Physical Therapists

Julia Dobias, PT-

 

Megan Hazelrigg, PT:

I graduated from Indiana University in 1998 and worked in outpatient and inpatient environments prior to becoming a mom.  Now that my children are reaching school ages, I am returning to work as a First Steps provider with personal experience in the system.  I am a mother of a 9 year old, 6 year old, and 4 1/2 year old (whom participated in the First Steps program for 2+ years).  I look forward to treating children with a variety of diagnoses.  My personal experience in First Steps was through my son’s developmental delay, low tone, and orthoepedic abnormalities.  I feel my physical therapy training, being a mother, and experiencing the First Steps program as child’s mother will allow me to treat your child with a complete picture of what your child and family is going through and how to meet your outcomes as effectively as possible. Please call me with any questions.

Ann Lauri, PT:
I received my Masters degree in Physical Therapy in 2000 and have worked primarily in outpatient orthopedics and skilled nursing for the last 11 years.  I am blessed to be the mother of two young children and currently work on a part time basis as a First Steps provider.   I am comfortable treating children of all ages, pediatric diagnoses and developmental delays.  It is my goal to see your child reach their potential during our time together.  I believe that family education and participation is essential to a child’s successful outcome.  I look forward to being part of your child’s team.

Melissa Maxwell, PT:My work experiences include pediatric inpatient, outpatient, inpatient rehab & the Indiana First Steps as an independent provider, AEPS eligibility team & agency provider. I have worked in the PT field since 1978 & since 1993 as a PT. My background includes NDT Certification, Myofascial Release, CranioSacral Therapy & Sensory Integration. Two years ago I completed a Bones for Life Teacher Training & have included Feldenkrais principles into my approach to Physical Therapy as well as caring for the Caregivers of those I see for therapy. I am comfortable with a wide variety of pediatric referrals.

Heidi Miller, PT-A:

Amy Peterson, PT:
I received most of my training while working for 10 years at Riley Hospital for Children. I have been working part-time in the First Steps program for the past 12 years. I have a great deal of experience working as a pediatric physical therapist. I have treated children with varying diagnoses–Prematurity, tone abnormalities, stroke, torticollis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, metabolic disorders, developmental delay, orthopaedic abnormalities, spina bifida, neurological degeneration, and rheumatalogical disorders to name a few. I have also had specialized training to treat babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, and I am very comfortable working with premature babies. I am a mother of a 4 year old (who was in the First Steps program) and a 5 year old. I feel that being a mom has given me a new and more complete perspective of what families go through on a day to day basis. Please call me with any questions. I currently work Monday-Thursday.

Laura Ray, PT:
I am comfortable working with children and families of all abilities and disabilities. I am excited to be working with children using an interdisciplinary approach in order to provide for all of the families needs. Diagnoses Skills: Autism, CP, Down Syndrome, Brain injury, Failure to thrive, hemiparesis, hearing loss, hydrocephalus, prematurity, seizures, Spina Bifida, Torticollis, Abnormal tone, cleft lip, ADHD, FAS, Developmental delay, Congenital Abnormalities. I also have worked in the Community North NICU, working mostly with premature infants. I am available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I do not work on Tuesdays.

Trisha Riggs, PT: I graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2001.  When I moved back to Indiana, I worked in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for 1.5 years.  I started working for Carmel Clay Schools in August of 2002, and recently left that position, after starting to work with TTLC.  I am a mom of 4 boys, an 11 year old, twins that are 8, and a 4 year old.  My twins both participated in First Steps, which allows me to understand the First Steps program from a client and clinician point of view.  I have experience working with many diagnoses, including, but not limited to: developmental delay, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, downs syndrome, metabolic disorders, MD, torticollis/plagiocephaly, SI dysfunction, and tone abnormalities.  My goal is to collaborate with families to maximize their child’s function and mobility, therefore increasing a family’s quality of life by meeting the outcomes they have established.
Luz Silva-Rueda, PT:
Jennifer Smiddy, PT:  
I graduated with my Masters in Physical Therapy from Maryville University, St. Louis in 2007. Since then, I have worked in many different settings including outpatient orthopedics, inpatient therapy, transitional care unit, home health and in the public schools. My experience has given me the opportunity to work with all ages ranging from birth to geriatrics. I have always loved the pediatric setting but my desire to work exclusively with children grew after having my own children who are currently ages 4 years and 16 months. I feel very blessed to be able to blend my skills as a PT with my passion for working with children and their families. During my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many different diagnoses including Down Syndrome, hypotonia, hyperreflexia, developmental delay, Cerebral Palsy, Torticollis/Plagiocephaly, and hip dysplasia. I also have experience as an Applied Behavior Analysis therapist working with children with autism. My goal as your physical therapist is to help you and your child reach the best possible outcomes by providing parent/caregiver education along with a treatment plan that best meets the needs of your child
Brenda Webster, PT-A:
I am a graduate of the University of Evansville with a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy which has allowed me to work in a variety of settings.  I have worked as a special education teacher for children with orthopedic involvement, as a PTA for a private pediatric practice, and as a developmental therapist and PTA for First Steps.  Currently I also work at a developmental preschool a few days each week when I am not seeing my First Steps families for PT.  In addition, being a mother of 3 daughters has given me valuable experience from a parent’s perspective.  I enjoy treating children of all ages and pediatric diagnoses including but not limited to Down Syndrome, ASD, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delays etc. Working with families to maximize their child’s potential and help solve everyday challenges is my passion. Early Intervention in your home should engage the entire family and I love to find ways to incorporate that my weekly sessions.