OWNER/ CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Founded Tampa Kids Therapy in 2009. Lori believes in fostering independence, self-confidence and well-being through an individualized, collaborative approach that is important to each family's goals.

With over 20 years experience in pediatrics, her knowledge ranges from neurodevelopmental training (NDT), Handwriting Without Tears, ADOS training, Interactive Metronome, Feeding Therapy, Sensory Integration, DIR Floortime, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training and Social Emotional Development. She believes children of all abilities learn best when utilizing a multi-sensory, hands-on approach that is meaningful to the child. She is passionate about working to help children and families through her practice!

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Certified occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working in pediatrics. She has in depth knowledge in developmental therapy, sensory integration, social skills training, oral motor and feeding therapy (SOS trained), vision therapy, therapeutic listening, cognitive/executive functioning and Handwriting without Tears. Cathy meets each child at their level and embraces their strengths and nurtures their capabilities. She believes in building a strong connection with her clients to help them feel encouraged to do their best. Her passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge is evident through her practice as a pediatric occupational therapist!

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Trish Kopec, MA, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who is dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families through the use of positive behavior intervention strategies with evidence based practices of ABA. Trish completed her master’s degree in ABA from University of South Florida where her research on improving attention duration in children with Autism was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
Trish believes that clients may benefit from support across environments and knows the importance of collaboration among caregivers, educators and therapists. She has extensive experience with parent coaching, where she empowers families to use positive behavior strategies while parenting. Her goal is to use her experience and abilities to connect with clients and keep their goals and needs as the priority in her practice.

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Ashley is a Pennsylvania State University graduate and a Board Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who before becoming a COTA, was a dedicated and compassionate nanny for 10 years. She is experienced with infants through school aged children and their development. She believes the best way to help a child grow is through meaningful connections. She works closely with educators, caregivers and other members of her client's support team in order to best serve her clients. She is knowledgable in sensory integration techniques, social skills, handwriting, motor planning and coordination, and developmental skills. She is grateful her career as a COTA and willing to go above and beyond for her clients in order to help them succeed and thrive.

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Emory Shelton is a board-certified occupational therapist who is passionate about supporting children's needs in ways that are both therapeutic and fun for the child. Emory has training with sensory integration, social skills programs, Handwriting Without Tears, Brain Gym and Development-based programs. Emory's love for OT comes from seeing kiddos accomplish their goals and confidence to become successful in their daily lives (while having fun). She believes in a team approach involving teachers, parents, and other professions to help children reach their fullest potential.

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Paige is a board -certified occupational therapist who believes in improving the lives of children through fostering success with their living skills, including school, social skills and play! She has experience with Handwriting without Tears, Neurodevelopmental Training (NDT), social skills programs, school-readiness programs, sensory integration, and feeding. Paige has experience with children across a variety of abilities and diagnosis, including: Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Develomental Delays, and Gifted children. Paige is committed to use her knowledge to facilitate growth among all children through a client-centered approach.

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of South Florida and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has over 9 years of experience working with children with varying abilities and diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and developmental delays. Nicole has extensive experience with the Handwriting Without Tears and The Zones of Regulation programs. She is also skilled in interventions to improve social skills, emotional regulation, and vision. Nicole strives to provide a “just-right challenge” to help her clients achieve meaningful independence in their valued occupations. Nicole enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with family and friends on the weekends.

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Jennifer graduated from University of West Florida with a masters in Exceptional Student Education and a minor in ABA. She is dedicated to delivering evidence-based therapy to cultivate new and exciting client skills while empowering the child and their families. Jennifer has extensive experience with providing ABA services to a wide variety of clients of all different functioning levels, as well as, teacher and parent trainings to improve client's behavior and well-being. She is very empathetic and enthusiastic to help children gain independence.

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Alison Caracciola is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 9 years experience in the ABA field.

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Courtney Newell graduated with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida. She has previous experience at the center for Autism in Gainesville. She is experienced with handwriting skills, motor development, sensory integration and social skills. She is passionate about providing children with an environment which they can feel successful in, while still being challenged. She loves providing kids new opportunities to develop skills and confidence that they need to be successful in life.

BEHAVIOR THERAPIST

Kabrina has been working with kids for over 12 years. Her background as an early education teacher gives her insight into the different challenges that kids may face and how she may support their learning experience. She believes in nurturing a child's abilities to learn and grow through meaningful interactions and experiences. She has extensive experience working with children with a variety of needs and behaviors. She strives to help her clients by providing opportunities for positive behaviors.

Administrative Assistant

Caroline has a valuable role at Tampa Kids Therapy, by both speaking and interacting with our clients on a daily basis to offer immediate answers to questions to help make a positive impact in the lives of their children. She supports the staff at Tampa Kids Therapy and understands the importance of putting client's needs first.

Brooklyn has been an RBT for over 5 years. She enjoys helping children process emotions and become successful in their daily interactions. She loves collaborating with professionals and working with parents to encourage building relationships and growth. She is passionate and dedicated about her clients and families.

Sandy's experience ranges from working with kids from ages 2 to 14, at schools, daycares, outpatient clinics and home settings. Sandy uses evidence-based treatment to empower children to be successful. She has extensive experience in functional communication training, as well as, teaching activities of daily living and social skills. Sandy is enthusiastic to help caregivers and educators by providing them with tools and strategies to promote meaningful behaviors and skills.

Jenna graduated from the doctorate program in occupational therapy from Nova University. Before pursuing her passion of occupational therapy, she was an elementary education teacher. She has a strong knowledge base from early intervention through school aged children. She continues to broaden her knowledge through continuing education regarding infant handling, differentiating between sensory and behaviors, sensory and emotional regulation and Handwriting Without Tears. Her professional background helps her to assist teachers and parents in helping their children maximize their potential. She believes in a holistic approach, including meeting the child at their current level and building on their strengths.