#kidzkrew

Hey everyone! We have not done one of these in a while, but it’s about time! We have had so many changes in the past couple of months. The great part of the change is we gained some new therapists. We are so excited for their journey with us! Let’s get to know one of our newest...well new but not really new therapist, Ashley! Ashley's story is a bit unique. She was one of our students but is now part of the KidZ krew!

Here’s her story!

Ashley Bartek PT, DPT

“I grew up in Temple, so this area is home for me. My littlest sister was diagnosed with autism when she was 2 years old and that is when my love for therapy started. I would always go to her physical therapy appointments and I just knew that is what I wanted to do when I grew up. I got my Bachelors in Pre-Physical Therapy at UMHB in Belton in 2013, Just months before graduation I got married to my husband and we both moved down to San Marcos, Tx where I got my doctoral degree in PT. I was first introduced to KidZ in January of 2016 when I was a student on clinical rotation. I enjoyed it so much that after graduation I decided to come back and work full time! The thing I love most about being a pediatric physical therapist, is the joy I see in my kid's and parent's eyes when they are able to do something for the first time, that for so long was not a possibility. Seeing the kids be proud of themselves is what makes all the hard work and long days worth it!”

Greetings everyone! 

A lot has been going on here at KidZ TherapEZE! I have been M.I.A with all the changes going on - BUT I have some great news to share!  New therapists have joined our KidZ krew which I will be introducing to you all soon! They have been working hard to provide the best care for our patients. 

Today I am featuring one of newest occupational therapists! Binita came here in the beginning of this year and the kiddos are already loving her! 

Let’s get to know her!!!

Binita Patel OTR, MOT

“I first learned about occupational therapy through my involvement in Best Buddies, an organization that pairs adults with disabilities with college students to encourage community socialization. I then shadowed a pediatric occupational therapist to determine if this career would be a good fit and was drawn to the idea of helping children engage in their preferred areas of play and be successful in different environments. I worked as an ABA therapist providing behavioral interventions for children with autism during my undergraduate career to get more exposure to children with special needs. I graduated with my masters and obtained a job at Kidz Therapeze shortly after. I love finding toys and activities that motivate my patients and get so excited when they make baby steps towards their goals! I look forward to learning more in order to be the best therapist for my awesome kiddos.”

I’m excited to feature one of our amazing speech therapists! Jaimee came to the KidZ family in early 2015. She is a great team member and works extremely hard for patients. She’s sweet, fun, and dedicated to her kiddos! Let’s get to know Jaimee!

Jaimee Legg, SLP-CF

“As early as I can remember I had a strong passion to work with children, however I initially directed that passion towards the medical field and working as a pediatrician. I started my college career with a major in Biology, however I quickly realized that while I found the anatomy portion of the course interesting, I did not have a strong desire to pursue the profession. Being born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, my entire family has a very strong Brooklyn accent! I always found the variations in languages, accents, and dialects, in just New York alone, very interesting. I was then introduced to the field of Speech-Language Pathology, which combined my interests of anatomy, speech and language. I completed both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at the State University of New York at New Paltz. While in New York I met my now fiancé, who was quickly stationed to Fort Hood, Texas. So, after 3 years of a long distance relationship this city girl moved to Texas! I began working for KidZ in May 2015 and I have loved every minute of it! I could not have imagined being exposed to such a diversity of patients, and learning so much about the field, in just under a year. I look forward to learning and growing as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a clinic that is respected and adored by both its staff and its patients!”

In lieu of Physical Therapy Month- we are thrilled to feature one of our new team members. Welcome Ruchi! She came to KidZ TherapEZE ready to change lives and make a difference. 

 Let’s get to know her! :)

Ruchi Bagrodia PT, DPT

Growing up, I was always interested in working in a profession where I would get to interact with people and help others. In high school, I was sort of a science nerd and became fascinated with the human body when I studied anatomy and physiology in college. Following undergrad at the University of Texas (Hook ‘em!), I had the opportunity to serve in a low-income public school in Seattle for one year as an educator and mentor for young children. Throughout these unique experiences, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I wanted a career in which I could fulfill my passions for science, health, education, service to others, and working with children and youth. I happened to find the perfect field of work- I attended Regis University in Denver, CO and received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015. As a physical therapist at KidZ, I am lucky enough to work with amazing colleagues and children who challenge me, make me laugh, and teach me new things every day. I am excited to keep growing as a clinician and moving the PT profession forward!

First impressions  are always important. Here at KidZ TherapEZE, we want to make sure we make a long lasting  impression! Greetings, questions, general help or information - you name it! Front desk is here to assist any way we can in providing the best care for your family! But front desk is not just our  main job - we’re problem solvers, insurance extraordinaires, billing experts and we’re here to listen to your concerns. We want to make sure your child gets the proper attention they need! 

Christine and Jessica are here Monday- Friday to provide the best patient care! 

Jessica is one our amazing billing specialist as well as our PRO Director. Any billing or statement questions- she’s your girl! She strategically creates and aides in  PRO classes designed to improve the well being of our patients outside of therapy! She has a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology and is a mother to a beautiful little girl. 

Christine is the Office Coordinator as well as one of the waiting list coordinators. She has been in the hospitality profession for over 7 years and wants to ensure a safe, trusting, and fun environment for all families that come to KidZ! She helps and aides in referrals and patient care. She is active with her church, Faith Point, and the community. 

My spotlight today is not someone in particular, it is the whole clinic in general! I hear people say how much they love their job..but I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE my job, my coworkers, my superiors, and everyone! This place has changed my life and has brought so much joy. The mission and the heart behind the clinic inspires me. Our therapists work hard in dedicating their time and hearts to change the lives of our patients. So many of our children graduate from therapy walking freely, speaking clearly, having gained confidence and a new life!

Every day there is new joy and new reasons to celebrate life! I literally can talk all day about how much I love this place but the place speaks for itself. Every patient and family matters. Its one of the best parts of my day when I see a child walk for the first time, achieve a goal, or say a words/phrases they’ve struggled with. 

KidZ TherapEZE is a family owned business that really is one big family :) 

We are featuring another one our magnificent Speech Therapists! The moments where I get to know the therapist are always interesting and enlightening. Their stories and journey to KidZ are always fun to hear. It's  refreshing and really inspires me knowing that their passion is to help children to live a confident and normal lives!

 Let’s get to know Heather!

Heather Zeh, M.A. CCC-SLP

“My intention to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology was driven by three passions: communication, compassion, and community. Communication is so important and pervades every aspect of life. Compassion is defined as, “a deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.” Finally, my passion for community has been shaped by the opportunity to live in several diverse areas in Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado, and Texas. I first learned of speech pathology during my undergraduate education at Biola University. I loved the medical, educational, and social aspects of the field. I went on to pursue my master’s at the University of Northern Colorado. I have been at Kidz Therapeze for about two years now. I love my kiddos, their families, and being able to make a practical and meaningful difference in their lives with speech therapy.   When I’m not working, I am Cross Fitting, running, and working on my cooking skills. I also love drinking coffee, hiking, traveling, and chocolate. :) “

I hate to keep bragging, but our therapists here at KidZ TherapEZE are truly the best! Their dedication to the patients amaze me. They work so hard and always make sure the kiddos are working while have fun! Our therapists truly care for all of their patients. Their devotion to seeing them live as normal lives as possible truly inspires me. A lot of our therapists are so committed, that they travel long distances to be here everyday. Bethany is one of them and our spotlight for today! 

Lets get to know her! :) 

Bethany Licht, PT, DPT, C/NDT

 “I first became fascinated with how the human body works in 5th grade. In college, I started off pre-med, but after shadowing a doctor, I wasn't sure that it was for me. I wanted to be able to spend more time with my patients and help them overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful goals in their lives. My mom suggested I look into physical therapy, but since I was in my early 20's and still thought I knew everything, I of course didn't listen at first. But during the summer after my junior year I had the opportunity to do an internship where I worked at a physical therapy clinic and often got to help with treatment sessions with children, which is where I first fell in love with the pediatric setting. After college, I went to the University of Texas Medical Branch where I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2009. Kidz Therapeze was where I did my last clinical rotation, and I started working here right after I graduated. I have been here ever since! I love working with kids of all ages and abilities. I have a passion for working with kids with neurological disorders, and in 2012 I went through the 9-month process to become certified in Neuro developmental Treatment (NDT) for children. I love helping my kiddos achieve goals that are important to them and their families, from improving their head control in order to see what their siblings are doing, to riding a bike independently, and everything in between! When I'm not working, I love to cook, hike, go for runs with my border collie puppy, and hang out with my boyfriend and friends. I live in Austin and love exploring the city (especially all of the good food!), and I also love to travel!”