As the joyous atmosphere of the holiday season approaches, we must emphasize the significance of maintaining consistency in pediatric therapy for children with various developmental, physical, or social-emotional needs. With a focus on ensuring the holistic well-being of its clients, Reach for the Top Therapy Services, the only therapy clinic in the Dover, NH, area […]
The pressures of the modern healthcare environment, coupled with unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic, have led to an alarming increase in national burnout among healthcare workers. The high turnover rates across all healthcare and education industries (doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes, therapy clinics, schools, and more) are both the cause and consequence of […]
As adults, we often don’t realize that our world is not exactly made for children. A lot of pressure is put on parents and children alike to play by “grown-ups’ rules” and many social spaces are deemed inappropriate places for children to be children. Add children with exceptional needs to the mix, and the world […]
When it comes to pediatric therapy, Reach for the Top Therapy Services, the only therapy clinic in the Dover, NH, area offering trauma-informed and neurodiverse-affirming therapies led by six women with lived disability experience, stands out. After a leadership change nearly two years ago and restructuring one year ago last June, the changes have made […]
This Mother’s Day, we spoke candidly with mothers and grandmothers about the joys, challenges, and the unseen load of raising children with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities face unique and complex challenges that can be emotionally and physically taxing. Research suggests that women are more likely to be the primary caregivers and to take […]
“No two brains are the same, and we celebrate that here at Reach. There’s a whole movement happening within the autism community, to move away from just awareness and to focus on acceptance, honoring people as they are. Moving beyond awareness that autism exists, into a mindset that values and celebrates it. At Reach we are committed to advocating alongside autistic individuals and families, so they feel safe, […]
Donations are a critical source of support for nonprofit organizations, which rely on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources to carry out their mission and programs. At Reach for the Top Therapy, the only therapy clinic in the Dover, NH, area offering interdisciplinary trauma-informed and neurodiverse-affirming therapies through a family-centered model, donations are the […]
Reach for the Top is a non-profit organization and the only therapy clinic in the Dover, NH, area offering interdisciplinary trauma-informed and neurodiverse-affirming therapies through a family-centered model. Based on the uniqueness of their service delivery to meet the needs of children and families, they are committed to contributing to the education of the next generation […]
The aquatic therapy program at Reach for the Top is a sensory-enriched approach to Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapies, that focuses on using the properties of the water, to provide input to the brain and body through play. What does aquatic therapy consist of? As the name indicates, aquatic therapy consists of exercises and activities […]
New Hampshire non-profit wraps up 2022 with 15 new specialty programs, over 600 families served in the Seacoast, and nearly $200,000 in grants and donations This year was a successful one for Reach for the Top, a non-profit organization which provides outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy services focused on a family-centered model. Under new […]
Emily completed an accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program in Occupational Therapy at Husson University. Emily has experience in outpatient pediatrics from her time as a student in Virginia and is excited to continue to learn and grow in this environment. When Emily is not at Reach, she is staying busy outside hiking, swimming, cooking, reading, or spending time with family and friends.
Sam completed an accelerated Bachelor's/Master's program in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. She was a student here at Reach last fall and is excited to be back to continue learning and growing here. When not at Reach, Sam enjoys spending time with friends and family, bringing her dog swimming, reading, and being outside!
Trina is a speech-language pathologist, who has enjoyed every nook and cranny this profession has offered over the last 10 years, while licensed in New Hampshire. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees both from the University of New Hampshire in Communication Sciences and Disorders and is certified by the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association (ASHA). She has had the opportunity to mentor students and clinical fellows, as well as supervise other SLPs. Her experience has allowed her to build relationships with children, families, and other professionals while working in the private practice realm. Trina prefers to greet children while singing and often exudes energy and wild socks. She has an eclectic appetite for this field and adores learning more about neurodiversity, apraxia of speech, language development, gestalt language processing, selective mutism, and more! Additionally, Trina strives to foster self-advocacy skills so that every child has the tools to communicate with anyone, anywhere. This Wyoming-born gal has been living in New Hampshire for over 20 years and enjoys baking, gardening, raising chickens, and learning guitar with her daughter and husband.
Tori is the Administrative Assistant and Rehab Aide for our team. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Disability Studies. Tori is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UNH in hopes to be a Speech Language Pathologist after the completion of her program. In her free time, Tori enjoys singing, being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family. She is very grateful to be a part of the Reach for the Top family!
Patricia has 9 years of experience as a scheduling Coordinator working in Dr. Offices and recruiting in home health care. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her kids Brian and Shelby, and her # favorite person, her 6yr old grandson, Hunter. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, boating/ fishing out on the ocean, and four-wheeling.
Sarah received both her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of New England in Biddeford and Portland, ME. She is currently licensed in the states of Maine and New Hampshire. Sarah has experience as a student in school-based therapy and inpatient rehabilitation. In addition, she has worked with teens and adolescents with developmental/intellectual disabilities and is excited to grow her skills here at Reach! When not at work, you can find her spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, and working on home projects!
Currently providing telehealth-based services only.
Jenny is a speech-language pathology assistant, certified by the American, Speech, Language, Hearing Association (ASHA). She received her bachelor's degree in Maine for Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology, and currently maintains licensure in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Jenny has a special interest in adolescent AAC, sign language, and social communication. Jenny currently lives in Somersworth, NH, and enjoys hiking, gardening, and art.
Bri graduated from the University of New Hampshire with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She is currently licensed in the states of New Hampshire and Maine. Bri has experience working with preschoolers during her student fieldwork in Massachusetts and is excited to bring her knowledge and skillset to Reach. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and has also spent time working in the inpatient rehabilitation hospital setting. During her time away from Reach, Bri enjoys running, watching the Patriots, and spending time at the beach with her family and friends in Cape Cod.
Occupational Therapist
Morgan is an occupational therapist, certified with the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and maintains her license in both New Hampshire and Maine. She attended Ithaca College for both undergraduate and graduate school, receiving her bachelor’s degree in occupational science in 2019 and her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2020. Morgan has previous experience working with pediatric clients and their families in both home health and outpatient settings. She has experience working with kids from infancy-adolescence with various diagnoses, medical complexities, and levels of ability. She has a passion for incorporating non-traditional interventions into her practice, such as animal-assisted therapy. Outside of her work as a therapist, she is a puppy raiser who provides foundational training for future guide dogs. She has previously worked closely with families and assistance dog organizations as a lesion during the application, matching, and training processes of autism assistance dogs. Morgan believes in providing family-centered care using a strengths-based approach to maximize children’s participation and independence in their daily lives. In her free time she enjoys CrossFit, kayaking, paddling boarding, water skiing, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends. She can often be found embarking on various adventures with her two dogs, Koko and Bear.
Admin / Rehab Aide
Shannon graduated from Keene State College where she studied English Literature and Psychology. She has experience working with head trauma patients as well as working as a Psychiatric Research Assistant. After many years homeschooling her two sons, Donovan and Brody, while working part-time as a cake decorator, Shannon is excited to join the Reach team as their Rehab/Admin Aide.
MSOT, OTR/L
Kaylin graduated from the University of New Hampshire’s Occupational Therapy Master’s Program in 2019. She has recently been employed at Reach and has absolutely loved getting to know the kids and families in the Reach for the Top community. She is excited to continue to learn, grow, and help provide skilled services as part of the team. Before joining reach, Kaylin has worked in several setting including an adolescent residential treatment facility servicing those who have experienced trauma and mental health diagnosis, public schools, and a community day center for adults with mental/behavioral health concerns. She has experience in working with children on the autism spectrum and is trained in Trauma Informed Care (TCI). Kaylin uses a strengths-based approach incorporating sensory regulation and safety into each session. In Kaylin’s free time she loves being outside, hiking, running, skiing, and playing rugby for a local women’s club.
MS, OTR/L
Katie received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire . She has experience as a student in an outpatient pediatric facility in New Jersey, and excited to bring what she has learned and expand upon it at Reach for the Top. In her spare time Katie likes to go on walks, read, and try new recipes, and spend time with her family when they visit from New Jersey!
PT, DPT
Kendra graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. She has both clinical and personal experience working with the pediatric population and takes pride in delivering patient/family-centered care. Kendra has 3 years of experience working across many settings as a travel therapist, which has taken her all around the United States! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family/friends, being outdoors, and finding new places to explore!
OT
Natalie is originally from and grew up in Dover, NH. In 2009, she graduated with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). She is currently a doctoral student in the Boston University Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program specializing her studies in pediatric trauma, emotional health, and hippotherapy. Natalie has experience working across New England in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. She is currently licensed and practicing in New Hampshire and Maine. Natalie is certified by the National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy and is has active memberships in the American Occupational Therapy Association and American Hippotherapy Association.
Natalie has worked in a variety of practice areas including early intervention, school, pediatric outpatient clinics, hospital programs, and multiple hippotherapy programs. She has experience working with a wide age range with needs in chronic pediatric pain, pediatric upper extremity/hand splinting, feeding, sensory integration, developmental delay, assistive technology/augmentative and alternative communication, and individuals with multiple medical/developmental comorbidities.
Natalie’s passion for horses started when she was young. While she attended UNH, Natalie rode horses while at the University of New Hampshire for several years, competed on the UNH Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Team, volunteered with the Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program, and completed years of work-study hours to learn about horse care at the UNH Terrell Horse Barn. When she realized she could bridge her work as an occupational therapist and horses to help others, she knew hippotherapy would be forever apart of her life’s work.
Natalie is a volunteer with the Dover Youth Softball Association and serves as the Secretary. In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her dog and being outside. She likes to spend time with her friends and family, garden, tend to her honeybees, and find ways to stay active through horseback riding and recreational sports.
CCC-SLP
Adam is a speech language pathologist, certified by the American speech language hearing Association. He received his bachelor's of science in speech language pathology from Nazareth College Ave., Rochester, NY. His Master of Science from the University of New Hampshire and is a doctoral candidate in communication sciences and disorders with an emphasis on augmentative communication for children with complex communication needs. He has written a number of publications regarding the use of a AAC with children. His research focus is children’s use of a AAC for social interaction and play. He has worked in residential programs with adolescents, school districts from preschool to high school, early intervention, and outpatient clinics. Adam lives with his wife in Dover, NH and they are very involved with the development of roller derby programs for children.
Clinic Coordinator
Sunny comes to Reach with 18 years of experience in the medical field working as an Office Manager, Department Manager, Front Office Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. Sunny handles all the Clinic’s scheduling needs; she enjoys communicating with all the Reach families and is happy to assist with all the clinic’s daily needs.
During her free time, Sunny enjoys gardening, taking care of her houseplants (she has a ton), fishing with her husband, kayaking and just being outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends whenever she can.
Office Manager
Karen comes with experience working in a pediatric therapy clinic and is very excited to be part of the Reach team. As Office Manager, she works closely with the Clinic Coordinator to make sure families have the best experience possible at Reach For the Top. She handles all insurance inquiries and authorizations needed for your child’s therapies and supports the clinical staff to provide exceptional care to Reach children and their families. Karen provides key support in finance reconciliation as well. In her free time, Karen and her husband Tom enjoy family get-togethers with their children Tommy and Emily and their daughter-in-law Emily. They enjoy exploring beaches, hiking trails, and finding new places in Maine to explore.
MSOT, OTR/L
Robyn graduated from the Occupational Therapy Master’s Program at The University of New Hampshire. She is currently registered with the NBCOT and is licensed in the states of Maine and New Hampshire. Robyn is certified in Therapeutic Listening and SAFE place programs. She has extensive training in vision challenges, sensory processing disorders, Zones of Regulation, ADHD, Autism, Alert Program, SOS Approach to picky eating vs. problem feeding, handwriting challenges, and aquatic therapy. Robyn is highly skilled at working with children of all ages with a variety of behavior, social-emotional, executive functioning, fine motor, visual motor, and sensory disorders. She has been with Reach For The Top since 2016. Within that time, she has helped to develop and establish the Aquatic Therapy Program, of which Robyn is very passionate about as she has spent 11+ years of her childhood learning how to swim, compete on multiple swim teams, and lifeguard. Robyn is also the student internship program coordinator and enjoys supporting new generations of upcoming OT, PT, and ST therapists by collaborating with various graduate school programs to support its students in gaining the hands-on knowledge and experience Reach offers through this program.
When working with Robyn, families will find that Robyn is extremely dedicated to each child and family that she serves. Robyn has a very energetic and compassionate personality. She uses these traits in combination with her extensive knowledge and training to find creative ways to help support families and motivate children to learn and grow while having fun discovering the “just right challenge.” Robyn strongly believes in family-centered practice as the best way for children to grow and reach their goals by participating in activities that children and their caregivers can enjoy together in a fun and loving family environment.
Robyn is from Dover, New Hampshire and during her free time she enjoys biking, swimming, watching movies, exploring new places, and spending quality time with her husband and 3 boys.
MS, CCC-SLP
Molly graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where she received both her bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in communication sciences and disorders. She is currently licensed in the state of New Hampshire. Molly loves working with clients of all ages and with a variety of communication needs. She greatly enjoys working with kids and their families and has experience with both evaluation and treatment in areas such as fluency, articulation, expressive and receptive language skills and pragmatic skills. She has been working at Reach for the Top as an SLP for almost a year, although began working at Reach in 2013 as a rehab aide. She loves working as part of the team at Reach and greatly enjoys collaborating with OT and PT to provide the best therapy. Molly enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family and friends. Molly is an avid sports fan and loves watching the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots.
MA, CCC-SLP
Tyler received an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire in 2010 and received his masters from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2014. Tyler has a range of experience evaluating and treating children and is particularly interested in social-pragmatic language, life skills, and AAC. Tyler has experience running social/life skills groups and loves integrating nature and outdoor activities into therapy sessions. Tyler joined Reach for the Top in 2019. Tyler lives in York, Maine with his dog and small flock of chickens, where he enjoys gardening, fishing, and relaxing.
DPT, PT, Cert DN
Allison Graham earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University (2019) following a career in hotel management at the Wentworth by the Sea. She completed her undergraduate degree in Recreation Management and Policy with minors in Marine Biology and Hospitality at the University of New Hampshire in Durham (2013). Allison has worked in both acute care as well as outpatient PT with focuses in the geriatric and pediatric populations. She has completed continuing education courses in dry needling, spinal manipulation, taping, ICU rehabilitation, and complex regional pain syndrome. She is published alongside faculty and co-writers in Physical Therapy Reviews for the treatment of Cervicogenic and Tension Type Headache. Allison is excited to improve the function and lives of her patients while constantly working to grow and learn using evidence based practice which considers recent research, clinical experience, and patient values.
When Allison, less formally known as Allie, isn’t working as a pediatric PT, she is working at a skilled nursing facility with the geriatric population. In her free time, Allie enjoys snuggling with her dog, working on her house, going to the gym, hiking, knitting, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends. In high school, she was a competitive gymnast, nationally awarded soprano in the chorus, played soccer, and participated in many track and field events which exposed her to the career of Physical Therapy and initiated her interest in the field. A native of New Hampshire, she is thrilled to be working on the seacoast with the amazing team here at Reach for the Top.
MSOT, OTR/L
Maighan received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of New England in Portland, Maine. Maighan began working at Reach in 2021 and is excited to continue to learn and grow her occupational therapy skills here. She has experience working with children with various needs and enjoys collaborating with children and their families to help them reach their goals in fun and exciting ways. When not at Reach, Maighan enjoys cooking, indoor cycling, and spending time with friends and family.
DPT
Jen graduated from American International College with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011. She was a member of the Women’s basketball team while there. Jen has been working in pediatrics since graduating with experience in early intervention, school systems, outpatient clinics, hippotherapy and aquatics. She has been with Reach for the Top since 2017 and enjoys working with children of all ages with a variety of skill levels as well as their families. Jen resides in the Seacoast area with her husband, two kids and Labrador retriever. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going to the beach.
MSOT, OTR/L
Gabby graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. She began working at Reach for the Top as an OT student, and has enjoyed continuing to work with and learn from the families she interacts with here. Gabby has experience and training working with a variety of needs including Autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorders, and developmental delays. She enjoys collaborating with families to provide treatment interventions using aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, sensory integrative techniques, and trauma-informed care. When she’s not at work, Gabby enjoys taking advantage of all the seacoast has to offer outdoors, spending time at the beach, and skiing with friends and family.
Rachel is a speech-language pathologist, certified by the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association (ASHA). She received her bachelor's and master's degrees both from the University of New Hampshire in Communication Sciences and Disorders with minors in Special Education and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Studies. Rachel maintains licensure in the states of New Hampshire and Maine. Rachel has professional development experience in Learn Play Thrive AAC approaches, trauma-informed care, DIR Floortime, SOS Feeding, apraxia of speech, and LSVT Kids, as well as training in providing aquatic-based speech therapy. Rachel has experience working in a variety of settings including elementary, middle, and high schools, SNF's, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, and private clinics during her fieldwork and completed her clinical externship at a NH middle school. She enjoys working with clients and their families across the lifespan, with special interests in apraxia of speech, social communication, AAC, and American Sign Language. Rachel currently resides in New Hampshire with her husband and dogs, Saige and Curbie. When Rachel isn't working, she loves being outdoors. Every weekend she picks a new adventure to explore beautiful New England, especially going walking, hiking, biking, and kayaking with her family.
MSOT, OTR/L
Liz graduated from Springfield College’s Occupational Therapy Master’s Program in 2019. She has been with Reach since October 2021 and has absolutely loved helping the kids and families so far, and is excited to continue to learn and grow here. Prior to Reach, Liz has worked in diverse settings including a residential treatment facility, public schools, and a therapeutic preschool/ child development center. She has experience in teletherapy and is trained in trauma-informed care(TIC) and DIR/Floortime. Her most recent adventure included working with children and young adults with significant behavioral and emotional challenges, as well as sensory and developmental needs. Liz uses a sensory-based approach, and believes that self-regulation and self-confidence is a big key to children thriving. She uses a gentle and positive approach when interacting with the child and their families, highly valuing their safety, connection, and comfortability in order to find ways that will best match their individual needs. When not at Reach, Liz loves to hike, read, play disc golf, and spend time with family and friends.
Director of Administration & Human Resources
Hannah comes to Reach with several years of billing and coding experience in the pediatric rehab field. Hannah is often one of the first contacts people talk to when they are interested in services. She provides immense support to families, so they understand their insurance benefits, knowing what is and isn't covered. She strives to make sure all our family’s needs and requests are met. Additionally, Hannah received her certificate in Human Resources in 2021. Hannah loves the HR field and has taken the initiative to ensure Reach remains compliant with all business and clinic requirements. In Hannah’s free time she loves to go camping with her family, kayak, read, and work in her garden.
M. S. Ed., CCC-SLP
Lisa is an ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist, with a Master’s of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Lisa enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities. She has experience working with individuals with speech sound disorders, including motor speech disorders and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders, and Fluency Disorders. She also has experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She enjoys working with children with sensory processing differences, and learning about how regulation affects a child’s optimal level of performance for learning and acquiring skills. Lisa lives at home with her boyfriend, and 2 cats, Queso and Zoro. When not at work, Lisa enjoys kayaking, drawing and painting, spending time with family and friends, and exploring all the wonderful things that New Hampshire has to offer.
MSOT, OTR/L - Executive Director & Occupational Therapist
After serving as Reach's Clinical Coordinator for 18 months, Amy took on the role of Executive Director with great enthusiasm in 2021. Amy received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication with a minor in Business Administration from SUNY Potsdam, where she worked as a youth advocate for low-income children and families and then as an outdoor therapeutic recreation counselor for children that were second-time offenders of the juvenile justice system, using the Boys Town Method. While receiving her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Utica College, she also worked part-time as a middle school paraprofessional, assistant basketball coach, and executive legal assistant. As a therapist, she has extensive training in Trauma-Informed Care, feeding therapy including fragile infants with feeding tubes to picky eaters, and training focused on a neurodiverse affirming response in the treatment of challenges associated with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, retained reflexes and vision disorders.
She is trained in the SOS Approach to feeding, SOFFI fragile infant feeding, DIR Floortime, Attach Trauma Approach, Safe-Place Complex Trauma & Sensory Program, Bal-A-Vis-X, Brain Gym, Hippotherapy (AHA), Aquatics, and the Zones of Regulation and Social Thinking programs. As a former Army wife, she has diversified her practice in pediatrics from New York, to Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Haiti, embracing many cultures and learning from every family along the way. Amy believes that family-centered care and an engaging play-based model is the best approach to help children reach their greatest potential. Amy adapts each session and her strategies to meet the needs and interests of each child and family, with the goal that they leave each session feeling empowered and successful. In her free time, Amy loves to hike, kayak, shop local farms, read, and go on adventures with her husband and spirited daughter.
