Our Clinic

At Alaska Pediatric Therapy, our mission is to help your child achieve their full potential in a fun and professional atmosphere. We have a large, consistent team of experienced and talented therapists that truly love being part of our family and yours. Each child is not only a client, but also an unique individual. We value being a part of your child’s collaborative team, and we work closely with you and your child to foster the achievement of new goals and milestones. We are focused on family-centered patient care. We collaborate with each family to develop goals specific to child and family needs.

We offer a wide range of pediatric therapy services that can assist your child in overcoming developmental delays and other challenges. We offer physical therapy to improve your child’s muscle control, coordination and gross motor skills. Speech therapy can assist in boosting language, communication and cognitive skills. Occupational therapy focuses on improving the “work” skills a child needs: play, peer interaction, sensory processing of their environment, and development of fine motor skills.

Shelby Wilson, PT, MSPT

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Shelby completed her Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1998. She began work at the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Birmingham to serve children and families with complex medical backgrounds and medical diagnoses. She continued her pediatric experience working as a school based therapist and at an outpatient clinic in Columbus, Georgia.

When the opportunity for travel arose, she and her husband worked as traveling physical therapists in various settings including pediatrics, adults and geriatrics. In 2005 they moved to Alaska, where she worked in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit, and was part of the NICU follow-up clinic at The Children’s Hospital at Providence. She has attended coursework in NDT for infants and children, Perception Action Theory and techniques, Dynamic Movement Intervention Level A and B, pediatric orthopedics, serial casting and orthotics, plagiocephaly and torticollis and management of cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. 

Shelby values being part of a multi-disciplinary team that provides comprehensive treatment of the whole child. Her therapy treatments are play-based and individually structured to promote a child’s motor, social and cognitive development. Her focus is to help each child recognize their unique strengths and abilities and to achieve their highest functional potential.

When not at work, Shelby enjoys trail running, skiing, hiking and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Taylor Adams, PT, DPT

A lifelong Alaskan, Taylor returned to her hometown of Anchorage, after receiving her DPT from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2017, and completing her final clinical internship in pediatrics through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Taylor began her career practicing in the outpatient setting, where she gained experience serving patients across the spectrums of age and ability, with orthopedic, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular concerns.

In the spring of 2020, Taylor made the transition to practicing pediatrics full-time, and couldn’t be happier with the decision.  Taylor is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Alaska Chapter. Since transitioning to practicing pediatrics full-time, Taylor has completed training in infant handling through the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association. Taylor is also a Certified Level B Practitioner of Dynamic Movement Intervention. She is experienced in the delivery of aquatic physical therapy, and has advanced training in kinesiotaping. She strives to make her treatments fun, meaningful, and personalized to the child and their family.

Taylor’s first child was born in April, 2023, and spent his first eight days of life in the NICU. Fortunately, he is healthy now, but this experience heightened Taylor’s passion for working with families of pre-term infants and infants at-risk for delay in gross motor development. When not in the clinic, Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband and son, hiking, fishing, and working on projects around their home.

Ashley Saxe, PT, DPT

Ashley graduated with a Doctor in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020. She moved to Anchorage later that year and has been with Alaska Pediatric Therapy since then. 

Ashley is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Pediatric Section, Aquatics Section, and the Alaska chapter. Ashley is a  Certified Level B Practitioner of Dynamic Movement Intervention. She has also completed training in infant handling through the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association. Ashley loves making PT fun and functional, both in the pool utilizing aquatic physical therapy and on horseback during the summer with hippotherapy. 

Ashley enjoys traveling internationally and has had clinical experiences in Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Guatemala. She is excited to be here in Alaska and is enjoying the adventures the state has to offer. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and has recently started cross country skiing. Ashley just bought a house in Anchorage with her fiancee and is excited to explore and make Alaska home!

Carrie Gray, PT, MPT, C/NDT, CPST

Carrie was born and raised in Michigan. She attended the University of Evansville and graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1998. She started her career as a traveling therapist, working in a variety of settings while exploring different areas of the United States. Carrie moved to Alaska in 2000 and fell in love with the state's beauty and opportunities for adventure.

Carrie has worked in both inpatient and outpatient pediatric settings. She joined Alaska Pediatric Therapy in 2012 and values working as a team to provide individualized, family-centered care. Carrie is certified in the Neurodevelopmental Treatment technique and is a certified child passenger safety technician. She has attended continuing education in respiratory physical therapy, torticollis, perception-action approach, aquatic therapy, and hippotherapy. Carrie is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Pediatric Section, and the Alaska Physical Therapy Association. 

Carrie and her husband have two daughters and spend their free time exploring the outdoors together.  She enjoys hiking, camping, reading and nordic skiing.

Kristen Moran, PT, DPT

Kristen received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA in 2021 and her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University in 2013. She worked as an engineer in Alaska for 4 years before pursuing a career in physical therapy. Kristen began her physical therapy career in outpatient pediatrics in Atlanta and moved back to Anchorage in 2022 when she joined the Alaska Pediatric Therapy team. 

Kristen is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Pediatric Section and the Alaska chapter. She has experience working with children with a variety of orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses and loves continuing to learn as the profession grows.

Kristen enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband and two dogs, exploring the outdoors, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Abigail Kessinger, DPT

Abigail received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL in 2023. She completed her last clinical rotation in Anchorage prior to graduating and fell in love with Alaska’s beauty and countless opportunities to play outside. She moved from Alabama to Anchorage shortly after graduating to join the Alaska Pediatric Therapy team. 

Abigail has always loved working with kids, volunteering with various organizations and serving as a Young Life leader for high school girls in Birmingham throughout PT school. She is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of kids with her skill set as a Physical Therapist. As a pediatric PT, she strives to make therapy a safe and fun space to play, learn and grow so that each child may achieve their goals. 

When not in the clinic, you will most likely find Abigail looking for adventure in the Alaskan outdoors! Some of her favorite activities include: soccer, mountain running, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and snowboarding.

Janelle St Pierre, PT, DPT

Janelle was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. She left Ketchikan to attend the University of Idaho where she graduated with a Bachelor in Exercise Science and Health in 2016. She then moved to Potsdam, New York to attend Clarkson University and graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. After graduating, she moved to Oregon where she spent 4 years working in the outpatient orthopedic and pediatric settings in Lincoln City and Newport. In 2023, she and her husband made the decision to move back to Alaska to be closer to family. 

Janelle is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the pediatric section and the Alaska Chapter. She has experience working with children of all ages with a variety of neurological and orthopedic conditions. She also has participated in continuing education involving functional electrical stimulation and selective motor control for those with cerebral palsy. 

Janelle enjoys fishing in the summer, hiking, kayaking and snowboarding in the winter. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, her dog Roscoe, and her family now that she is back home in Alaska.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Hannah Stice, OTR/L

Hannah is a California native. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obsipo in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in child development, and has experience working in early intervention. She spent the last four years in Washington state where she graduated from the University of Washington for OT school. She found her way to Alaska recently, where there is no shortage of natural beauty! She loves working with children, and feels that they have as much to teach us as we can them. Hannah is passionate about sensory processing and integration, and will do her best to support your family and your child as they grow and develop — celebrating differences as part of the natural neurodiversity that exists in our world. 

When not in the clinic, Hannah enjoys traveling, doing puzzles, painting, and exploring all that Anchorage and the surrounding areas have to offer with friends and loved ones.

Olivia Chassman, OTR/L

Olivia grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from University of New Hampshire in 2019 with a Master in Occupational Therapy. She began her OT career working in an adult rehab setting in Massachusetts, before accepting a traveling occupational therapy position in 2021 that brought her to Alaska. Since then she has explored working in both outpatient pediatric settings and with adult rehab at Providence Alaska Medical Center. She is passionate about working with children and has experience with children of varying ages and diagnoses. She continues to grow professionally through continuing education courses to help with skills such as sensory processing, self regulation, executive functioning, and feeding interventions. 

In her free time, Olivia enjoys traveling to new places, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring all that Alaska has to offer with friends and family.

Jennifer Fleming, OTR/L

Jennifer was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Florida and Florida International University, earning her degree in occupational therapy in 1988. She has 35 years of experience in a multitude of settings. She has worked in the public and private school sector, hospitals, mental health clinics, home health, private practice, and as a university professor teaching specialty topics in pediatrics. She received her Specialty Board Certification in pediatric occupational therapy (BCP) in 1997.

In the South Florida community she has been a volunteer for several nonprofit organizations, a mentor for OT interns and educational presenter for complimentary in-services and workshops. She has volunteered for Special Olympics, American Cancer Society, Dive Heart Foundation, Project AWARE, Unlimited Abilities Foundation, Young Professionals for Covenant House, the McLamore Children’s Center, the Linda Ray Infant Center and Miami Shores Village Advisory Board for Handicapped Services.

Teresa Comer, MOTR/L

Teresa graduated in May, 2009 with a Master in Occupational Therapy from University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She wrote her master's thesis on Social and Occupational Participation in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury and the Effects of Occupation-Based Practice. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2002 with her bachelor degree in exercise science.

Her special interests include working on life skills to enhance one’s functional independence, feeding, self-regulation and handwriting. She has received special training in aquatic therapy, therapeutic listening, interactive metronome, and bioness rehabilitation.

Teresa has three children and enjoys spending Alaskan summers camping and hiking.

Shannon Parker, OTD, OTR/L

Shannon graduated from the University of Hawaii in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in education.  After teaching for several years, she decided to go back to school to pursue a more direct-care focused career with the intent to continue to serve children. In 2016, she graduated from Creighton University with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.  Since then, she continues to grow as an OT by taking continuing education courses and becoming certified in therapeutic listening, hippotherapy, neuro-rehabilitation, and aquatic therapy. Shannon also has training to help with handwriting, feeding, sensory integration, executive functioning, and behavior interventions. She knows and uses American Sign Language and is working at becoming more proficient. 

Shannon was born and raised in Anchorage. She and her husband have twin girls. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, and watching live sports with her family.

Tracy Berry, OTR/L, CPST

Tracy graduated in December, 2000 with a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. She relocated to Anchorage in 2002. Tracy brings over 20 years of experience in pediatrics to the clinic. She has a special interest in sensory integration therapy, aquatic therapy, handwriting, feeding, and early intervention. She is sensory integration and Praxis Test certified. Other certifications include therapeutic listening (both basic and advanced), and aquatic therapy. She is Rehab Institute certified, as well as a child passenger safety technician.

Tracy and her husband, Will, have one son, Lucas, who attends Boise State University as well as one dog, Odin.  They enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, traveling internationally, and eating good food. Tracy has a special love for chips and dips!

Marisa Jaso, OTD, OTR/L

Marisa graduated from Creighton University in May of 2016 with a doctorate degree in occupational therapy. Born and raised in Anchorage, Marisa values being able to give back to this community through her work in pediatrics. Marisa is trained in helping kids with self-regulation, sensory integration, handwriting, neuro-rehabilitation, and feeding difficulties. She also previously worked with adults with brain injuries in a hospital rehab setting. She values utilizing a creative, strengths-based philosophy to collaborate with families to determine the best approach for helping kids access what is most meaningful and enjoyable to them. 

In her free time, Marisa enjoys recreating outdoors in various forms and spending time with her family and friends.

SPEECH THERAPISTS

Maryam Norton, MS, CF-SLP

Maryam (Mar) grew up in Seward, Alaska, before moving to Maine with her family at age 11. She moved back to Alaska as an adult because it is such a beautiful place to work, play, and build a life. She spent several years traveling in the winter and managing a coffee shop in Seward in the summer before pursuing a degree.

Mar received her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Vermont. She has a special interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and neurodiversity-affirming practice. Her favorite part of working with children on communication is seeing them learn how to self-advocate.

When she is not at work you can find her exploring running trails, writing, and baking sweet treats.

Haley Brett, MS, CF-SLP

Haley recently moved to Anchorage after receiving her graduate degree from Gallaudet University in May 2023. While in graduate school, she learned American Sign Language. She has a special interest in working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and literacy.

Haley has lived in many different places in the U.S. and Canada and she is excited to explore Alaska! In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her cat and drawing, crocheting, and woodworking.

Mary Denny, MS, CCC-SLP

Mary was born and raised in Alaska, but lived in Florida for much of her career before returning to her home state in 2012. She has served children with speech and language needs in both outpatient and public school settings. She has over 20 years of experience as a pediatric speech-language pathologist and is recognized for advanced training and expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).

Mary has a special interest in early childhood speech and language development, motor-speech issues, autism, social language development, infant feeding and swallowing, and family education and support. She received her Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of South Florida.

Mary also enjoys spending time with her husband, keeping up with their two children, gardening, and caring for animals.

Kelly Isaly-Johns, MA, CCC-SLP

Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University and her graduate degree from Cleveland State University. Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, she relocated to Alaska in 2014.  Kelly has 14 years of experience as a speech therapist and has worked in the medical setting, infant learning and pediatric private practice. She has a special interest in working with infants and kids in the areas of feeding, language acquisition, and aquatic therapy.  

When not at work, Kelly enjoys trail running, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding  and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Keegan Gallagher, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Keegan has been an SLP and feeding therapist for 13 years. She grew up in Arizona, where she worked in schools, clinical and home-health settings with medically fragile children. She has worked both in-person and via telehealth in Arizona, the Navajo Nation, Fairbanks, Kodiak and the Mat-Su Valley. 

Keegan specializes in feeding, and trained for 5 years at Mealtime Connections in Tucson, AZ. She works with children with neurodevelopmental, cardiac and GI challenges, severe allergies, tracheostomy, NG- and G-tubes, craniofacial or severe oral motor differences, and sensory mealtime challenges. She has training in the Get Permission and CAN-EAT approaches to feeding and Vital Stim treatment for swallowing. In 2022, she also became a Certified Lactation Counselor. Additionally, Keegan has specialty training in Kinesiotape for pediatrics, the Perception Action Approach to motor development, and various AAC systems and access modalities.  

Keegan moved to Anchorage in 2021 with her husband and 2 daughters. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, SUPing, skiing, fishing, camping and wildlife.

Administrative Staff

Mikey Hough, Office Manager, Anchorage

Mikey was born in Fairbanks and raised in Anchorage. She's a fourth generation Alaskan and one of eight sisters, which means a lot of nieces and nephews, so she thoroughly enjoys the daily interaction with our patients. Mikey worked at a travel agency for 8 years, and then as an administrator of an in-home daycare for twelve years. She worked as an administrative assistant with Frontier Medical and in the front office for Dr Reinbold for over 10 years prior to joining Alaska Pediatric Therapy.

She loves every homeless animal, Alaska summers, mowing her yard, gardening and spending time with her three grown daughters and especially her three young grandchildren.

Paige MaManus, Office Administrator, Eagle River

Paige grew up in Eagle River, where she discovered her interest in human behavior and mental health early on. She graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology. After spending the next two years working as an office coordinator and traveling, she returned to Alaska to support her community. Paige plans on acquiring a master's degree in clinical psychology, with a special emphasis on eating disorders and depression. 

Paige enjoys traveling, writing, reading, hiking, and spending time with loved ones.