James “Andrew” Foster, II has been with Care First since May 2019 working with Pediatrics. He graduated from NC State University undergrad with a Bachelor’s of Science in Veterinary Bioscience and minors in Sports Science and Business Management. He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2016. James has training in dry needling, and kineso taping. Two years prior he worked at an Outpatient Orthopedic clinic, and went on a service learning trip to Guatemala to an under-served and impoverished hospital helping pediatrics.

Deanna is a Physical Therapist Assistant who received her bachelors degree at NC A & T University in 2009. She decided to continue her education at Martin Community College where she received her Physical Therapy Assistant Degree. She enjoys being a mother to her beautiful baby girl. She has a specialty in geriatric and pediatric Physical Therapy through her experience in daycare’s, and home health. She recently worked in school systems with children of all ages. She has experience working with multiple diagnoses. She has a huge passion for helping children reach their developmental milestones, and loves to see them gain confidence in completing various activities.

Amy is a Physical Therapist Assistant with certification in Adult, Child CPR AED and Infant CPR. She has an experience of 14 years as a physical therapist assistant with specialization in functional chain reaction. As a PTA professional she believes that different treatment works for each individual person.

Maryellen Halloran is a physical therapist who originally hails from Miami but has made her home in North Carolina since 2017. Maryellen attended physical therapy as a teenager and the care and compassion shown by her physical therapist led to her interest in wanting to pursue it as a career. Maryellen went to undergrad at the University of North Carolina and studied to be an athletic trainer. Following graduation, Maryellen worked as a head athletic trainer in Miami, FL. Maryellen graduated from the University of Miami Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2013 and has been working as an orthopedic physical therapist since that time. Maryllen has worked primarily in orthopedics but throughout her career has also treated neurological disorders, vestibular disorders, and general deconditioning. In 2020, Maryellen went on to further her orthopedic background by becoming a Orthopedic Certified Specialist which is a certification held by only 6% of physical therapists nationwide. Maryellen speaks fluent Spanish and is glad to offer services to this population in their preferred language. When not working, Maryellen enjoys spending time with family and friends. Maryellen is also a huge sports fan (Go Tar Heels) and enjoys both watching and attending sporting events. 1. Certified Athletic Trainer 2. Orthopedic Certified Specialist 3. Fluent in Spanish

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Kirsten Rayner, DPT received her B.S. in exercise and sport science from Frostburg State University and continued her education at West Virginia University to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Kirsten has experience and interest in treating neurologic and orthopedic conditions across the lifespan, including but not limited to developmental delay, cerebral palsy, autism, post-op conditions, and sport related injuries. Kirsten lives in Fayetteville, NC with her goldendoodle, Beaux, and blue heeler, Ruger. Kirsten is a driven, passionate, and caring therapist who takes pride in her commitment to patient centered care. She values her position as a Physical Therapist as it allows her to help optimize human movement and get people back to doing what they love! Outside of providing therapy, you may find Kirsten walking her dogs, enjoying the beach, or floating down the Cape Fear River!

Shelby Taylor is our clinic liaison assisting our Licensed Therapy Staff with the care of our patients. Starting PTA school in fall 2021, Shelby is a licensed yoga instructor and earned her Bachelors of science in education. In her free time she enjoys dancing, practicing yoga and baking.

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Edwin “Chip” Chapin has lived in the Raleigh area since graduating from the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Charlotte Piedmont Community College in 1999. Chip began his PTA career working at Easter Seals. This is where he discovered his love for helping children and decided to devote his career to working with the pediatric population. In 2005, Chip joined Total Rehabilitation where he worked exclusively with the 0-21 age group. He will devote his time and resources to once again work with 0-3 early intervention population and with children ages 3-21. Chip has extensive experience with children afflicted with cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, brain injury, rehabilitation from surgery, autism, and chromosomal abnormalities. In his spare time, Chip enjoys fishing, golfing and cheering on the Carolina Panthers. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Paula Hils, MA, CCC-SLP received her B.A. degree in communication disorders from Pennsylvania State University in 1985. She continued her studies at Indiana University and earned M.A.T. in speech and hearing sciences and completed ASHA certification of Clinical Competence in 1988. As a licensed speech-language pathologist she has over 25 years of experience in childhood speech & language development including articulation, phonological awareness, language delays/ disorders, autism, stuttering, augmentative/alternative communication. She has provided assessment and treatment of adult & geriatric patients for aphasia, dysphagia/swallowing and voice disorders. Additional professional experiences include clinical supervisor and clinical research coordinator. She has lived in North Carolina for 25 years and resides in Apex, NC with her husband and 3 school age children. She enjoys traveling, especially to the beach, cooking and reading.

Erica N. Strong, MS, CCC-SLP is an enthusiastic therapist who lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and rescued dog, Zoe. As a North Carolina native, she received both her Bachelor’s of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences Master’s of Science in Communications Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University. Erica has a passion for pediatrics and has enjoyed working with children, all the while collaborating with their parents and caregivers in the natural environment. 

Master of Science, Nova Southeastern University. Speech Language Pathology. Nova Southeastern University. Extensive experience with various populations through the life span, including pediatric to geroatric with speech and language delays, childhood apraxia, feeding aversions, Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, oral motor deficits, articulation disorders, neurological disorders: post stroke CVA, Traumatic Brain disorders, dysarthria, dysphasgia, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, fluency disorders. I have a passion to help people. It is very rewarding to assist client’s with developing and or maintaining their self motivation towards progress and success. My goal is to provide functional materials, activities, and home practice based on the individual need. The ultimate goal is carryover and generalization of skills in every area that will functionally benefit the client.

Kara, MA-CCC SLP, currently lives in Durham, NC with her husband.  She earned her Master’s degree from UNC-Greensboro after graduating from James Madison University.  Kara enjoys working with young children and their families in their natural environment to develop communication in daily routines.  Kara also has a passion for helping children with their feeding and eating skills to improve family routines and meal times. When Kara isn’t proving therapy, she enjoys baking, reading books, and exploring new places with her husband. 

Prashant hails from New Delhi, India where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. His experience spans over two decades where he has worked in outpatient and home care settings. His management experience includes facility director and most recently, CEO.Prashant’s vision is placing the patient’s Care First in every visit and interaction. He strives to maintain and project a warming charisma which instills patient confidence and self-empowerment for embracing personal plans of care; while reaching a better state of well-being. Please do not hesitate to speak with Prashant if you have questions or concerns.

Kaitlyn received her Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Pitt Community College in Greenville, NC and is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has been practicing for 2 years and focuses on serving patients who have had strokes, autism, ADD/ADHD, developmental delays, down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, hand injuries, sensory processing disorders, spinal cord injury, TBI, general life aging complications like incontinence, extremity weakness and more. Kaitlyn is a vibrant, kind, energetic therapist who works hard to build strong relationships with patients to ensure that she can help the reach their goals by using different functional strategies. One of her greatest lessons in this work is that the affects of sensory disorders can be supported by having proper recognition, regulation, and coping strategies so a child’s knowledge, skills, and abilities can shing through. She loves bonding with her patients, ensuring that they accomplish their goals over time so they can experience joy and happiness daily. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys the outdoors, running, dancing, traveling and spending quality time with friends. Kaitlyn is originally from Maine and misses her parents dearly as they are her dearest friends. Rocky, her cat, keeps her company who loves to sleep and cuddle mostly. Kaitlyn has been busy meeting famous stars like Brittany Spears, Luke Bryan and Vanna White. More importantly, she wants to meet Betty White and Jennifer Aniston because both women exude so much knowledge, wisdom, grace, and kindness while also being very talented.

Ivan received his BS degree in Occupational Therapy and is a certified CPR, EMS ultrasound. He has been practicing for 24 years and focusing on serving patients who have strokes, TBI’s, orthopedic injuries (shoulder, forearm and elbows). He loves bonding with his patients, ensuring that they accomplish their goals over time so they can experience joy and happiness daily. He is passionate about travel and to meet new people and to try new food.

Lauren received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a certified CPR. Currently she is in the process of getting her post professional Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. One of her greatest lessons in this work is that you cannot force someone to therapy however, through client centered intervention you can motivate patients to participate. She loves bonding with her patients, ensuring that they accomplish their goals over time so they can experience joy and happiness daily. In her free time, Lauren enjoys playing soccer, running, workout, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Melissa received her B.S. in health and occupation from Elizabethtown College and continued her education at Elizabethtown College to earn her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has been working as a pediatric occupational therapist for 3 years and focuses on serving patients with a variety of diagnoses including but not limited to autism, sensory processing disorder, cerebral palsy, feeding difficulties and developmental delay. Melissa works hard to build strong relationships with her patients and their families in order to help them reach their goals. In her free time, Melissa enjoys traveling, playing with her puppy Koda and spending time with family and friends.

Heidi received her Bachelor's of Science in Mass Communications at Minnesota State University Moorhead and her Associate's Degree of Applied Sciences in Occupational Therapy from Durham Technical Community College She has worked in pediatrics since 2005 in a variety of roles, such as a CNA, TA, cognitive skills' trainer, etc. which led her down the path of occupational therapy. Heidi moved to North Carolina from Fargo, ND in 2005 and lives in Raleigh. Heidi is a fun, kind, and enthusiastic therapist that loves to build personal relationships with parents and children. She believes that the "magic" of therapy and seeing good patient outcomes happens outside of therapy in collaboration with the parents/caregivers through coaching and the carryover of learned skills. She values her role as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant as it allows her to help patients connect with their worlds. Outside of providing therapy, you will find Heidi working out, dancing, or enjoying a movie with friends.

Daniel Cooper, OTR/L received his B.S. degree in Allied Health Sciences at Grand Valley State University and continued his education at Governors State University where he received his Master of Occupational Therapy degree. Danny has experience evaluating and treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic conditions including fractures, nerve injuries, joint replacements, and ligament/tendon repairs. His special skills include splinting, manual therapy, and administering modalities. His additional interests include child development, mental health, and stroke/neurological rehabilitation. Danny loves occupational therapy because he wants to help his patients to live productive and meaningful lives. Danny moved to Cary, NC from Chicago, IL. Danny enjoys building a personal connection with his patients, providing excellent care, and making his patients laugh. His interests include sports, outdoor activities, and exercising. On Sundays you can find him watching his favorite team, the Chicago Bears.

Gabrielle Beauchamp received her B.S. degree in Psychology & Neuroscience from Central Michigan University and continued her education at Grand Valley State University to earn her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Gabrielle has experience treating patients across the life span including babies in the NICU to older adults at end of life. Her most recent experience and specialty has been evaluating and treating pediatrics with various diagnosis including genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, sensory integration disorder, etc. Prior to this, Gabrielle worked with adults and older adults evaluating and treating conditions such as orthopedic, neuro, stroke, TBI, SCI, medically complex, dementia, cancer, chronic pain, Parkinson’s, etc. Gabrielle lives in a neighborhood that borders Jordan Lake with her 9 month son, 3.5 year old step-son and Fiancé. Gabrielle is a compassionate, creative and holistic therapist that loves to build strong personal relationships with her patients and families. It is important to Gabrielle to evaluate each patient with an individualistic approach and consider all areas in a person's life when developing a treatment plan. Gabrielle values being an Occupational Therapist as it allows her to assist people in reaching their goals to live a more fulfilled life. Outside of providing therapy, you will likely find Gabrielle with her family spending time outdoors and doing something active.

Jeannie has been an administrator in one role or another for over 15 years. She has a variety of experiences from working in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care facilities, and rehabilitation therapy clinics like Care First Rehab. Jeannie is passionate about supporting and helping our patients. She loves chatting with them and helping them through their healing process. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places and spending time with her family in her free time. She had the pleasure of meeting Beyonce....she enjoyed meeting her because