Meet the Team

CEO, Physical Therapist Amy grew up in the small farm town of Walla Walla, WA, where she enjoyed spending time with her large extended family, boating, camping, and exploring the outdoors. From a young age, Amy babysat her many cousins, helped her mother with a summer special education program, and coached many YMCA youth sports. She has always loved working with children and helping people so going into pediatric physical therapy was a natural choice for a career. She attended Western Washington University where she earned a Bachelors of Science and then went on to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Pacific University in Oregon. Amy made Maui her home in 2011 where she has worked with children in Early Intervention, schools, and outpatient settings. She is passionate about improving access to healthcare services for children, supporting families, and helping children live their best lives. She started Pediatric Therapies Hawaii in 2017 to help fill a need in the community for outpatient services. Amy is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community and plans to continue to grow and expand services to better serve the community. Amy is a mother of three beautiful children and when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, outrigger canoe paddling, hiking, coaching AYSO soccer, and soaking up the sun at the beach.

Administrative Director Joanna, a proud Maui native, comes from a background in Management and Human Resources across various industries. With a deep passion for people, she values empathy, meaningful conversations, and fostering positive employee relations where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. She strongly believes in kindness, in-person connections, and creating a workplace culture built on respect and collaboration. She finds joy in helping others in any way she can, always striving to make a positive impact within her reach. Beyond her professional life, Joanna cherishes time with her husband, four children, and a precious grandchild. She embraces the island lifestyle, enjoying sunny beach days, relaxing sunsets, and outdoor adventures. A true foodie, she loves exploring new cuisines and also appreciates the occasional Girls’ Night Out. Whether in the workplace or in her personal life, Joanna brings warm aloha and a true passion for connection and community.

Patient Services Manager Charlene was born and raised in Kahului, Maui. She graduated from University of Hawaii Maui College with an Associates Degree in Business Technology. She comes from a large family and was always surrounded by children growing up. Charlene is known to be the aunty in the family that all nine nieces and nephews get excited to spend time with. She strongly believes in the importance of kindness and serving a purpose to make a difference in someone’s life. Charlene loves getting involved with church activities, spending time with her family, watching sunsets, traveling, crafting, and is a major foodie who's always on a mission to discover new food spots around the island.

Billing & Collections Supervisor Sherri was born and raised in Makawao, Maui. She is a part time student at UH Maui, and a mother of two. Her love of children along with her experience in healthcare administration and working with insurance make her a wonderful addition to our team! She is here to assist our families with billing questions, concerns, or any other support she can provide, even if it is as simple as putting a smile on your face! Sherri is also excited to see the kids we serve grow and accomplish their goals. Outside of work and school, Sherri enjoys spending her free time with her family at the beach, hiking, and doing arts and crafts activities with her kiddos!

Occupational Therapist Emma graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University before pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Florida International University in Miami. Her professional journey has taken her across a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital- based care, school system, and the Neonatal Intensive Care, where she has had the privilege of working with patients of all ages, from newborns to adults. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and enjoying the beach, and time spent with my family and friends.

Occupational Therapist Julia earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. Originally from Pennsylvania, she developed a strong interest in healthcare early on, inspired by her background as the daughter of an educator and a biologist. Julia has extensive experience working with children across a variety of settings, including Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, where she focused on feeding concerns, and K–5 classrooms, where she incorporated sensory-friendly strategies to support learning and participation. Her professional interests include pediatric feeding, sensory integration, and supporting children in achieving independence in daily routines. She also brings a multicultural perspective to her practice, having studied abroad in Costa Rica and hosted an international exchange student from Spain. Julia is semi-fluent in Spanish, which enhances her ability to connect with and support families from diverse backgrounds. Outside of her clinical work, Julia enjoys volunteering at her local animal shelter, exploring new languages, and spending time with her two cats, Cassiopeia and Pippin.

Occupational Therapist Originally from the Northeast, Regina competed her Occupational Therapy degree at Dominican College and continued her post professional studies at New York University. She has over 32 years of experience in Occupational Therapy, working in diverse settings such as pediatric therapy clinics, schools, inpatient neurorehabilitation, home care, outpatient services, and community reentry programs. Throughout her career, she has excelled as a case manager and supervisor, providing interdisciplinary services to individuals on the Traumatic Brain Injury waiver program. Additionally, she is a certified aging in place specialist and a registered children's yoga instructor. Regina recently relocated to Maui to be closer to her family and is eager to share her expertise to support children and families across the island. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending sunny days at the beach, and hosting BBQs with her loved ones.

Physical Therapist Michele is from Townsend, Delaware. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Studies with a focus in Athletic Training and a Master’s of Physical Therapy Degree. She has over 20 years of pediatric experience, most recently in early intervention homecare. She & her husband stay busy with their 3 children and 2 dogs. She enjoys spending time at the beach, reading & gardening.

Physical Therapist Mackinzie is a Physical Therapist from Indiana who is thrilled to be joining Pediatric Therapies of Hawaii on Maui. Working with children has always been one of her greatest passions, and she feels incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so in such a special place. Mackinzie recently completed a clinical rotation on Maui and fell in love with the island—so much so that she decided to make it her new home. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors with her dog, Ozzie. Together, they love adventuring, traveling, and making the most of time with loved ones. Mackinzie also enjoys snowboarding and is excited to trade the snow for waves as she learns to surf. She looks forward to supporting the wonderful kids and families of Maui and being part of their growth and journey.

Physical Therapist Jessi grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. She lived in Arizona for 11 years before relocating back to Indianapolis, Indiana where she has been for the last 10 years. She graduated from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has been working in Outpatient Pediatrics and Adult Inpatient Wound Care for the last 10 years. She is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Jessi continues to be passionate about working in the Outpatient Pediatric setting with experience in Aquatics in order to help each kiddo become more independent. She loves to travel and has been to all 50 states and 20 countries. She enjoys spending time with family/friends and her 14-year-old cat. She loves road biking, watching movies, and going to the beach.

Ph.Dc., BCBA, LBA Natasha has been a practicing Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 16 years, as well as a special education teacher. Growing up in Maryland, she lived and practiced in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Rhode Island, and here in Hawaii. She attended St. Mary's College of Maryland for BAs in Psychology and Studio Art, and the University of Maryland College Park for her M.Ed. in special education as well as an additional Master's in autism. After having her son in 2008, she began a PhD program in special education autism through the University of Missouri Columbia, and opened a company providing free and reduced ABA services in Kansas City in 2013 after having her daughter in 2012. In 2021, she completed her doctoral dissertation through Northcentral University while living in Rhode Island. Her career began as a Behavior Technician during undergraduate school, working with students in their homes. It was such a joy to watch them grow that she never wanted to give it up. Natasha's approach is naturalistic, but always with a mind toward shaping skills. She is excited to join the Pediatric Therapies Hawaii family and offer whatever support she can to children and their families.

RBT Born to a mother from Lahaina and a military father, Andrea grew up all over the place. She was lucky to spend all summer, and every summer in Lahaina with her grandparents. Lahaina has always been her home base, so as an adult she decided to make it her permanent home. Andrea worked as a nanny for over 15 years and one of the families had multiple children who were autistic. They were her introduction into ABA and it inspired her to get her certification. She has been working as an RBT ever since and feels privileged to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on her clients and their families.

BCBA After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in pedagogy from the Department of Psychology in Belgrade, Serbia, Jelena found her true home in Hawaii five years ago, a place that has brought her joy and the blessing of starting her own family. Her journey in behavior analysis began as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where she quickly discovered a deep passion for working with children. Captivated by the magic of connecting with young learners who need extra support, she found immense fulfillment in witnessing their growth and progress. This experience inspired her to pursue her BCBA certification, driven by a desire to make an even greater impact in her community. With a playful, child-centered approach, Jelena emphasizes child-led sessions in naturalistic settings, helping children develop social, communication, and functional skills in ways that feel joyful and authentic. She is dedicated to bringing this family-focused, engaging approach to every child and family she works with.

RBT

Occupational Therapist Blake has a Masters of Occupational Therapy from Stonybrook University. She is originally from Orlando Florida and went to the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree. As an occupational therapist, she has focused her talents in pediatrics, providing aquatic therapy, feeding therapy, and other forms of therapy to children around the United States. She has always been passionate about working with children, and enjoys working with their familiar to figure out how best to serve them at home as well. Outside of work, Blake enjoys traveling within the US, as well as, internationally and looks forward to exploring Maui and its surrounding islands. Scuba diving is a passion and she is hopeful to see whale sharks while in Hawaii.

Patient Services Coordinator Zsashie enjoys warmly greeting families, managing calls, and supporting the front desk with a variety of administrative tasks. Even when working remotely, she finds joy in connecting with everyone and believes that kindness is meant to be shared. After a full day at her desk, she relaxes with a good manga or manhwa—legs propped up for better circulation—while cuddling her two clingy Shih Tzus, who never fail to demand her full attention.

Patient Services Coordinator Reudane takes pride in providing her best support to both patients and healthcare teams. Whether managing calls, scheduling appointments, or keeping records organized, she brings a blend of efficiency and genuine care to everything she does. Her goal is simple: to help clinics run smoothly and ensure every patient feels valued and cared for. Outside of office hours, her caring nature continues. She enjoys unwinding by binge-watching her favorite shows—a well-deserved treat after a fulfilling day of helping others.

RBT This year, Alexis has been pursuing studies to become both a Social Worker and a yoga teacher—two paths that deeply align with her passion for helping others and fostering holistic growth. She finds great joy in witnessing and gently guiding children’s learning and personal development; their curiosity and resilience are constant reminders of how much adults can learn from them. When she’s not working or studying, she loves spending time in nature—whether hiking through lush trails, relaxing by the ocean, or simply soaking in the calm of the outdoors, where she feels most grounded and inspired.

RBT Pua has been an RBT since 2021 and previously worked as a DSP/DSW (Direct Support Professional/Direct Support Worker) supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Through that experience, she witnessed firsthand how challenging communication can be for many clients, which inspired her to deepen her knowledge in ABA and contribute to positive changes for those who need extra support. In her free time, Pua enjoys arts and crafts, coloring, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors. She thrives as part of a team and embraces being a “jack of all trades,” always ready to help wherever needed. Pua is excited to continue growing her skills in ABA and building meaningful connections with the clients and families she supports.