Her passion for the job is seeing the joy that communication can provide children as they grow in their speech and language skills to communicate with others. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and visiting her hometown Auburn (War Eagle)!
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.
Deidra Davies
Deidra is a licensed physical therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Auburn University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Florida. She completed her pediatric internship at Madonna Rehab Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has also worked in the adult orthopedic setting.
Deidra has worked with children in many settings including an integrated preschool for children with Autism and in the community as a case manager for children with mental health diagnoses. She is passionate about providing individualized care while making therapy fun and enjoyable.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing the guitar, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
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.
Kimberly Docking
Kimberly is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed her Master of Science in Communication Disorders at Indiana State University in 2013. Since graduating, Kimberly has provided services to children in both the school and pediatric clinic settings.
She has worked extensively with children with autism spectrum disorders, articulation disorders, language disorders, and other developmental disorders. Her favorite part of her job is being able to see children grow with pride and encouragement as they gain stronger speech and language skills!
A new transplant from Chicago, by way of Michigan, she is excited to call Birmingham her new home! In her free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring Birmingham with her husband.
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.
Kimberly Docking
Kimberly is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed her Master of Science in Communication Disorders at Indiana State University in 2013. Since graduating, Kimberly has provided services to children in both the school and pediatric clinic settings.
She has worked extensively with children with autism spectrum disorders, articulation disorders, language disorders, and other developmental disorders. Her favorite part of her job is being able to see children grow with pride and encouragement as they gain stronger speech and language skills!
A new transplant from Chicago, by way of Michigan, she is excited to call Birmingham her new home! In her free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring Birmingham with her husband.
Rachel Evans
Rachel is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist originally from Madison, Alabama. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and has worked in pediatrics since graduating in 2016.
She has experience working with children in both the school and private practice settings and is a trained Orton-Gillingham therapist. Other clinical areas of interest include working with children with phonological disorders, articulation impairments, literacy, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know families and seeing children reach their full potential.
Rachel is married to her high school sweetheart, Stephen, and has two sons named Liam and Judah. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, having coffee, podcasts, and watching Auburn sports!
Caroline Favrot
Caroline is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2019. She went on to receive her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans in 2022. Caroline has received training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) and Interoceptive Awareness.
Caroline loves working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping them function at their highest potential. In her free time, Caroline enjoys hiking, drinking specialty coffee, and spending time with people she loves (& her dog Moose).
Nicole Frost
Nicole is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She is originally from Decatur, AL, and moved to Birmingham to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy.
Nicole has experience working with children of all ages and is currently serving a local school system. She is passionate about helping children reach their full potential so they can thrive while in the classroom.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, hiking, and playing games.
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.
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.
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!)
Madison Gaston
Madison is a licensed occupational therapist from Birmingham, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University in 2021 and earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023. Madison is currently completing the Multitiered Approach to Trauma graduate certificate.
Madison enjoys working with children of all ages and has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and developmental delay. In her free time Madison enjoys reading, baking, and doing yoga and other workout classes.
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 setting. She is passionate about helping children learn and grow. In her free time, Dani enjoys making bracelets, reading, painting, and completing puzzles.
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.
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.
Alison Myers
Alison is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist. She is originally from the Birmingham area and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Go Blazers!). She received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Alison has experience working with children within the public school and pediatric outpatient setting. Alison has received training in the Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum and Interactive Metronome®. Her favorite part of pediatrics is being able to collaborate with families and school staff to determine strategies to help children thrive in their desired environments.
Alison has experience with children from birth to 21 years of age with a variety of diagnoses, including Cerebral Palsy, ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and many others.
In her free time, Alison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as attending concerts, singing, traveling, crafting, dancing, being outside, playing the clarinet and piano, and reading. She is passionate about her work in pediatrics and in building connections with clients and their families.
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!
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.
Andrea Reed
Andrea is a licensed and registered occupational therapist who joined the Child’s Play Therapy Center team in August of 2022. She graduated from Viginia Tech with a bachelor’s of science degree in Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise in 2007, and received her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration from Strayer University in 2012, then went on to receive her Masters of Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2020.
Andrea has worked in a variety of settings including: school system, acute care, and outpatient pediatrics. She has had training and experience in Handwriting Without Tears, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, and Interoception.
Andrea loves the pediatric population and is excited to help the children and their families reach their goals. She provides individualized therapy to address the specific areas of concern that are impacting her client’s occupational performance in their activities of daily living. Outside of work, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and two boys, decorating, watching movies, and traveling.
Dalal Shahid
Dalal is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist born and raised in Alabama. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where she studied Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dalal sees clients and families struggling with anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and family conflict and she uses play therapy with children. She believes clients are doing their best and that each client’s unique skills can be used as a way to help them achieve their goals!
Outside of work, Dalal enjoys spending time with family, baking, taking long walks outside, and a good strong cup of coffee.
Janet Simon
Janet is a licensed and registered occupational therapist. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Janet has been on the Child’sPlay team since 2010 and has worked primarily in the local public schools. Janet now serves as the Coordinator of Public School Services and enjoys mentoring and supervising our therapists in the public school setting, as well as partnering with the local public schools to ensure we are exceeding their expectations.
Janet enjoys working with children of all ages and helping them reach their full potential and independence in their home and school environments. Her passion is working with her students in the local school systems. Her areas of interest include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Integration disorders, and genetic disorders. She has specialized training in the Handwriting Without Tears® program, as well as the Thera pressure Technique, and the Wilbarger Protocol for Sensory Defensiveness.
She has participated in several sensory integration methods and theories. Janet is also a certified Integrated Listening® practitioner and certified in Interactive Metronome®. She has been trained in LAMP and different methods of feeding therapy, including Talk Tools®, Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor approach. Janet, her husband Eric, and her daughter Victoria live in Hoover.
She enjoys spending time with her family, reading mystery books, running races, and bicycling rides for charitable causes in the community. Her biggest joy is to give any child the confidence and ability to be successful and happy at their school, at play, or at home.
Alicia Varner
Alicia Varner is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed speech-language pathologist. Her desire to become a speech-language pathologist came from her own experience receiving speech therapy as a child in elementary school. Alicia received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and her graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University. She has experience working with preschool through adolescent-aged children and over 10 years of experience working in the school setting.
Alicia enjoys working with students who have a wide range of needs in the area of language, articulation/phonology, fluency, and emergent literacy. She has experience with children with complex communication needs who are multi-modal communicators and use a variety of AAC supports. She has completed the Inside Out Sensory Certificate Course for SLPs and received training in neurodiversity-affirming practices. Currently, Alicia is contracted through Child’sPlay to work for a local public school system.
Alicia has lived in Birmingham for 8 years with her husband and son. Her family recently added a Standard Poodle to their family named Teddy. Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks with Teddy, trips to the library, and yoga.
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.
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.
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.
