Coastal Pediatric Therapy Team

Coastal Icons 3 In Row (1)

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NANCY TURNER

Founder & CEO

Speech Language Pathologist

Nancy Turner MS, CCC-SLP

Nancy has over 40 years of experience treating children with speech, language, and fluency disorders. She received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Carolina University and a Master’s in Special Education. Nancy has extensive experience treating many diagnoses, including developmental language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, Autism, Down’s syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Apraxia, and stuttering. She has training in the Kaufman Speech Praxis Program and various oral-motor techniques, including the Beckman Oral-Motor Approach.

Prior to opening Coastal, Nancy provided therapy primarily in school settings, where she treated speech and language-impaired preschoolers. She is a recipient of The Gladys Prior Award for Career Teaching Excellence and has presented countless workshops for teachers and parents on early identification of speech and language delays.

Eventually, Nancy founded Coastal in 1995 in an effort to make quality one-on-one therapy services more accessible to children in the Jacksonville area. Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center is a comprehensive, multi-specialty therapy team that provides speech & language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration, feeding intervention, and specialized reading instruction.

Since then, Nancy is committed to providing quality, individualized play-based therapy in a warm and welcoming environment so each child can reach their potential. She strongly believes that communication empowers children to be successful!

When she is not overseeing the therapy center, Nancy enjoys reading, spending time with family, and caring for her grandchildren, Crew and Charlie.

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Kat Deangelis

Practice Administrator

KATHRYN DEANGELIS, MHA

A Jacksonville native, Kathryn obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Master’s of Healthcare Administration from the University of North Florida. Kathryn has been a part of Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center Team since 2008. 

Currently, Kathryn manages daily clinic operations, human resources, and strategic planning.

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Kellie Wright

Clinical Director

Occupational Therapist

KELLIE WRIGHT MOT, OTR/L

Kellie is our Director of Occupational and Physical Therapy and has been with the Coastal Pediatric Therapy team since 2009! She graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Since becoming a therapist, she has evaluated and treated children with various diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, stroke, fine-motor delays, and feeding difficulties. She has training in Beckman Oral Motor and sensory integration.

After graduating, Kellie continued her professional education. She completed courses such as Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders, Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation in the Infant and Young Child, Autism and the Military Child, amongst others.

Currently Kellie strives to provide a fun learning environment where children can happily engage in challenging activities to increase their confidence in their abilities. She helps children with a variety of fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, feeding, and motor coordination needs for them to achieve success and independence across all environments.

While away from the therapy center, Kellie enjoys beach life with her husband and two young daughters. She likes coffee, jogging to the beach, and spending as much time as possible by the pool 🙂

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Pediatric Occupational Therapists

At Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center, our team of Occupational Therapists is experienced in treating Sensory Processing, Coordination, Handwriting, Self-Regulation, Fine Motor Skills, Picky Eating, Infant Feeding Support, and much more!

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Janine

Occupational Therapist - Clinical Lead

JANINE - Occupational Therapist & Team Lead

Janine was born and raised in the sunshine state. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida with a degree in Psychology and a concentration in child psychology. Afterward, she obtained her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA.

Before discovering her passion for occupational therapy, she was a registered behavior technician, where she worked with the autistic population and specialized in behavioral analysis. During this time, she gained experience working with children and their families in a variety of settings, including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing, dyslexia, genetic disorders, as well as overall developmental delays.

Presently Janine strongly believes in utilizing a collaborative and holistic approach to best treat and support the child in reaching their goals, achieving independence, and building their confidence. Furthermore, she is passionate about caregiver education to gain the most beneficial outcomes and improve carry-over at home.

In addition, Janine enjoys giving back to her community and has volunteered at local organizations throughout Jacksonville, including Daniel Kids, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Dreams Come True.

During Janine's time off, she enjoys being outside with her friends and family, traveling, and playing with her mini goldendoodle.

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Kara website photo

Kara

Occupational Therapist

Alora - Occupational Therapist

Kara graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Health Sciences and went on to earn her Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from the University of St. Augustine. She has experience as a treating therapist in outpatient pediatric and school-based settings.

Growing up in competitive cheerleading, she has always been passionate about how the human body works. That, combined with her creative interests (including, but not limited to—sewing, scrapbooking, painting, etc.), is why Kara feels Occupational Therapy is the perfect profession for her! She loves how unique each session can be with her patients and strives to always make OT a fun, inviting environment.

In her free time, Kara enjoys working out, cooking new recipes, traveling with her husband, and completing home improvement projects.

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2023 Team Photos (1)

Alyssa

Occupational Therapist

ALYSSA - MOT, OTR/L

Alyssa was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and attended Georgia College and State University. There she received a major in biology and a minor in psychology. Alyssa then received her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

During her fieldwork experience, Alyssa received training at Atrium Health - Navicent Autism and Development Center. Preceding joining the Coastal team, she worked in the early intervention home health setting, where she gained experience working with children of all ages in their natural surroundings.

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Brooke Team Photo

Brooke

Occupational Therapist

Brooke - Occupational Therapist

Brooke was born and raised in East Tennessee. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in therapeutic recreation and a minor in psychology. Following that, she received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University. During her education, she served as the primary investigator analyzing the early signs of a need for therapeutic intervention in children born with neonatal abstinence syndrome and intrauterine drug exposure. The outcome was an increased awareness among referral sources of the need for early support services (OT, PT, ST) in susceptible populations.

She is passionate about serving the pediatric population through intentional, engaging, and client-centered intervention. Brooke has experience serving children with diagnoses of autism, sensory processing challenges, ADD/ADHD, and Down syndrome, as well as other socio-emotional, self-help, visual motor, and fine motor deficits. She is familiar with effectively treating in outpatient, daycare, and private school settings. Brooke is thankful for the privilege to assist children in building confidence and functional skills through fun and playful interventions. She is also very familiar with Paw Patrol, Sonic, superheroes, dinosaurs, and Disney princesses. 🙂

During Brooke’s time off, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, going to Disney World, soaking in the sun at the beach, working out at F45/dance fitness, playing games, and being creative through decorating, home projects, and crafting.

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Dani 

Occupational Therapist

DANI - MSOT, OTR/L

Danielle was born and raised in Indiana. After graduating with her Bachelor’s in Movement and Sport Sciences at Purdue University, she received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in Grand Rapids, MI.

Soon after, Dani completed her level 2 fieldwork and became a board-certified and licensed occupational therapist in Florida. Primarily working in schools and outpatient settings, Dani has worked with children with diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and fine-motor delay.

After joining our therapy team here at Coastal, Dani has since become a valuable member. Dani has always had a passion for working with children. She wants to help change their lives in a meaningful way. Furthermore, she enjoys working with families to provide the tools necessary for each child she treats so they can live and enjoy life as independently as possible!

During her time off, Dani loves walking on the beach with her family, listening to live music, and being outdoors. She has two dogs at home who think they are just as human as other family members.

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Roxy

Occupational Therapist

Roxy Bermeo M.S. OTR/L

Roxy is from New York City and relocated to Jacksonville. She graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and Mathematics. She then graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy with a high honors designation.

Undoubtedly it was always her dream to work with the pediatric population. She received extensive training and became a Certified Autism Specialist and a Level 1 Master of Reiki healing. With evidence-based practice and holistic therapeutic approaches, she provides safe, fun, and healing therapy for children. Roxy has experience with treating various diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, anxiety, traumatic brain injuries, developmental delays, and genetic disorders.

Currently, her goals on the Coastal Pediatric Therapy Team are to inspire the kids she works with to overcome their challenges and believe in themselves and their dreams. She enjoys educating parents on best supporting their children and loves spreading knowledge about OT through our social media.

When she has time for leisure, Roxy enjoys traveling and experiencing the Florida lifestyle with her kids.

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Elise website photo

Elise

Occupational Therapist

Elise Grace - Occupational Therapist

Elise is a Maryland native and graduate of Elizabethtown College with her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Since graduating in 2017, she has worked exclusively with children and young adults ages 3 months to 21 years across a variety of settings including school, home, hospital, and community-based practice. She has experience working with children with Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, CP, orthopedic injury, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, feeding difficulties, social-emotional impairments, and various genetic conditions.  

 
In July of 2022, Elise moved to Columbus, Ohio where she completed a pediatric occupational therapy fellowship with Nationwide Children's Hospital. Over the course of the fellowship year, she was able to treat clinically in outpatient, acute, specialty, and inpatient rehabilitation, as well as assistant teach in the Occupational Therapy department at The Ohio State University. Additionally, she graduated from the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training program at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. 

 
Elise utilizes a child-led approach in her therapy sessions, with play at the core of her practice. She loves to include children and their families throughout the entire therapeutic process, including identifying and addressing goals that are most important to them!
 
Outside of the clinic, her favorite occupations include crafts, traveling, playing board games, visiting Disney parks, and spending time with her family, friends, and pup. 
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Allie

Allie

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Allie

Allie graduated from Roane State with an A.S. degree in Occupational Therapy and then began her career working with kids in the school systems in Knoxville, TN where she was born and raised. She has 3 years of experience in various pediatric settings, working with a wide range of ages from 3 months to 18 years. In joining the Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center Team, she continues to find purpose in working with kids and families both in the clinic and school setting. 

She herself was an active participant in therapy as a child and feels as though walking alongside children now as their therapist is a full-circle opportunity. With that, she is passionate about instilling confidence in children to walk in their perfect design with a focus on their strengths. Through occupational therapy in the clinic setting, she values equipping families with tools, approaches, and therapeutic strategies to help their children thrive in their daily lives.

Allie and her husband recently moved to sunny Jacksonville, FL, to enjoy an active lifestyle filled with beach days, bike rides, and pickleball!

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Alexa

Alexa

Occupational Therapist

Alexa

Alexa is a Florida native born and raised in Niceville, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. She then received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where her capstone focused on promoting feeding in children with autism through caregiver education. Her fieldwork training was with Advent Health in outpatient pediatrics
in Ocala, FL, and with Brooks Rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility on the orthopedic floor in Jacksonville, FL. Alexa is certified in the USC Chan Sensory Integration Program and has sufficient experience providing sensory integration intervention, which she is very passionate about.

Alexa has served children with autism, various sensory processing disorders, ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, motor delays, learning delays, language disorders, visual perceptual difficulties, as well as socio-emotional or behavioral challenges.

Alexa strives to build meaningful relationships with her clients and help them build confidence and skills through a playful approach. She loves working with a team of professionals and collaborating with caregivers to provide client-centered outcomes.

During her free time, Alexa enjoys being active, going to the beach,
cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

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MARY KATE

Occupational Therapist

MARY KATE COMBERIATE OTR/L

Mary Kate attended Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, where she received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree.

Since graduating, Marykate's background includes experience treating a variety of diagnoses, including Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, genetic disorders, developmental delay, sensory processing, and autism spectrum disorders. She has provided family-centered services in the outpatient pediatric setting and NICU follow-up.

Now Mary Kate loves working with children at Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center. She is passionate about creating an environment where children can have fun and develop new skills. She is certified to complete the General Movement Assessment and is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA.

When not treating her Coastal Pediatric kids, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her family, and traveling.

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Maddie Team Photo

Mylee

Occupational Therapist

Mylee Gamboa

Mylee grew up in Puerto Rico, where she obtained her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. She always had a calling to work with children, so she moved to Jacksonville. In August 2018, she received her master’s in occupational therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

After graduating, Mylee has worked in pediatric outpatient clinics. Some of her professional education includes Effective Autism Interventions for OT, Handwriting Without Tears® K-5 Handwriting Workshop, Feed the Peds®, and SOS approach to feeding. Mylee aspires to offer a happy learning environment where children are having fun and improving their skills at the same time. During her spare time, Mylee enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

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Missie

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

MISSIE DRIGGERS COTA/L, CKTP

Missie graduated from Keiser University with an A.S. degree in Occupational Therapy. She holds her board certification through NBCOT and is also a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner.

Before joining the Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center Team, her career began as a traveling therapist. During her time as a traveling Occupational Therapist, Missie gained experience working in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities.

Always desiring to work with children, Missie then relocated to Gainesville, FL, where she dedicated five years to gaining experience working with the pediatric population.

Currently, she has the pleasure of treating kids at Coastal in the clinic and private school settings.

When she not at the Therapy Center, Missie enjoys sunny beach days, swimming in the springs, working out, and going to theme parks!

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Pediatric Physical Therapists

Meet the Physical Therapy team at Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center! Our highly skilled PTs incorporate play-based therapy to treat a wide range of needs, including Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Balance, Milestone Delays, Muscle Strengthening, Flexibility, Improving Mobility, Easing Pain, and so much more!

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Elizabeth

Lead Physical Therapist

Elizabeth Payne PT

Physical Therapist Elizabeth graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She has 22 years of experience as a physical therapist.

Prior, Elizabeth felt a calling to focus on pediatric therapy after her son was diagnosed with Autism. As a physical therapist, she worked in various clinical settings, including adult and pediatric orthopedic outpatient, early intervention, and Early Steps. She also worked in the school systems as an itinerant physical therapist. She has experience with hospital-homebound students.

As a pediatric therapist, Elizabeth worked with a diverse population of children, including medically fragile, with orthopedic impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, genetic disorders, and developmental delay. Elizabeth trained in Integrative Listening Systems, M.O.V.E Basic Provider Training, Kinesiology Taping for Pediatrics, and numerous sensory processing courses.

At Coastal Therapy, Elizabeth says, "My physical therapy method involves treating the whole child by providing motor opportunities in the natural environment through play and large movements. I also incorporate yoga stretches, primitive reflex exercises, and sensory activities into my gross motor sessions."

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Jeanna

Jeanna

Physical Therapist

Jeanna Heater PT

Jeanna attended Florida State University and received her Bachelor of Science before pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Florida. 

As a pediatric therapist, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, private and public school systems, and medical daycares. She has experience working with a wide range of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, toe walking, and torticollis/plagiocephaly, as well as orthopedic conditions including scoliosis and Osgood Schlatter. 

Jeanna values building strong relationships with each child and their families. During treatment, she focuses on achieving maximum function to allow the child to participate in desired activities in school, at home, or during extracurriculars, to the best of their abilities.

Outside of work, you will find Jeanna spending time at the beach, going on runs, playing pickleball, reading, or enjoying local coffee shops.

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Jenna

Physical Therapist

Jenna Mader

Bio Coming Soon!

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Kaylee

Physical Therapist

Kaylee Janusko PT

Kaylee attended the University of North Florida and received her Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Exercise Science. She then pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine.

Presently Kaylee has training in manual therapy, soft tissue massage, and orthopedic management of foot deformities. She is educated in infant handling and NDT techniques. She has experience in pediatric vestibular dysfunction as well as sensory-motor needs. Kaylee has worked with various diagnoses, from orthopedic management, gross motor delay, endocrine and metabolic dysfunction, autism spectrum disorder, and genetic syndromes to neurologic dysfunction, including cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.

Working at Coastal Pediatrics, Kaylee creates an engaging environment to enhance developmental growth. She finds inspiration from the children she meets and believes children have great potential to learn, grow, and become their best selves.

Away from work, Kaylee enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters in the beautiful outdoors.

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Pediatric Speech & Language Pathologist

Our Speech and Language therapists work with children on a wide range of challenges, such as Phonological Awareness, Articulation, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices, Language Skills, Lisp, and  Stuttering, just to name a few!

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Tara

Speech-Language Pathologist

Clinical Lead

TARA HANS MS, CCC-SLP

Tara joined the Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center’s team in 2018 after completing her externship and clinical fellowship with Coastal. During her fellowship, Tara graduated from Jacksonville University - receiving her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She gained clinical experience while in pediatric outpatient and private practice clinics, acute care, and serving within the Duval County Public School System. 

Before this, Tara completed her undergraduate studies at Florida Atlantic University, graduating Cum Laude. In her spare time, Tara worked as a behavior therapist with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Currently, Tara holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. She is passionate about working with diagnoses such as articulation and phonological disorders, developmental delays, receptive-expressive language disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and Down Syndrome. Ultimately is committed to providing quality therapy that's fun, engaging, and effective.

On her days off, Tara enjoys a beautiful sunrise, long runs, and biking around the beaches with friends.

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Morgan

Morgan

Speech-Language Pathologist

Morgan

Bio coming soon!

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Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center Jacksonville, Fl

Lindsey

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lindsey

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Jenna

Jenna

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jenna

Bio coming soon!

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Kristal

Speech-Language Pathologist

KRISTAL RAY MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD

Kristal relocated to Jacksonville from Queens, New York. She holds her Bachelor of Science In Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a minor in Spanish Studies from Andrews University. Kristal obtained her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Adelphi University. Accordingly, she currently holds New York and Florida professional licenses.

Previously, Kristal worked for the NYC Department Of Education. As a public school-based speech-language pathologist, she worked closely with administrators, school-based support team members, teachers, and parents to make the best decisions for her students. She also provided speech, language, and feeding therapy for NYC early intervention (birth - 3 years) with various pediatric disorders and medical diagnoses.

Correspondingly, Kristal has experience working with Autism Spectrum Disorder from birth through the school-age population. She is passionate about language development, communication, and helping each child find their voice.

In her free time, Kristal loves music, animals, traveling, exploring hairstyles, trying new plant-based recipes, and inspirational quotes. One of her favorite quotes is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

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Brooke Team Photo (3)

Maddie

Speech-Language Pathologist

Maddie Kocse

Madison received her undergraduate degree from Penn State University, minoring in Spanish. She completed her Master’s program at Temple University in Philadelphia with a bilingual emphasis. Madison has held licenses in both Pennsylvania and Florida and has her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Maddie recently relocated to Jacksonville and is excited to work with the Coastal team!

Maddie gained experience working with diverse populations through Temple University’s on-site clinic, as well as through school-based, subacute rehabilitation, early intervention, and private practice settings. This experience helped Maddie foster a love for helping children gain foundational and functional communication skills.

Currently, Madison enjoys working with children in both English and Spanish to reach their communication goals. She has worked closely with children diagnosed with articulation and phonological disorders, receptive-expressive language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, developmental delays, and genetic disorders. Maddie loves using play-based therapy and child-led therapy to help children master life-long skills in a fun way. Madison looks forward to helping all families and children learn how to take what they learn at Coastal to create closer connections with people in their everyday life.

When Maddie has spare time, you can find her watching a Jax Beach sunrise, riding her bike with friends, reading a good book, cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions, or giving cuddles to her cat, Butler.

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Erun

Erin

Speech-Language Pathologist

Erin

Bio coming soon!

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Administration

The administration team at Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center is happy to help our families behind the scenes. From scheduling to working with your insurance company, the Coastal Team is here to support you through your journey with us.

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Michele

Front Office Manager

Michele Pitarresi

Michele is originally from New York. While in New York, she gained 14 years of experience working at a multidisciplinary pediatric facility. Michele has always loved working with the pediatric population. While in New York, she played a pivotal role in bringing the New York Road Runners Youth Program to Staten Island. She loved volunteering her time with them and went on to coach them for 8 years.

Michele and her husband eventually decided to relocate to Florida and became a valued part of the Coastal Therapy team as a Patient Services Coordinator. As the patient services coordinator, you're likely to talk to Michele often!

On her days off Michele likes going on bike rides and long walks. She also enjoys visiting with her children, family, and friends. Michele is also a sports enthusiast. When traveling, she loves to visit different sports venues.

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Kelsey

Patient Services Coordinator

Mary Curry

Bio coming soon!

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Toni

Referral Coordinator

TONI HOPKINS

Toni was raised in a small town in Alabama and obtained a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of West Florida.

After completing an internship with the Walt Disney Company, she strived to combine her passion for serving others and her skills in administration into a career path that led her to Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center. Toni enjoys navigating the healthcare and insurance industries. She aims to deliver consistent and knowledgeable communication to families during their time with Coastal.

Toni's interests outside of Coastal include spending time with her husband and child, going to the beach, and reading.

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Ellen

Ellen

Billing Director

Ellen Gambuzza

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HELPING EACH CHILD ACHIEVE SUCCESS