About

Our Approach
What is different about KIDZ?
We like to think it starts with our philosophy of success and a team of dedicated members who know how to achieve it.
We are here for the KIDZ and their families. The challenge of a special needs child or teen impacts the entire family. It takes teamwork and special care. While it can seem overwhelming at first, there is a way to greatly improve the day to day challenges the KIDZ and their families face.
Our Philosophy
We start with our KIDZ Evaluation Session that assesses where the patients skills and abilities are on day one. To have a lifestyle challenges conversation with the parents. Then we develop a KIDZ Personalized Development Plan that lays out a program that will best impact the patient’s ability to independently function day-to-day in the family.
Our Process
We focus on the most basic mental and physical abilities that impact the broadest set of day to day skills. At first, what appears to be a series of baby steps, builds into real progress as they start to impact the day to day ability of the patient to perform daily tasks that have a true impact on the patients ability to function more independently.
Results
It is not just reaching the end of the path or program, but we celebrate one step at a time. We want our patients to feel like STARZ. We encourage success through celebrating accomplishments by showing our patients and families that putting in the effort and sticking to the routine will result in accomplishment. This builds HOPE, DREAMS and SUCCESS for our KIDZ and their Families.
Have more questions?
Feel free to contact us to talk about your needs or set up an appointment.
WHAT MAKES KIDZ GREAT?
Our team of professionals are second to none.
Our leadership team is dedicated to providing a high quality of caring, committed and a nurturing environment for each and everyone of our KIDZ, team members, and the families that we serve.
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Chris Panagopoulos
Chris's years of knowledge in healthcare management and finance provides KIDZ with a strong stable foundation that allows us to receive the highest quality of pediatric therapy.
Chris joined Kidz Therapy Networks in January 2008 as General Manager of Kidz Therapy Networks. Chris insures the smooth running of the clinic and is our in-house expert in dealing with insurance companies, obtaining payments, and collectibles. Chris attended Georgia Southern University and majored in business and finance.
Meghan Panagopoulos
My name is Meghan Panagaopoulos and I am the clinical director at Kidz Therapy Networks. I have been apart of the Kidz Therapy family for 10 years. I graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 2007 with a bachelors in Exercise Science. From there I went to Brenau University to pursue Occupational Therapy. I graduated from Brenau in 2010 with a masters in Occupational Therapy. I enjoy many settings of OT and have experience in acute care, inpatient rehab, home care and outpatient settings. I have additional training and certifications in Beckman oral motor, Handwriting without Tears program, home modifications, sensory integration, dyslexia, and have a modalities certification. I am also apart of Georgia's early intervention program called Babies Can't Wait. Along with my love for OT I have a wonderful husband and a little girl named Elise. We live in Cumming Georgia and enjoy visiting our friends and family on the weekends. Elise is our world and we enjoy being outside playing, visiting Disney World and going to the beach.
Angela Morozova PT, MPT, DPT
Info Coming Soon
Caroline Williams
Caroline is in charge of the day-to-day operations at KIDZ. In a fast pace, chaotic world we live in she brings stability for our patients, parents, and staff. When it comes to making sure things operate professionally, efficiently, and with the KIDZ caring attitude, it's Caroline that makes that all happen.
She has 16 years experience in managing pediatric therapy clinics. We look to her to juggle schedules, patient appointments, work with our staff, and all with a smile.
Danielle Cole
Danielle is the billing manager making sure the finances and authorizations are in good order. Danielle has been with Kidz for many years, and plays a key role in making sure patients are permitted to receiving treatment. She prides her self in being organized and efficient when tackling some of the difficulties private insuarnces provide the clinic.
THERAPY TEAM
Occupational Therapy
Verna Campos, M.S., OTR/L
My name is Verna Campos, and I am a certified occupational therapist and Zumba Instructor. I graduated from Columbus State University with a bachelors in Exercise Science in 2012 to pursue a career as a group fitness instructor. Later, I decided to pursue a career as an occupational therapist, so I went to University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated with a masters in occupational therapy in 2018. I have experience in inpatient rehab, home health, outpatient (pediatric, burns/hand therapy), school-based occupational therapy, low vision/visual impairments, and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Children with tic disorders/Tourette’s syndrome (CBIT). I have certification in Handwriting Without Tears and currently a research assistant for a study in Handwriting in Children with Tic Disorders/Tourette's Syndrome. Today, I am a pediatric occupational therapist during the day at Kidz Therapy Networks, a Zumba Fitness Instructor at Columbus State University at night, and research assistant for a study associated with Children’s Hospital of Alabama for tic disorders. Outside of work, you can find me spending a lot of time outdoors such as walking, biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or gardening. I also love playing my violin/piano, dancing, singing karaoke, doing yoga, crafts, playing video games, and reading.
Carolyn Clark M.S., OTR/L
Carolyn “Cadie” Clark, M.S. OTR/L graduated from Medical College of Georgia with a Masters of Health Science in Occupational therapy. Cadie has over 10 years of pediatric experience specializing in sensory processing, Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurological disorders, oral/sensory motor delays, and other developmental disorders. She is trained in S.O.S. approach for sensory feeding concerns as well as the Handwriting Without Tears program. She has presented at numerous conferences as a guest speaker, including the Star Institute Symposium on the topic of “Understanding Sensory Processing”. Passionate about serving others, Cadie strives to help her clients understand the spectrum of sensory processing disorders.. Through a wholistic approach to treatment, she is able to provide families with education to best help their child overcome obstacles and reach developmental milestones. She continues to expand her knowledge through continuing education courses focusing on feeding disorders, nutrition, oral motor skills, vision therapy, and motor rehabilitation. Cadie is married to her college sweetheart and has two beautiful children. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Stephanie Hamm M.S., OTR/L
Stephanie Hamm, OTD, OTR/L received her Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville (Go Vols!) with a focus in therapeutic recreation and psychology. Stephanie completed her Doctoral Capstone project at GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center where she developed therapeutic programs and advocated for individuals with Down syndrome. Stephanie's passion for working with individuals with developmental disabilities developed throughout her life via Special Olympics, therapeutic camps, peer tutoring, and other volunteer opportunities. She believes in a world where individuals of all abilities are accepted and embraced. Stephanie feels so excited and blessed to begin her occupational therapy career at Kidz Therapy Networks! She loves the collaborative team approach at Kidz which enables children to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. When not working, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.
Courtney Kinnison M.S., OTR/L
Info coming soon
Brittany Marquis M.S., OTR/L
Brittany Marquis, M.S. OTR/L received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Georgia State University and her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia. Brittany has always had a passion for working with kids with developmental disabilities and has been involved in various programs and organizations working with this population since 2008. She was a fellow for the Georgia Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (GaLEND) program from 2019-2020, where she worked in an interdisciplinary setting for the Center for Leadership in Disability to extensively learn about disability rights and advocacy. She is dedicated to using her platform as a healthcare professional to improve the quality of life of others and decrease health disparities within our communities. Her goal is to use her passion for advocacy and working with individuals with disabilities to positively impact the lives of clients and their families. Brittany is a credentialed Early Intervention Specialist and provider for Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait program as well as is trained in S.O.S. approach for sensory feeding concerns. She has pediatric experience in a variety of settings including private practice, daycares, and hospitals. In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, hiking, baking, and playing with her dog.
Deanna Zecchino M.S., OTR/L
Deanna Zecchino, MSOT, OTR/L is one of the licensed occupational therapists at Kidz Therapy
Networks. Deanna graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in
Kinesiology then went on to pursue a graduate degree from Brenau University with a Master of
Science in Occupational Therapy. Deanna’s passion for working with children with disabilities
evolved from volunteer experience, working the Forsyth County school special Olympics, and time
as a respite for children with special needs through Avita Community Partners. Deanna desires to
empower children to be as functional as possible through achieving occupations and daily life skills.
She is passionate about utilizing each individual child’s unique interest and strengths into therapy
sessions to create meaningful opportunities for growth and success. Deanna has experience in other
settings including acute care, home care and outpatient rehabilitation. Deanna is also a credentialed
early intervention specialist and provider with the state of Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait early
intervention program. In her free time, Deanna enjoys running, hiking, hunting with her boyfriend,
and spending time with friends and family.
Reed Cetti M.S., OTR/L
Info coming soon
Misa Nguyen M.S., OTR/L
Misa is a certified and registered occupational therapist licensed in the state of Georgia. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Georgia and Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. She has experience in working with diverse pediatric populations ranging from infants to 22 years of age. She has received training in the Astronaut Program, S.O.S Feeding, Primitive Reflex Integration, Brain Gym Implementation, Sensory Integration, Alert Program, ABA Therapy Technique Implementation, CBT, Handwriting without Tears, and Neurocognitive and Upper Extremity Impairment. Misa is certified in Interactive Metronome and is a provider with the state of Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait early intervention program. Misa is also passionate about social and community engagement for all. She previously advocated and assisted with drafting legislation for infrastructure improvements to enhance community mobility while working for the Alpharetta City Council and offers translation and transportation services to support voting access for non-English speakers, the elderly, and physically impaired. She is excited to continue to pursue her love of supporting and improving the quality of lives of others at Kidz Therapy Networks. Outside of work Misa enjoys photography, hiking, dancing, writing music, and studying Spanish, German, Vietnamese, and French.
Joeli Alpern M.S., OTR/L
Joeli Alpern, M.S. OTR/L received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from New York University and her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida. Joeli developed a passion for working with children with disabilities from a very young age and turned this passion into a career. She was a camp counselor, peer mentor, program director for a special olympics program, and involved in many more volunteer opportunities. Joeli believes that every individual is capable, strong, and unique and strives to use their individual interests and strengths to provide the best client centered therapy possible. She is a provider for Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait program and also provides Swim Therapy at KTN. In her free time, Joeli enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, scuba diving, boating, and anything adventurous.
Rachel Boulineau M.S., OTR/L
Info coming soon
Purnima Patel., OTR/L
My name is Purnima Patel. I am one of the occupational therapists at KTN. I am originally from Columbia, TN. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from University of Kentucky. I then pursued my Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Indiana Wesleyan University. I love working with children and their families to help them grow and be their best selves. I have had the opportunity to work in outpatient clinics, schools and now within the home as well as through the Babies Can't Wait program. In my free time, I love exploring new places with my husband, spending time with friends and family, and baking.
Speech Therapy
Pamela Schmitt M.S. CCC-SLP
Pamela is a nationally certified and state licensed Speech Language Pathologist. She has been a resident of Georgia since childhood and she is excited to be able to give back to the local community by serving children with special needs and supporting their families. Playing a part in a child’s progress, and celebrating that progress every step of the way, is especially gratifying for Pamela. In addition to her love of working with children, Pamela dearly enjoys the collaboration of working on a multi-disciplinary team as well as mentoring and teaching other clinicians to support their overall growth and success.
Pamela attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In addition, she attended Georgia State University, where she completed her Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology.
During her professional career, Pamela has had the opportunity to gain experience working as a speech-language pathologist in a variety of settings including private clinics, public schools, private schools, daycares, and homes. Before Kidz Therapy Networks, Pamela worked for Gwinnett County Public Schools for 12 years with their Early Childhood Program which serves special needs preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) before their transition to elementary school. Pamela has a great deal of knowledge, experience, and passion for early intervention and the difference it can make in a child’s life. After having the pleasure to be a stay-at-home Mom to raise her young children for a few years, Pamela returned to work at a private practice pediatric outpatient clinic, Chatterbox, Inc., for 5 years before coming onboard at Kidz Therapy Networks
Pamela’s clinical experiences include: Providing services to individuals from infancy to age 80+ and evaluating, diagnosing, and treating individuals with a variety of disorders including: Articulation disorders, Phonological Disorders, Apraxia, Language disorders, Voice disorders, Fluency disorders, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Tracheostomy, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PANS, Hearing Impairments, Cerebral Palsy, Prematurity, Reflux, G-tube feedings, Infant and Pediatric Dysphagia (feeding and swallowing disorders), Adult Dysphagia, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory issues, Aphasia, Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Angleman’s Syndrome, Dementia and much more.
Pamela resides in Cumming with her husband, daughter (11), son (9), and English Springer Spaniel (4). In addition to her passion for speech therapy and her family, Pamela enjoys spending time outdoors (relaxing, camping, hiking, and paddle boarding, ect), reading, running, yoga, and meditation. Pamela also has a special love for helping patients in Palliative/Hospice Care and works PRN on a caregiving team for a Dementia patient.
Kevin Simmons M.S.CF-SLP
Kevin Simmons is a Clinical Fellow, soon to be nationally certified with his Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). A native Georgian, Kevin went on to study Exercise Science and Psychology at Kennesaw State University prior to obtaining his Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University in Radford, Virginia. He has used his extensive background in adult and pediatric populations to treat a range of diagnoses such as swallowing disorders, dysphonia, ASD, receptive/expressive language disorders, pragmatic disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech to name a few. Special interests include articulation/phonological disorders and oral motor function with pursuits of further training in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) and Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT). Kevin’s speech and language goals are built on functional strategies for generalization outside of the therapy room. He enjoys playing with his dog, Luca and creating entertainment value and resources to the public through his growing social media channel: The Singing SLP.
Bayley Bostic M.S.CF-SLP
More Info coming soon
Anjanette Swift M.S. CCC-SLP
More info coming soon
Christina Moreno M.S. CCC-SLP
More info coming soon
Physical Therapy
Laura Adams, PT, M.S
Laura earned her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from North Georgia College and University in the year 2000 and has been practicing in Pediatrics ever since. She has worked in a wide variety of settings including Aquatics, Home Health, Outpatient Clinics and School based therapies. She is also an early intervention therapist that provides physical therapy treatment through the Georgia Babies Can’t Wait program for children ages 0 to 3 years. She really enjoys working with children and their families to help them reach their functional goals so they can live a full and happy life together. Laura has one teenage son that she adores and a dog named Ginger. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family/friends and teaching yoga classes.
Amy Stinnett, PT DPT
Amy Stinnett graduated from Georgia State University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree and received her Bachelors of Exercise Science degree from the University of Georgia. Amy has experience working in an outpatient sports injury/orthopedics setting with ages ranging from middle school to adulthood. Amy is a credentialed Early Intervention Specialist and provider for Georgia's Babies Can't Wait program for children ages 0-3. She believes early intervention, strength training, and functional play can help children meet their gross motor developmental goals and improve their overall quality of life. Amy currently treats children with ASD, CP, DS, torticollis, genetic disorders, and developmental delays. She enjoys working alongside OTs and SLPs at Kidz Therapy Networks to provide children with all of the tools to grow and learn. In her free time, Amy enjoys playing sports like disc golf and pickleball, hanging out with friends and family, and being outdoors.
Megan Wiley, PT DPT
Megan Wiley graduated from Augusta University (formerly MCG) with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree as well as Lander University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Megan has experience working with kids in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home care settings. She is also a credentialed early intervention specialist and provider with the state of Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait early intervention program. She is passionate about empowering kids through functional play in order to help them achieve their personal goals, play sports, and meet their gross motor milestones. In her free time, Megan enjoys seeing friends and family, being outside, and trying new restaurants.
Amy Trask, PT DPT
Amy Trask, PT, DPT recieved her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University and her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Strength & Conditioning from University of Delaware. Throughout her education she recieved training in working with kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities as well as sports/orthopedic injuries. She enjoys working with a variety of kids from newborns all the way to teenagers, always challenging her creative side to make PT fun for each individual child. Amy especially loves Kidz Therapy Networks because she gets to work on a team with OTs, SLPs, and families to improve functional independence and quality of life for all of her kiddos. Amy is a credentialed Early Intervention Specialist and provider for Georgia's Babies Can't Wait program as she firmly believes early intervention is key to future success. Amy grew up in Ellicott City, Maryland, however has quickly become accustomed to southern winters. In her free time, Amy enjoys making memories with her friends & family, traveling to explore new places, hiking, and playing board games.
Have more questions?
Feel free to contact us to talk about your needs or set up an appointment.