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 Kayela was born and raised in Pukalani, Maui. She graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo as a student athlete from the women’s soccer team with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Following undergraduate school, she pursued her Master’s Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy at A.T. Still University, School of Health Sciences in Mesa, Arizona. She has clinical experience in skilled nursing facilities, the school setting, and the pro-bono clinic at ATSU. After years of schooling and living away from Maui, she was eager to return to her hometown, ready to help the community in which she grew up. Kayela is passionate about the place she calls home and the children and families that she now gets the privilege of meeting and treating. Being an Occupational Therapist in the place she grew up in has always been her dream. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and outdoor activities that involve the water. She is a lover of animals, food, traveling, and sports.
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 new graduate Physical Therapist from Indiana who earned her degree in May 2025. She is thrilled to be starting her first PT position on Maui with Pediatric Therapies of Hawaii. Working with children has always been one of her deepest 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 completely fell in love with the island—so much so that she decided to make it her new home. Outside of work, Mackinzie 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. She also enjoys snowboarding but is excited to trade in the snow for waves as she learns to surf. Mackinzie is truly looking forward to serving 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.
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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.
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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.
Administrative Assistant Zsashie is an Administrative Assistant at Pediatric Therapies Hawaii who loves warmly greeting families, managing calls, and supporting the front desk with various administrative tasks. Even while working remotely, she enjoys connecting with everyone and believes that kindness is something to be shared with all. After a full day at her desk, she unwinds with a good manga or manhwa—legs propped up for better circulation—and cuddles with her two clingy Shih Tzus who always demand her full attention.
RBT This year, I’ve been diving into my studies to become both a Social Worker and a yoga teacher—two paths that deeply align with my passion for helping others and fostering holistic growth. I find so much joy in being a witness and gentle guide to children’s learning processes and personal development; their curiosity and resilience constantly remind me how much we, as adults, can learn from them. When I’m not working or studying, I love to spend time in nature—whether it’s hiking through lush trails, relaxing by the ocean, or simply soaking in the calm of the outdoors, it’s where I feel most grounded and inspired.