Our team has over 200 years of combined experience in serving children and young adults with developmental delays, learning differences, and therapeutic or rehabilitative needs.   

Physical Therapy

Melody Restivo, MSPT

Melody is a licensed and registered physical therapist.  She graduated from Loyola with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and received her Master’s degree from Wheeling Jesuit University School of Physical Therapy in West Virginia.  Melody has worked with both the adult and pediatric patient populations, and she previously worked at Ochsner NorthShore Hospital for Children in Louisiana.

Melody is certified in LSVT BIG, Kidding Around Yoga (KAY), and kinesiotaping; has over five years of experience working with spinal cord injuries; and is knowledgeable in bracing, seating systems, and amputee training.  Melody also has advanced experience working with patients with coordination, balance, strength, and agility issues. Her passion is working with children to achieve optimal functional coordination, strength and agility with all their daily life skills.


Occupational Therapy

Mia Carter, M.S., OTR/L, Mobile Office-Team Leader

Mia is a certified and licensed occupational therapist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Alabama.  She has worked in various settings including outpatient pediatrics, school-based environments, inpatient rehabilitation, acute care; and she currently serves as the Kids Always Kount Mobile location team leader.

Mia is certified in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), the Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment Protocol, and is also a certified Level 1 Handwriting Without Tears Instructor.  She has specialized training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment and handling (NDT), vision-related dysfunction, reflex integration, Brain Gym, Qigong Massage, the Astronaut Training protocol for vestibular integration, and dyslexia.  Her passion is working with children with special needs, especially those with autism spectrum disorders.

Shannon Norris, OTR/L, Co-Owner

Shannon is a licensed and registered occupational therapist.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Alabama, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Mississippi University for Women.  She is one of the two founding owners of Kids Always Kount Therapy Services since its origination in 2008. She has received multiple honors including an Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of South Alabama in 2013, co-authoring a series of children’s books on differently-abled children and their peer relationships, and co-authoring a chapter in the book Occupational Therapy in County-Based Practice Settings

She is a certified Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing Administrator and a certified Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) Advanced Practitioner.  Additionally, she holds certifications in Interactive Metronome, as a Handwriting Specialist, as an Irlen Syndrome Screener, and as a Dyslexia Advocate.  Shannon also has advanced training in dyslexia and dysgraphia treatment, kinesiotaping, Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), MNRI reflex integration, executive functioning disorders, DIR/Floortime Model, and vision-related dysfunctions.  Her passion is advocating for and working with children diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other neuro-biological disorders related to learning disabilities and differences.

Madison Ralph, M.S., OTR/L

Madison is a licensed and registered occupational therapist.  She graduated from the University of South Alabama (USA) with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) with her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.  She was accepted and completed a graduate level course on autism in addition to her standard coursework while at USA. Additionally, as a part of her graduate studies, Madison completed a research study entitled A Holistic OT Approach to Sleep Intervention for Children with ASD; and she has a published thesis from her work at USM entitled An Exploration of Perseverative Behaviors in Young Children with Autism.

Madison has obtained training in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), Handwriting Without Tears, vision-related dysfunction, Qigong massage, and the Astronaut Training protocol.  Her passions include helping children increase independence and academic success across environments through sensory integration interventions.

Sara Miller, M.S., OTR/L

Sara is a licensed and registered occupational therapist.  She graduated from the University of South Alabama with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.  As part of her graduate studies, Sara completed a research study entitled Positioned for Learning:  An Investigation on the Effectiveness of an Educational Presentation for Teachers on Laptop Ergonomics for Children.  

Sara has obtained training in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), Handwriting Without Tears, vision-related dysfunction, the Astronaut Training protocol, Qigong massage, and Brain Gym.  Her passion is helping children gain their greatest level of independence through all of their occupations—school, play, sports, and engagement with others.

Latoya Thomas, COTA/L

LaToya is a licensed and certified occupational therapist assistant.  She graduated from Wallace State with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Occupational Therapy.  Latoya has worked in the orthopedic setting, in nursing home facilities, and in pediatrics. She made the transition to pediatrics as her love for children is one of the reasons she chose a career in Occupational Therapy.  

LaToya is certified in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) and has obtained specialized training in reflex integration, myofascial release, vision-related dysfunction, Qigong massage, Brain Gym, and Handwriting Without Tears. Her passion is working with children with coordination deficits and sensory dysfunction as well as sports rehabilitation.

Erin Sliker, COTA/L

Erin is a licensed and certified occupational therapist assistant. She graduated with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting. Erin has worked in many settings including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living settings, and school systems; but her favorite is outpatient pediatrics. 

Erin has obtained specialized training in Kinesiotaping for Pediatrics, Brain Gym, Reflex Integration, Rhythmic Movements, and Handwriting Without Tears. Erin loves working with pediatrics but is a softy for those who need behavior interventions and those who require trauma-based care. 

Speech-Language Pathology

Andrea W. Pointer, MS, CCC-SLP, ADHD-CRSP, Co-Owner

Andrea is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. Andrea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo with a concentration in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo with a concentration in Audiology.  She has developed multidisciplinary pediatric and adult programs across a variety of settings and is one of the two founding owners of Kids Kount Therapy Services since its origination in 2008. She has co-authored a series of children’s books on differently-abled children and their peer relationships and is also a contributor to Auditory Processing: Assessment, Management, and Treatment-2nd Edition.

Andrea is certified in Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment, Advanced Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), PEERS® for Adolescents, Interactive Metronome, SPIRE Reading Intervention, LSVT Loud, and VitalStim Swallowing Therapy.  She has also received advanced training in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing, dyslexia assessment and treatment, sensory Integration, Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), pediatric dysphagia, TalkTools and Kaufman’s apraxia assessment and treatment approaches, behavior management, augmentative communication, oral restrictrictions assessment, MNRI auditory and visual reflex integration, stuttering interventions, SCERTS, DIR/Floortime Model, and P.L.A.Y. Project (Levels I and II Coursework).  Andrea is also an ADHD certified rehabilitation service provider and is a trainer and consultant for Integrated Listening Systems (ILS). Her passion is helping children identify their learning strengths in order to utilize these talents to overcome any challenges they may face.

Shelby Cotner, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Therapy Team Leader—Daphne

Shelby is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama.  She has been working with all ages in various settings, including private practice, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. Shelby currently serves as the Kids Always Kount Speech Therapy Team Leader in our Daphne location.

Shelby specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of disorders, including, but not limited to: autism spectrum disorders (including administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or ADOS), ADD/ADHD, Down’s syndrome, Cri-du-Chat, developmental delays, oral and sensory feeding disorders, learning disabilities, and dyslexia.  Shelby has advanced training in early language development, learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, pragmatic language disorders, Beckman Oral-Motor Interventions, and TalkTools assessment and treatment techniques. She is a certified Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) Practitioner and has received advanced training with implementation of the Wilson Reading Program as a component of individualized programs to address dyslexia and other reading/phonological awareness differences.  Shelby’s therapy approach includes teaching functional life skills that involve peer and family involvement to achieve goals.

Janika Davis, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Therapy Team Leader—Mobile

Janika Davis is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama.  After receiving her degree, Janika began working in her field as an SLP assistant in an outpatient and acute care hospital setting where she gained experience with both pediatric and adult populations.  Before entering into a Master’s program, Janika also worked as a speech-language pathologist in the public school system. She received her Master of Science degree from the University of South Alabama and then returned to acute care, home health, and outpatient rehabilitation settings, as well as she provided diagnostic and therapy services to children ages birth to 21 years.  Janika joined the Kids Always Kount team in 2008, and she currently serves as the Kids Always Kount Speech Therapy Team Leader in our Mobile location.

Janika is a certified Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) Practitioner and PEERS® for Adolescents Provider and has advanced training and experience in a variety of speech and language disorders including, but not limited to: articulation deficits, language delays, dysphagia, voice and fluency disorders, augmentative communication evaluations and implementation, Beckman Oral Motor treatment, and TalkTools assessment and treatment techniques.  Janika is also certified in the SPIRE Reading Intervention. Janika has worked with children with a wide range of abilities and strives to find each child’s individual strengths as building-blocks for further development.

Lauren Amos

Lauren is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama.  Prior to this, Lauren gained experience as a volunteer in various programs for supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders as well as she served as a mentor and tutor for elementary and middle school children.

Lauren has completed the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile training, Passy Muir Valve simulation labs, and a Hanen Center Workshop.  She also has specialized training in Integrated Listening Systems, SPIRE Reading Intervention, visual motor screenings for reading, Kaufman’s apraxia treatment approach, and Talk Tools and Beckman Oral Motor interventions.

Emilee Cook

Emilee is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama. Emilee has gained experience in a number of settings, which include: pediatric private practice, private and public schools, early intervention, medical centers and hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.  

Emilee is certified in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), Interactive Metronome, and PROMPT for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets. She also has advanced training in TalkTools assessment and treatment techniques (Apraxia Assessment and Intervention and Oral Placement Therapy Levels 1 and 2), SpeechEasy, Modified Barium Swallow Studies, VitalStim Therapy, and SPIRE Reading Intervention.  Emilee specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of speech, language, and oral-motor disorders including, but not limited to: stuttering, apraxia of speech, language delays, auditory processing disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, and orofacial myofunctional disorders. Her passions include working with children that stutter as she seeks to help them achieve successful communication and positive self-regard in all situations and environments.  

Susan Connell

Susan is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Alabama and her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Nova Southeastern University.  Susan has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings which include: schools, private clinics, and skilled nursing facilities.

She is a certified Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) Practitioner and has also received advanced training in the SPIRE Reading Intervention and Kaufman’s apraxia assessment and treatment approaches.  Susan specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of speech and language disorders including, but not limited to: early language, autism, articulation, fluency, cognitive-linguistic and dysphagia.  Her desire to help children overcome language learning disabilities has led to an interest in the areas of dyslexia, autism, and auditory processing.

Mary Grace Davis, M.S., CCC-SLP

Mary Grace is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of South Alabama and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama.  Mary Grace has gained experience in a number of settings, which include: pediatric and adult outpatient clinics and a nursing home. Upon completion of her graduate studies, the majority of her experience has been in outpatient pediatric therapy. She has worked extensively with children ages birth to eighteen years.

Mary Grace is certified in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) and the Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment. She also has advanced training in TalkTools assessment and treatment techniques. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of speech, language, and feeding disorders including, but not limited to:  fluency disorders, apraxia of speech, language delays, articulation/phonological disorders, AAC devices, augmentative and alternative communication needs, and swallowing disorders. She works closely with individuals and their families to facilitate effective individualized speech, language, and feeding therapy programs to enhance each child’s quality of life. Her desire to help children overcome learning differences and disabilities has led to an interest in the areas of working with children on the autism spectrum, those with alternate communication devices, and  children with feeding difficulties.

Madison During, M.S., CCC-SLP

Madison During is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University in Marketing and her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alabama.  Madison has experience in a variety of settings including acute and outpatient rehabilitation centers, public schools, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric private practice programs.  

Madison is certified in the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.)  Approach to Feeding and Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention.  She also has advanced or specialized training in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing; Treatment of Picky and Problem Eaters Using Food Chaining Therapy; Neonatal and Pediatric Feeding Disorders (in the NICU and After Discharge); Medical, Motor, and Behavioral Approaches to Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders; SPIRE Reading Intervention; and TalkTools assessment and treatment techniques.  Madison has a passion for working with children through early intervention, and she is devoted to helping children with swallowing and feeding problems achieve safe and optimal nutritional intake.

Laurie Reiney

Laurie is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University, as well as her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University.  Laurie has practiced speech-language pathology in a number of settings which include: outpatient pediatric clinics, public school systems, and skilled nursing facilities. The majority of her experience has been in the pediatric setting where she has worked extensively with children three to twenty-one years of age.  Laurie believes in the need to incorporate movement in learning and has led Speech-N-Motion classes and summer camps.

Laurie is a certified Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) Practitioner and also specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of speech and language disorders including, but not limited to: articulation delay, childhood apraxia of speech, language delay, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, fluency disorders, and pragmatic disorders.  She works closely with individuals and their families to facilitate effective communication skill development and implementation.

Gentry Yurak

Gentry is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo with a minor in Special Education and a focus on American Sign Language.  She also earned a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo. Prior to this, Gentry served as a children’s minister and was a teacher for a private learning center.  She is also an experienced summer camp director and camp counselor.

Gentry has completed the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile training and has advanced training in augmentative communication through All Access–Expanding , Building Blocks to AAC Success (Blocks 1, 2, & 3), and Let’s Get Talking:  Using AAC in the Classroom. Gentry has additional training in Integrated Listening Systems, SPIRE Reading Intervention, visual motor screening for reading, complex feeding, and Talk Tools and Beckman Oral Motor interventions.

Audiology

Leah Barter, MS, CCC-A, SLP/A

Leah is a licensed and certified clinical audiologist with an additional state licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant. She has also completed ninety hours of coursework through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators for advanced training in working with individuals diagnosed with dyslexia. Leah received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of South Alabama. Prior to joining the Kids Kount team, she worked in the Baldwin County Schools as a speech pathologist, serving children in the 3-18 years old age group.

Leah is a certified Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) Practitioner. Her audiology background has included Children’s Rehabilitation Services in Mobile and working with children with special needs. While living in Louisiana, she worked in cutting edge research audiology at LSU Medical Center and also at Slidell Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, testing and treating populations of all ages. Leah currently manages the audiology program with an emphasis on testing for central auditory processing and remediation techniques.

Educational Support (Reading Specialist & SLP)

Karen Shoemaker, MA, CCC-SLP, Daphne Team

Karen is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.  She graduated from Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing with a concentration in Psychology.  She received her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe. Karen has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to, public school settings, outpatient pediatric clinics, and private therapy clinics.  Before relocating to Daphne, Alabama, Karen worked in a pediatric outpatient clinic and gained experience working with reading disorders, early language intervention, and articulation disorders.

Karen specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of reading disorders and has received advanced training in multiple reading intervention programs, including:  LANGUAGE! Literacy Intervention Curriculum by Jane Fell Greene, Project Read’s Reading Comprehension program, Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing, The LiPS Program, Seeing Stars, Reading with TLC Lively Letters, and SPIRE Reading Intervention.  Her passion and experience in literacy development has led to the development of multisensory Reading Intervention groups at Kids Always Kount Therapy Services.