Our Vision

At Mount Pleasant Pediatric Therapy it is our vision to provide therapeutic interventions that maximize your child’s growth and progress. We believe in being an active part of your child’s team and do our best to communicate with other service providers (ABA therapists, psychologists, physicians, etc.). By employing the use of a collaborative approach to treatment, we are able to support your child and family’s goals—across a variety of disciplines and environments—thus creating a complete, cohesive plan of care.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is rooted in the strong belief that your child’s development should be at the core of all planned interventions. We believe that your child should be given the opportunity to communicate his or her wants and needs in the most functional way possible, as well as, participate in all activities in their daily life.

Every child is an individual; our skilled therapists understand this. They meet each child at his or her level and customize sessions to meet specific needs.

When working with your child, our therapists  will create a comfortable environment that promotes progress and motivates your child through play.

Our Mission

It is our commitment to you and your family to be a source of support in working with your child towards the success of his or her communication, motor, and sensory goals. We promote the carryover of your child’s learned skills, thus encouraging your child to use what he or she has learned in a functional manner in all settings.

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Meet Our Team

Speech Language Pathology

Annmarie Leahy

Annmarie Leahy

M.S. CCC-SLP

Annmarie is the owner of Mount Pleasant Pediatric Therapy. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2010, and has been a resident of Mount Pleasant for over 10 years. She earned her Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC), holds an SC state license to practice speech-language pathology, and is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Annmarie enjoys taking continuing education courses and acquiring new skills to give every child his/her own voice. During her therapy sessions, she uses techniques from: The PROMPT Institute, Talk Tools, Orofacial Myology, The Kaufman Speech to Language Approach for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and the Hanen Program, “It Takes Two to Talk". She often implements strategies from Michelle Garcia Winner 's pragmatic language methodology "Social Thinking" and "Zones of Regulation" to target pragmatic language skills. Annmarie applies methods of SOS Feeding Approach when working with infants and children who have difficulty eating a variety of foods. Annmarie has progressed her feeding knowledge by completing course work in "Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants" training and "Bottle Feeding" by the Lactation OT. Annmarie enjoys mentoring clinicians and collaborating with other professionals to provide a cohesive approach to treatment for her clients. Annmarie is married to her high school sweetheart, Frank, who is a practicing Physical Therapist. When not at work, you can find the two of them around the Lowcountry soaking up the sunshine with friends and family, or working on home-construction projects.

Amanda Thomas

Amanda Thomas

M.A., CCC-SLP

Amanda was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. She attended undergrad at The University of Akron and received her master's degree from The University of Toledo. She maintains a state license to practice speech-language pathology in the state of South Carolina, as well as certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has clinical experience with a variety of disorders within the pediatric population including expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation, and phonological disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and early intervention. She values building a strong relationship with the families that she serves. Her favorite thing about speech-language pathology is that there is always something new to learn. She believes in a functional play-based approach to enhance her patients and their family’s quality of life. Outside of work Amanda enjoys spending time outside, hanging with her friends and family, watching sports, staying active, and trying all the delicious restaurants in Charleston.

Stephanie G. Chandler

M.S.P CCC-SLP - Departmental Manager

Originally from Connecticut, Stephanie has resided in the south for the past 16 years. She received a bachelor of science degree from the College of Charleston in 2011 and a Master of Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina in 2013. She spent two years providing therapy to preschool and school age children in Berkeley County School District, then transitioned to working directly with patients and their families within the clinical setting for 3 years in a clinic outside of Atlanta, GA. She returned to South Carolina and has been with Mt. Pleasant Pediatric Therapy since 2018, where co-workers and patients have become family. Stephanie has a special interest in treating children with motor speech disorders, and has received training from the PROMPT Institute, Beckman Oral-Motor and Talk Tools. Stephanie also enjoys treating language delays in both small children and adolescents in assisting to increase their communication skills and overall independence. She is a “life long learner” and feels passionate about helping families reach goals, big or small. Stephanie enjoys going to shows, trying new restaurants, practicing yoga, and exploring all that Charleston has to offer with her husband, Matt, sweet daughter Annalise (2) and dog, Kevin.

Lindsay Cornwell

M.S., CCC-SLP

Originally from Ohio, Lindsay completed her undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2018. She then received her master’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University in 2021. She holds a license in Speech-Language Pathology in South Carolina and maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competency through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Lindsay has decided to take a leap and move to South Carolina to be closer to family. She is eager to explore and see all South Carolina has to offer. Lindsay enjoys working with children and decided to pursue a career in speech and language pathology as an undergrad. She has clinical experience working with various speech and language disorders within the pediatric population. Lindsay has gained experience working in a private practice and externships in various settings, including a community clinic, elementary schools, and a university clinic. She is passionate about working with children and their families to help them reach their goals. When Lindsay is not busy working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Dru Craft Hyman

Dru Craft Hyman

M.A., CCC-SLP - Connections Specialist

Dru was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from the University of South Carolina-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Master of Science degree from Appalachian State University in Speech-Language Pathology. Dru has a passion and commitment to serve others. With a broad range of clinical experience within the pediatric population, she has worked with children with disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, apraxia, articulation disorders, and auditory and language processing disorders. Dru, also, has a particular interest in working with children with swallowing and feeding disorders. In her spare time, Dru enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog, Cub, relaxing at the beach, cheering on her Gamecocks, and traveling.

Laiken Odum

M.S., CCC-SLP

Originally from North Carolina, Laiken completed her undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Master of Science degree from Jacksonville University in Speech-Language Pathology. Laiken has gained experience with a variety of diagnoses within the pediatric population including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Apraxia, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, swallowing and feeding disorders, articulation disorders, expressive/receptive language disorders, etc. It is her goal to truly make a difference in the lives of future clients by helping them improve their communication skills whether it be verbally, through American Sign Language (ASL), or an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Outside of work, Laiken enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, wakeboarding, and shopping.

Occupational Therapy

Emma Adams

Emma Adams

M.S. OTR/L - Departmental Manager

Emma received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia College and State University in 2019 and her Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University in 2021. She is NBCOT certified and licensed to practice in the state of South Carolina. Emma is very passionate about working with children. She has received post-graduate education in DIR Floortime and completed training and certification in Astronaut Training, a sound activated vestibular-visual protocol. Emma is also trained in the CAN-EAT approach to feeding and enjoys using this method during feeding therapy. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, going to the pool, traveling, exploring the food scene in Charleston, and spending time outside with her dogs, George and Tucker.

Katelyn Miles

M.S. OTR/L

Kate is originally from near Pittsburgh, PA and received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees at Gannon University in Erie, PA. Kate recently moved to Charleston (to get away from the cold winters in PA) and is Board Certified and Licensed to practice here in South Carolina. She has experience with a wide range of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, developmental delay, down syndrome, ADHD, and more. Kate is extremely passionate about her chosen profession of occupational therapy and is ready to immerse herself and grow on this journey! In her free time Kate enjoys exploring all the charm, great restaurants, and beaches that Charleston has to offer!

Kristen Ritter

Kristen Ritter

M.S., OTR/L

Kristen is a board-certified Occupational Therapists with a license to practice OT in South Carolina. Kristen received a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health Science from Misericordia University. She has received post-graduate education in DIR Floortime, completed training and certification in Astronaut Training, a sound activated vestibular-visual protocol, and education related to pediatric sensory system and the effects on developmental behaviors and function. Kristen has experience working with both children and adults in an outpatient setting, however, she has always loved working with children to help them reach their full potential. She has experience working with the following diagnoses: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Genetic Disorder, Developmental Delays, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and more. Outside of OT, Kristen loves playing sports, especially soccer, she also likes being outside, and going on any adventure with her dog, Luca.

Renee Gluchowski

M.S. OTR/L

Renee is a board certified Occupational Therapist with a license to practice OT in South Carolina. She is originally from Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA. Renee attended her undergraduate studies at Temple University and received her Bachelors of Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Thomas Jefferson University. She received post-graduate education in CLASI, an Ayres Sensory integration training program and S.O.S. a sensory - oral motor based feeding training program. Renee is very passionate about working with children in order to reach their full potential and increase quality of life. Renee has experience working with children with the following diagnoses: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Genetic Disorder, ADHD, Developmental Delays, Feeding Disorders, and more. In her free time, Renee enjoys traveling, going to the beach, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends. Renee is excited to apply her experiences to the children and young adults at MPPT!

Cara Storch-Ujfalusi

Cara Storch-Ujfalusi

M.S. OTR/L

Throughout her life, Cara has had many passions leading to working within a wide range of professions; performing at Walt Disney World, supporting adults living with developmental disabilities as a Behavior Specialist, and even working as a cosmetologist. When she learned the heart of Occupational Therapy was to assist individuals to carry out any and all activities meaningful to them, she knew she had to pursue it. Cara first obtained her BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida. Following this, she studied abroad in Scotland, where she completed her MS in Occupational Therapy. After becoming certified and licensed in NY, she worked on Long Island as a pediatric OT, focusing on strengths of children while finding ways to overcome obstacles they were facing within their natural environments. She also worked in a hand therapy clinic alongside patients of all ages, to find ways to develop independence and adapt to living with chronic or acute conditions. As a new resident to SC, she is very excited to apply her wide range of experiences to provide the most effective and family-centered approaches for each child and young adult she works with at MPPT! Cara loves to travel, be in and around nature, explore with friends and family, and spend time at home with her husband and cat, Marble Mae. She is also always up for a dance party!

Physical Therapy

Lara Trevett

Lara Trevett

Doctor of Physical Therapy - Departmental Manager

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Lara moved to South Carolina in 2021. She received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Southwestern School of Allied Health in 2008 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Texas Tech School of Health Sciences in 2014. In 2017, she received her Pediatric Certified Specialist Certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Lara has worked in the outpatient setting for her entire career, with her previous experience in a pediatric hospital-based outpatient clinic. She has experience in working with a variety of genetic, neurologic, developmental, and orthopedic/sports diagnoses. Her specialty skills include gait, serial casting, NMES/biofeedback, concussion/vestibular rehabilitation, KT tape, IASTM, and manual therapy. She has a passion to make life better for children and help them achieve their goals in a compassionate and fun way. Lara enjoys spending time with friends and family, any outdoor activity, photography, and college football.

Maegan Reed

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Maegan is from Charleston, SC. She received her undergraduate degree from Clemson University and returned home to Charleston to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina. While at MUSC, Maegan gained experience with outpatient and inpatient pediatrics, treating a variety of diagnoses, and fell in love with working with kids. She is passionate about learning new skills and new ways to improve the lives of her patients. In her free time, Maegan loves traveling, being outdoors, playing sports, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her friends and family. She is so excited to be a part of the MPPT team!

Frank Leahy

Frank Leahy

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Frank received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Nazareth College of Rochester; located in New York. He spends the beginning part of his days as an active Physical Therapist at Franke at Seaside in Mount Pleasant, SC. In the afternoons, Frank is passionate about having the opportunity to apply his skills and knowledge within the pediatric population. When not doing PT, you can find Frank building, calculating or creating a new project. Frank is an active problem solver and has an innate drive for helping others. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Annmarie, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Hannah Western

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Hannah is originally from St. Louis Missouri. She moved to Charleston to pursue her undergraduate degree and play college volleyball at Charleston Southern University. Hannah couldn’t get enough of Charleston and stayed to receive her doctorate of physical therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. She has always had a passion for working with kids and is excited to grow her knowledge as a new graduate with Mount Pleasant Pediatric Physical therapy!

Administration

Layne Manos

Layne Manos

Referral Coordinator & Office Manager

Layne is a local through and through. She was born and raised right here in Charleston. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mississippi College. Layne has worked in sales and marketing for the past 9 years, but her passion for helping others and working with kids led to her transition to the medical world. Layne loves being out and around town with her husband and two children.

Olive

Therapy Dog In Training

Olive is an AKC Golden Retriever born in Georgia on January 19, 2022. She relocated to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina where she lives with her mom (Ms. Annmarie), dad (Mr. Frank), and older brother, Oakley, a 12 year old Brittany Spaniel. Olive is "paws-itively" adorable and loves having a "ball" at the clinic every day with her friends. She loves to raise the "woof" with all the kiddos and therapists and enjoys getting involved with all treatment sessions. She is MPPT's #1 cheerleader and loves to remind all the kids that anything is "paws-ible!" Olive is actively enrolled in therapy dog training weekly and has completed 1 out of 3 assessments. In her free time, Olive loves playing with her toys, going on car rides, and finding socks that she can walk around with.

Paige Kesler

Paige Kesler

Billing Manager

Paige moved to Charleston from Southern Kentucky to attend the Medical University of South Carolina. After receiving her master's degree in health administration, she worked in retirement community management and primary care management before joining the team at Mount Pleasant Pediatric Therapy. Paige enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter.

Liam Kneisz

Clinic Coordinator

Liam was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and also lived in the Philippines, Toronto, Northern Virginia, and Richmond, Virginia before moving to Charleston. He earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Longwood University in Virginia. After earning his degree, he worked with kids doing school fundraisers, after school and summer camp programs. He also has experience working in the activities department at a skilled nursing facility. Outside of work, he enjoys doing anything outdoors, spending time with his dog, being active, photography, and music. His passion is to help others out, while also learning new skills along the way, and hopes to carry out his passion while working here at MPPT.

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