Chelsea Therapists
Meet Our Chelsea Therapists Team
Candace Davis
Candace is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist of over 10 years. Originating from the Birmingham area she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University in 2007 and in 2009 a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Candace has worked as a pediatric therapist since graduation. Prior to joining the Child’s Play team Candace served children and adolescents with a range of developmental, learning, physical and behavioral differences, as part of an interdisciplinary diagnostic team. During this time, she also served as discipline representative for the UAB Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) interdisciplinary training program.
Candace works in both clinic and school-based settings. She has received additional training in the Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum, The Interoception Curriculum®, as well as advanced trauma training and TBRI®-Caregiver Training provided by Rachel Ashcraft, OTR/L, TBRI® Practitioner.
Martha Davis
Martha Davis is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist and is the Clinical Supervisor of the Chelsea office. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Montevallo in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo in 2008. She has worked in pediatric private practice since graduating in 2008.
She enjoys working with children of all ages! Her special interests include developing language skills, encouraging feeding skills, working with children with fluency issues, teaching reading skills, and improving oral motor skills. Martha has special training in the following areas: Talk Tools® Oral Placement Therapy, Orton-Gillingham® reading program, and Integrated Listening Systems®. She is also a Trust-Based Relational Intervention informed therapist and is part of the Trauma Team at Child’sPlay. Martha has completed extensive continuing education in the area of feeding therapy. She received the ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE) in 2022. She is passionate about making the learning of new and difficult skills fun while simultaneously supporting families as they help their children walk through challenges.
Martha and her husband have three sons and are licensed foster parents. In her free time, Martha enjoys reading, shopping, Netflixing, and napping! Email Martha
Laura Lee
Laura Lee is a physical therapist who has been with Child’s Play Therapy since 2015. She has been practicing in the pediatric physical therapy setting since 2005 and was an inpatient rehabilitation therapist prior. Laura earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2003 and has an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Mississippi.
Laura is currently seeing clients in both the Hoover and Chelsea locations as well as working in a local school system. Laura enjoys working with children from birth to young adulthood who present with developmental delay, neurological deviations, and orthopedic concerns. In treating clients, Laura utilizes Neurodevelopmental Treatment techniques learned in continuing education coursework and is also competent with primitive reflex integration, therapeutic taping, vestibular integration therapy, and physical therapy treatment for neuromuscular disorders arising from chronic illness.
Outside of work, Laura has a husband and 3 school-aged children who enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors. She also gardens, reads, and does lots of laundry. Email Laura
Tia Pendleton
Baily Upton
Bailey is a Clinical Fellow-Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated from Samford University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Samford University in April 2023. Bailey completed her clinical fieldwork in preschools, elementary and high schools, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
Bailey has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder, articulation disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, dyslexia, and other communicative disorders. Her favorite part of her job is witnessing the confidence and joy that communication can provide children as they grow in their speech and language skills and connect with others.
Bailey spends her free time playing tennis, watching movies, and coaching youth basketball!
Anna Claire Cicero
MCD CCC-SLP
Anna Claire is an ASHA-certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Alabama and her Masters of Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Mississippi.
Anna Claire has experience working in adult and pediatric outpatient clinics, schools, and inpatient rehabilitation. She has experience treating children diagnosed with phonological disorders, language delays, developmental delays, and swallowing disorders. Anna Claire is passionate about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and encouraging self-advocacy using different communication modalities. She enjoys helping children foster connection with others through the power of communication. In her free time, Anna Claire enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and watching Alabama sports.
Ashley serves as the Supervisor of Administrative Operations for Child’s Play Therapy Center, bringing over 20 years of experience in medical customer service to her role. She finds great fulfillment in helping others and is dedicated to providing exceptional service.
A Birmingham native, Ashley loves shopping, binge-watching ’90s sitcoms, and traveling to create lasting memories with her growing family.
Erin Gradert
Erin is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with a background in education. Originally from Minnesota, Erin’s journey has taken her across various locations including St. Louis, Germany, Auburn, and most recently, Birmingham. In December 2023, Erin earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Before transitioning to occupational therapy, Erin spent several years as a special education teacher where she developed a deep understanding of working with children with diverse needs. Outside of her professional life, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She loves visiting family, traveling to new places, and being outdoors. Erin’s personal and professional experiences reflect her commitment to helping others and her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with.
