WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!
Phone: 248-383-5010
Serving Statesboro & Surrounding Counties since 2007
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!
Phone: 912-681-7768
Fax: 912-681-7782
The Therapy SPOT Team
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in various forms"
1 Peter 4:10
Caroline Bowman, M.Ed., CCC-SLP/COM®
Co-Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist
Certified Orofacial Myologist
Caroline founded The Therapy SPOT in 2007 and has over 20 years experience in treating pediatric feeding/swallowing, communication, and myofunctional disorders. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Valdosta State University in Communication Disorders. Caroline serves as the Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association Healthcare and Private Practice Committee Chair, and serves as a board member of the American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She believes that partnering with her families and working as a team is the best way to help children meet their goals.
Lea Lanier, Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Co-Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist
Lea has been a pediatric speech pathologist since 2001 and joined The Therapy SPOT after working with the public school system, serving preschool and school-aged children prior to entering in private outpatient therapy in 2010. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Georgia and master's degree from Valdosta State University in Communication Disorders. Lea specializes in working with children with childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder, young children with communication delays and disorders, and individuals who are minimally verbal. She is trained in DIR Floortime, Social Thinking, Hanen More Than Words, Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing, LAMP Words for Life, Beckman Oral Motor, SOS Approach to Feeding, and is Level 1 PROMPT trained. She believes everyone deserves a voice and celebrates each child's unique gifts to help every child reach their full potential.
Michelle Neilson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Michelle received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Iowa and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University. Michelle has been a speech-language pathologist since 2016 and has worked in the public/charter schools, outpatient pediatric clinics, inpatient and outpatient adult rehabilitation and acute care hospital settings. She has advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders from IAOM, and is Level 1 PROMPT trained from the PROMPT Institute. She also serves children with speech, language, voice and fluency disorders. She believes every child has unique gifts that have yet to be revealed. She can’t wait to help your child functionally communicate and swallow.
Tatum Blitch , DPT, PT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Tatum is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, where she received her Bachelors of Athletic Training and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has experience treating patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings from outpatient orthopedics to inpatient acute care. She has treated patients with neurologic disorders, developmental delays, and orthopedic injuries. Dr. Tatum has had interesting experiences over the years including working with high school and college athletes and has utilized both aquatic therapy and hippotherapy in treating pediatric patients. She always incorporates the whole body and uses a functional approach to therapy to help her patients be as independent as possible. She believes every child should be able to play their hardest and enjoy life to the fullest.
Cecilia Williford, MSOT,OTR/L
Clinical Manager
Occupational Therapist
Cecilia is extremely passionate about the development and well-being of children and the empowerment of their families. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University and her Master of Science in Occupational therapy from Brenau University. Cecilia is experienced in the treatment of sensory processing disorder, handwriting, fine motor delays, and activities of daily living. She believes in the importance of a holistic approach by working as a team with the family and her fellow Therapy SPOT therapists.
Anna Walker, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Anna Walker is a passionate speech-language pathologist from Statesboro, GA. After graduating with her Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Georgia in 2018, she worked in several pediatric clinics in Georgia and Oklahoma before moving to Chinandega, Nicaragua where she served as a missionary for two years. Anna returned to Statesboro, GA in 2022 and joined the team at the Therapy SPOT. Anna has a special interest in the Spanish language, and she is excited to serve the community that she loves so much. When she’s not working, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their son, Elijah. She also loves having coffee with friends, going on walks, watching sports, cooking.
Ashley Rushing, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ashley has experience working with children of all ages with communication and feeding disorders in a variety of settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from The University of Georgia and her master's in Communication Disorders from Valdosta State University. During high school, Ashley job shadowed at The Therapy SPOT, and then decided to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist. Ashley loves working with children and giving them confidence in their ability effectively communicate.
Gracen Hitchens, M.H.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Gracen has experience working with individuals of all ages to find purpose and excitement in completing their day-to-day tasks and routines. Born and raised in Statesboro, Gracen completed her Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia and earned her Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy at Augusta University. Gracen first discovered her love for occupational therapy while volunteering at the SPOT in high school; she fell in love with helping others achieve independence through creative, yet evidenced-based practices. 8 years later, she is ecstatic to rejoin the team as a full-time OT! Gracen loves being able to assist and witness the joy of children accomplishing their goals, working toward becoming the most independent individuals they can be.
Kate Murray, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kate has experience treating children of all ages and abilities with various speech and language disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Special Education through fifth grade, from Georgia Southern University. She served as a volunteer at The Therapy SPOT while at GSU before pursuing her Master's degree in Communication Disorders from Georgia State University. Kate is eager to work alongside families to help children functionally communicate across their environments.
Makenzie Moody, M.Ed., CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Makenzie received her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University while working at The Therapy SPOT as a part of our front office team. She received her Masters in Communication Disorders from Valdosta State University. Makenzie is a creative therapist who is passionate about helping children reach their full potential.
This could be you!
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We are always looking to hire awesome therapists for the Therapy SPOT team!
Alexis Dowd
Practice Administrator
Alexis helps keep The Therapy SPOT running smoothly. She received her Master of Healthcare Administration from South University.
Christy Mitchell
Authorizations Coordinator
Christy helps make sure our patients are able to receive the therapy services they need.
Marhia Clark
Receptionist
Marhia loves working with The Therapy SPOT families and seeing all of our kiddos grow and make progress! Marhia’s goal is to make every family's experience easy and enjoyable.
Emma Cantrell
Receptionist/Therapy Tech
Emma helps our office run smoothly. She is a student at Georgia Southern University and plans to pursue a career in speech-language pathology.
Grace Copeland
Receptionist/Therapy Tech
Grace provides support from the front office to the therapy room; most importantly she works to create a safe environment for families. Grace attends Georgia Southern University with plans to become an occupational therapist.
Emily Johnson
Receptionist/Therapy Tech
Emily enjoys getting to know our families through her work. She is a student at Georgia Southern University and plans to pursue a career in speech-language pathology.