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Cherie River, Owner Cherie graduated from Geneva College in 1994 as Magma Cum Laude and Alpha Chi Honor Society with a B.A. in Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Theatre. She completed her graduate studies with a 3.94 GPA at IUP in 1998 earning an M.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate. Cherie is the Director and Owner of two companies: River Pediatric Therapies and River Kids Gym, LLC. Cherie began working in the Speech Language field in 1995 with ACHIEVA (ARC). Since then she has worked in various settings including the Pittsburgh Public School District before opening her private practice in 2000. Cherie specializes in Apraxia and Oral Motor Therapy Techniques in pediatrics. Cherie has had a passion for working with children and helping others since she was a volunteer in orphanages in Mexico. She is blessed by God to be able to serve in her professional capacity by helping children to communicate. Cherie prays for her staff and patients each morning before starting her day. Cherie homeschools her 2 children Victor (5) and Sophie (4). In her spare time Cherie enjoys running and scrap-booking. Cherie is a member of ASHA and PSHA. |
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Debbi Gnivkoski, Assistant Director Debbi Gnivkoski, Business Manager, has been working for River Pediatric Therapies since May of 2005. Debbi earned a duel BS major in Business Management and Human Resource Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her role at River Speech & Educational Services, Inc. includes managing the Fox Chapel and Monroeville offices, overseeing and motivating therapists and other employees, being the main contact between all contracted companies, and overseeing all financial aspects of the company. |
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Jennifer Coleman, Speech Language Pathologist Jennifer Coleman, Speech Language Pathologist, joined the staff of River Pediatric Therapies in March of 2008. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her master’s thesis entitled “Slow Rate Effect on the Fluency of Preschoolers Who Stutter” was published in the World Congress of Fluency Disorders in 2004. Jennifer moved to Pittsburgh in 2003 and has provided clinical services to both children and adults in a variety of settings. Jennifer’s passion is working with young children who have communication difficulties. Jennifer’s primary goal in working with children is to increase their communication skills across all environments using a variety of modalities. She focuses on teaching prelinguistic skills to children who are non-verbal or minimally verbal by targeting joint attention and referencing skills in her therapy sessions. Jennifer supports and teaches parents how to facilitate spontaneous communication in the home and community environments. Jennifer enjoys giving presentations at annual conferences. She has presented in Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Montreal. Jennifer is also an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Duquesne University. Jennifer is raising two active little boys with her husband, Craig. Her family enjoys playing mini golf together. |
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Melinda Petrich, Speech Language Pathologist Melinda Petrich, Speech-Language Pathologist, joined River The many letters of thanks from appreciative families and ongoing |
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Amy Shrayber, Speech Language Pathologist Amy Shrayber, Speech-Language Pathologist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in November of 2007. Amy’s experiences with River Speech have included working with pre-school age children in a variety of Pittsburgh City schools and daycares. In September of 2008, Amy became the lead clinician in our Hartwood Towne Centre office, treating toddlers through teens for an array of communication needs. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Arizona. Amy has clinic experience working with a diverse population of both children and adults. Amy has gained invaluable experience working with a range of different populations including: children with Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She continues to learn from each child she serves and is eager to incorporate and adapt new therapy techniques to facilitate functional communication in a hands-on and motivating manner so that each child communicates to their fullest potential. Amy has functioned in multiple capacities with River Pediatric Therapies She has been a Speech Language Pathologist in the School setting, Preschool Classrooms, Head Start Classrooms, and Day Care Facilities throughout the Allegheny County Area including the city of Pittsburgh. Amy has gained quite a reputation in the Pittsburgh community for her outstanding performance as a Speech Language Pathologist. Amy provides consultation services to the River Clinic staff and guides her colleagues in making appropriate clinical decisions for their patients. Amy is quick with creative ideas and advice to help each therapist meet the individual needs of their client. Some of Amy’s favorite therapy activities include the following: having picnics with puppet animals, going on safari adventures, “I spy” missions, scavenger hunts, and a variety of book activities. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, reading, cooking, and travel. |
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Alison Agnew, Speech Language Pathologist Alison Agnew, Speech Language Pathologist, has a Master |
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Theresa Ames, Developmental Therapist Theresa Ames, Developmental and Behavior Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in September 2004. Theresa has been a developmental/behavior therapist in early intervention for the past 7 years. Her prior experiences are as a teacher and behavior specialist in a classroom setting for children with Autism and various behavior and social/emotional disorders. Theresa is known throughout Allegheny County as an expert in Developmental Therapy, Behavior Therapy and Child Development. Theresa has generously shared expertise with the River Team by being in the role of Clinical Supervisor. There, she provides guidance and consultation to her colleges. Theresa has done public speaking engagements on various topics including behavior, visual aids, and environmental arrangements in the classroom, throughout the community. Theresa was recently the recipient of the grant from Infant Mental Health, and is completing graduate coursework in addition to seeing clients full time. Theresa is an adjunct professor at The University of Pittsburgh’s Early Intervention program, she also holds the role of Practicum Student Supervisor for the same program. Theresa received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Penn State University and her Master's of Education in Early Intervention from the University of Pittsburgh. Along with many behavior based therapy trainings, Theresa is certified in TEACCH, and has an interest in Infant Mental Health and relationship based therapies. |
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Marie Hutter, Billing Supervisor Marie Hutter, Billing Supervisor, joined River Pediatric Therapies in October 2009. She also worked for the owner of the company, Cherie River, as a personal assistant in her home office prior to taking the position at the Hartwood location. Marie’s responsibilities include: posting all private billing charges, all invoicing, verifying insurance benefits, obtaining authorizations, and enrtering all payments into system as well as maintaining a deposit log. Her duties also include producing reports for management weekly as well as monthly. |
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Heather Boss M. CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist Heather Boss M. CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, graduated with her Master's in Speech Language Pathology from Duquesne University. Heather has experience working in preschools and also Early Intervention. She has had experience with several special education classrooms and enjoys working with all types of children. Heather particularly enjoys teaching young children how to initiate communication by using visual aids (PECS) and how to better understand spoken language with the assistance of visual aids, in the form of pictures and signs. Heather enjoys spending time with her three young children and engaging in family activities within the community. Heather and her family love to go to the beach and spend time in nature. |
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Jennifer Buchinsky, Pediatric Occupational Therapist Jennifer Buchinsky, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, joined Pediatric Therapies in 2010. Jennifer graduated from the University of Cape Town, South Africa with a degree in Occupational Therapy followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. Jennifer has travelled extensively overseas and within the United States and worked in a variety of settings as an Occupational Therapist in both adult care and pediatrics. She has provided Occupational Therapy to children within preschool and elementary school systems, home-based therapy and outpatient clinics in Philadelphia, Seattle and Pittsburgh. Jennifer strives to incorporate a variety of sensory- based experiences and modalities into her sessions to address sensory-motor needs and to stimulate learning and play. This is achieved by means of the varied gym equipment available to her such as the ball pit, climbing structures, swings, trampolines, bolsters, balls and hammock. Her goal is to provide the “just right” challenge to stimulate each child to meet their maximal potential. Jennifer moved to Pittsburgh in 2001 and is raising two beautiful boys with her husband Farrel. She loves working alongside her client’s families assisting them to reach their goals in play, school, community and life. |
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Jennifer Colwell M.Ed., Developmental Therapist Jennifer Colwell M.Ed., Developmental Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies as a developmental therapist in July 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at the University of Indiana in Bloomington Indiana. Upon earning her degree, she moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she helped to support and to educate young children at a therapeutic preschool and day treatment facility. After a number of years living and working in Indiana, Jennifer and her family moved to North Carolina where she continued to provide support and therapeutic intervention for children and their families through mentoring, tutoring, and behavioral therapy. In 2002, she, her husband and two children relocated to Pittsburgh where she earned her Master of Education degree in early intervention with a specialization in autism. For the past decade, Jennifer has been helping children with autism spectrum disorders and their families by providing behavioral support and education. She believes that early development of pivotal skills is crucial to future development for all children and enjoys providing one-on-one therapy to children through play and natural environment learning. Her goal is to help children reach their fullest potential and to help them participate as fully as possible in the world around them. |
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Julia Childs, Speech Language Pathologist Julia Childs is a Speech Language Pathologist who has been working at River Pediatric Therapies since October of 2003. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Science and Disorders from Clarion University in Clarion Pennsylvania. During her career at River Speech, she has worked primarily with children ages 18- 36 months, but has also spent time working with children in preschool, elementary school and middle school. Julia’s favorite part of being an early intervention speech therapist is getting to know the families, because once you know the family, you are able to tailor the child’s therapy plans and activities into naturalistic family activities so it doesn’t feel like “work.” She has demonstrated leadership quality by taking various management and supervisory roles throughout her career at River Pediatric Therapies. Julia has provided services in local school districts, preschools, head starts and daycare settings. She also tutors students to help improve overall academic performance in all subject areas. Julia provides speech services in both clinic and home environments. When not working as a speech pathologist, Julia home educates her two children, and “farms” her quarter acre in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. |
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Katrina Barger, Speech Language Pathologist Katrina Barger, Speech-Language Pathologist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2010. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Science and Disorders at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology was completed at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2010. Katrina conducted her field work at Seneca Valley School District and also at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. Katrina’s field work exposed her to many different disorders such as autism, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, social/pragmatic issues, mental retardation, articulation disorders, and expressive/receptive language delays. During her externships, she worked with children and developed a passion for improving their speech and language difficulties. Katrina enjoys doing therapy with a multi-modal approach, using verbal language paired with sign language and picture communication systems to help children reach their fullest communication potential. Katrina is interested in researching and specializing in the study of children with traumatic brain injuries. Her hope is to assist them to improve their quality of life by means of their communication skills. |
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Maggie Skrabec, Developmental Specialist Maggie Skrabec, Developmental Specialist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in January 2009. Maggie is originally from North Carolina, but has lived in Pittsburgh for the past 11 years. Maggie graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in Child Development. Maggie continued her graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh and received a Master’s degree in Early Intervention with a Specialization in Autism. Maggie provides Early Intervention as an in home service providing support to families and their children from ages birth to three. She enjoys the environment of these children’s homes to help incorporate behavior intervention, behavior modification and developmental skills naturally. Maggie really loves the relationships with the children, families and professionals that she works with and learns from every day. |
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Margo Bortnyik, Speech Therapist Margo Bortnyik, Speech Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2003. She provides Early Intervention services in the northern Allegheny County area. Margo graduated from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville with a M.S. in Speech Pathology. Margo’s 20 years of experience include therapy services in preschool settings, outpatient clinics and early intervention. Margo especially enjoys working with the parents and providing them with ideas and activities for improving their toddler’s communication skills within the family and in the community. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Sign Language are her special interests. Margo brings experience, knowledge and dedication to the River team as an expert in the Early Intervention field. Margo and her husband Kevin live in Cranberry Township with their three children. She also has volunteered as an office coordinator for Lifeline in Cranberry for nineteen years assisting families in providing baby items for their infants and toddlers. |
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Nancy Salvante, Speech Language Pathologist Nancy Salvante, Speech-Language Pathologist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in the Fall of 2003. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and then completed her Masters of Science degree in Speech-language pathology at Boston University. While in Boston, Nancy provided speech-language services in the Lexington School District. She helped start an inclusion program for young children on the Autism Spectrum. Since 2003, Nancy has worked as a home-based early intervention therapist with River Speech. During her time with River, Nancy has proven to be an outstanding therapist and leader. She has served as Clinical Manager in the role of guiding the other therapists on staff on procedures. She also provided a consultation to therapists and families to help meet the needs of their children. Nancy embraces working with children with global needs. She loves working with the birth to three age group and finds her work with children and their families very rewarding. |
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Susan Strait, Pediatric Occupational Therapist Susan Strait, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2007. She graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Susan has traveled and worked for the government overseas also as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Susan has provided Occupational Therapy services to children from birth to 21 years of age in the early intervention program, preschools, and elementary school through senior high schools. She has provided home-based therapy, school based and out-patient therapy in clinics in Germany and Pittsburgh. Susan also has experience both personally and professionally working with children adopted from foreign countries and adopted through the foster care system. Because of these experiences, Susan incorporates sensory and motor activities into her sessions to address the child’s individual needs and to stimulate development of the whole child. Susan is very interested in toys and activities that encourage fine motor and sensory development of the child. She also uses movement activities and has worked with children at play areas or play grounds both indoor and outdoor to promote and develop balance and motor coordination to allow the child to explore and play more independently with their peers. Susan loves working alongside her client’s families working toward the goals of the family to allow the child to reach his or her potential. |
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Alli Mcleod, Developmental Therapist Alli McLeod, Developmental Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in May 2011. A native of Pittsburgh, Alli graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Family Realtions in 2010. She then continued her education to receive her Master's of Education in Early Intervention from the University of Pittsburgh. Alli provides in-home developmental and behavioral support for children birth to three with any developmental delay or disability, as well as their families. She uses this natural environment to help children reach their developmental and behavioral goals through play. Alli absolutely loves going into these families' homes every day to see the progress that each child makes, and is a firm believer in celebrating even the smallest of achievements. |
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Kim Pollock, Speech Language Pathologist Bio to Come |
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Kristin Hamer, Speech Language Pathologist Kristin Hamer, Speech Language Pathologist, has a master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders, both from the University of Pittsburgh. Kristin has worked with River Pediatric Therapies since July 2011. Currently she treats children of all ages at the Hartwood Towne Centre Office. Kristin has experience working with children in hte scholl systems as well as in private practice. In addition to her current clients at River, she currently works with preschool children in Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Intervention Program. There she treats children with autism, pervasive developmental disorder, phonological and articulation deficits, stuttering, mulitple disabilities and language disorders. She also does research through the VA Hospital focused adults with aphasia or other communication difficulties. Kristin loves to travel and has spent time teaching children at an orphange in tanzania and teaching English at a school in India for Tibetan refugees. |
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Kristine Nypaver, Occupational Therapist Kristine Nypaver, Occupational Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2007. She earned a Master's of Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University in May 1997. Over the past 13 years, Chistine has worked with diverse populations and ages ranging from birth to over 80 - but she loves working with children the best. She bagan her career in pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1997. Since then, she has worked in a wide variety of settings (acute care, out-patient, K-12 schools, preschools, Early Intervention) and with a wide variety of populations including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Apraxia, Cerebral Palsy, various syndromes, problem feeders, visiual-perceptual deficits, fine motor delays. Her Professional public speaking experience includes a Breakout Session on Incorporating Sensory Integration into Daily Life at the National Apraxia-Kids parent Conference, at the Wesley Institute and at ABOARD parent meetings. While helping children reach their full potential provides the ultimate reward, Christine also has a passion for educating and empowering parents and caregivers. |
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Rebecca Kossler, Physical Therapist Rebecca Kossler, Physical Therapist, joined the staff of River Pediatric Therapies in 2011. in 2009, She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences from Saint Francis University. In 2010, She obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from saint Francis University. While at SFU, she was an active member of the Gamma Sigm Sigm, a service sorority, and participated in a total of five mission trips, including two physical therapy mission trips, to Honduras and the Dominican Republic. Since the summer of 2011, Rebecca has worked as a home-based early intervention therpist with River. Her Passion for children is evident in her therapy sessions and she really enjoys working with the birth to three age group as children are growing and developing so many new motor skills. For Rebecca, the most rewarding paart of her job is seeing her patients' progress toward their motor milestones and the pride on their parents faces when they meet their goals. |
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Shelli Henning, Speech Language Pathologist Shelli Henning joined River Pediatric Therapies in May 2008. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology in May 2002 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Since then, she has worked with school aged children with special needs at Mon Valley School and children birth to three at River Pediatric Therapies. Shelli has worked with children who have a variety of special needs and speech and language disorders. Shelli feels very fortunate to work with toddlers and their families to help develop their speech and language. She believes the most beautiful sound in the world is the new precious voice of a child. During her career as a speech pathologist, Shelli has worked with children on the Autism Spectrum ranging from mild to severe. Through this experience, she has used a variety of modes to help nonverbal children communicate by using communication devices, picture exchange systems, and sign language. She has also helped to develop communication in children who have had hearing loss by using a combination of visual cues, visual phonics, and sign language. Shelli has been trained in visual phonics and uses this system as well as tactile and auditory cues to help increase speech and language development. |
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Tara Milko, Occupational Therapist Tara Milko, Occupational Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in July 2011. She graduated from Saint Francis University with her Masters of occupational Therapy Degree in 2008. She has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist since starting her career working with children of an age range from birth-21 years in a variety of pediatric settings including a pediatric inpatient hospital, school-based therapy and early intervention services. She also has experience working as an occupational therapist on a mission trip to Honduras, as well as experience helping to coach adults and children on a Special Olympic Swim Team. Since July 2011, Tara has worked as a home-based early intervention thereapist with River Peditric Therapies. She enjoys working with infant and toddlers in the home and getting to know them and their families, establishing treratment plans that fit in their everyday lives. She loves the rewarding experience of getting to know and become a part of these families lives. She also values creative and child centered interventions that are provided in the home setting. Tara lives with her husband and two dogs in Monroeville. She enjoys yoga, hanging out with her husband walking the dogs and spending quality time with her family. |
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Angela Nofi, Developmental Specialist Angela Nofi, Developmental Specialist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in July of 2009. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Early Intervention with an Autism Specialization. During graduate school, Angela began pursuing the requirments to become a Board Certified behavior Analyst (BCBA) and became certified in November of 2009. Angela serves as a Behavior Consultant to local preschools. She believes strongly in utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in her work with children with behavioral concerns and emphasizes the importance of the family and caregiver's roles in overcoming challenging behaviors. |
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Kate Mullen, MS, OTR/L Kate attended the University at Buffalo and graduated with a BS/MS in Occupational Therapy from the school of Rehabilitation Science in 2009. She has completed her Master's project on the effects of infant carriers and the achievement of developmental milestones. Kate joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2011. Her fieldwork included was completed in school based OT and Geriatric sub acute populations. Her heart belongs to pediatrics though and most of her experience comes from school based and EI. She has worked with children ranging from preschool to high school. She has a strong background in the autistic population and has worked with down syndrome, MR, CP, sensory learning dysfunction, and emotional disturbances, to name a few. Kate looks at each child as a puzzle. If all the pieces don't fit together it just won;t look the same. She believes it is very important to incorporate sensory with gross motor with fine motor... and of course to play! Occupational Therapy focuses on the occupation of each client and one of our children's most important occupation is to play! When Kate is not working she loves to get involved. She has been an active member of the V Day Campaign - a global movement to end violence against women and girls. She has also worked to bring Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine's Pedatric Club to teach students about oral hygiene. She loves to craft, enjoys making jewelry, decorations, and scrapbooking. Go Steelers! |
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Carly Riesel, Speech Language Pathologist Carly Riesel, Speech Language Pathologist, joined River Peditric Therapies in the summer 2011. She received a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the Pennsylvania State University, and is a recent graduate of the M.A. Speech Language Pathology program at the University of Pittsburgh. In her graduate work, she has provided services to individuals in all stages of life; however, she particularly enjoys working with the pediatric population. Carly will be working with River both at Allegheny Valley School District as well as the Glenshaw clinic. Carly is originally from Long Island, NY and moved to Pittsburgh in 2009. In her free time she enjoys exploring and learning more about the city. |
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Danielle Siard, Speech Language Pathologist Danielle Siard, Speech Language Pathologist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2011. She graduated summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders at California University of Pennsylvania in 2009. Her Master's Degreein Speech Language Pathology was completed at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2011. Danielle conducted her fieldwork in the Pittsburgh Public Schools at Montessori and Fulton, Crawford County Care Center, and UPMC Shadyside. Danielle's fieldwork exposed her to many different disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, social/pragmatic issues, articulation disorders, ADHD, fluency disorders, expressive/recpetive language delays, hearing and cognitive impairments. Danielle's primary goal is to work close with children and their familiesto increase effective communication and improve their quality of life. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, golfing, and reading. |
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Amber Villella, Speech Language Pathologist Amber Villella obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication and Rehabilitation, as well as her Master's in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-hearing Association (ASHA). She also holds a certification in K-12 Speech & hearing Impaired with Pennsylvania Department of Education. Amber is currently the President of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Speech & Hearing Association (SWPSHA), which offers continuing education for speech therapists in Southwestern PA. She has a wide range of experiences. She has previously worked extensively in the outpatient clinic setting as well as Early Intervention, home health, specialized schools, and skilled nursing facilities. Amber currently completes Early Intervention evaluations in Beaver and Butler Counties. Her passion is language therapy, especially with those diagnosed with PDD/Autism/Asperger's. In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. |
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Jennifer Hurley, Billing Office Assistant Jennifer Hurley, Billing Office Assistant, joined River Pediatric Therapies in June of 2010. Jennifer assists Marie Hutter in the billing department of River Pediatric Therapies. She attended Duquesne University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Her duties include: general office responsibilities, assisting in medical billing and credentialing. |
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Julianna Tracey, Physical Therapist Consultant Julianna Tracey, Physical Therapist Consultant, joined River Pediatric Therpaies in 2010. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock Universityin 1996. Julie has provided physical therapy services to adults, teens and children. She has worked in PA and NC in a veriety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, early intervention and the school system. She has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Julie especially enjoys the pediatric setting and works to develop functional skills that allow patients to achieve their goals. She believes that seeing children become more confidnet and independent is a true joy of the profession. |
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Erin Pillar, Physical Therapist Erin Pillar, Physical therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in Septmeber 2011. In 2009, she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Helath Sciences from Duquesne University. In August of 2011, Erin obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University. At River, Erin works with multiple demographics and age populations, working in hte clinic seeing children, going into the home to see children at the infant/toddler age, and also entering into several schools to treat children in their natural environment. Erin thoroughly enjoys working with children of all ages and strives to assist children and their families in reaching their goals, through fun and dynamic play. |
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Jessica Rubino, Occupational Therapist Jessica Rubino, Occupational Therapist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in March of 2011. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences with a Minor in Biology from Duquesne University in 2010. She received her Master's of Science Degree in Occpatioanl Therapy from Duquesne University also, where she was Vice-President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association. Jessica was eager to begin working with children after completing a fieldwork rotation at the Talcott Center for Child Development in Hatford, CT. There, she worked with children of varying disorders including autism, cerebral palsy, Down's Syndrome, ADHD, and MR, among others. Jessica sees clients in the outpatient clinic in Glenshaw and also treats in clients' homes as an Early Intervention therapist. Outside of hte pediatric world, Jessica works with adult population at Forbes Regional Hospital, where she sees clients with mainly orthopedic, cardiac, and respiratory dysfunctions. Jessica is happy where she to be a part of the River team and plans to continue treating with a client-centered approach to therapy. |
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Alicia Hunt, Developmental Specialist and Behavior Consultant Alicia Hunt, Developmental Specialist and Behavior Consultant, joined River Pediatric Therapies in July of 2011. She has been a life-long resident of the Pittsburgh area. She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Disability services along with a minor in Deaf Studies. Along with her work at River she currently runs a preschool program and is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools in Nursery/Kindergarten and Sepcial Education. Alicia also has extensive training as a Vision Therapist. Alicia began her career working for Head Start and then later conducted behavior therapy, primarily with children diagnosed with Autism ranging from ages 2-13. Now as a Developmental Therapist, she loves working with children of all abilities. River allows her to help children strengthen their skills and provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. |
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Julia Zona, Speech Language Pathologist Julia Zona, Speech-Language Pathologist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in September of 2010.She received a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University and has a Bachelors of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from East Stroudsburg University. Her experiences with River Pediatric Therapies have included working in the public school, private school for children with autism, and the pediatric clinic settings. Julia has experience working with a variety of populations from young children through adults. In the past year, she has had the opportunity to work with many amazing children with autism spectrum disorders, social/pragmatic deficits, and children with Down syndrome. She also has experience with augmentative/alternative communication systems, articulation deficits, fluency disorders, and childhood apraxia of speech. She loves helping to empower children with functional communication through fun and motivating activities. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors and traveling as much as possible. |
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Kara Adkins, Adminstrative Assistant Kara Adkins, Adminstrative Assistant, joined River Pediatric Therapies in November of 2011. She came to us with extenisive experience in medical front desk coordination. Kara's job includes scheduling patients, answering phones and general clerical tasks. In her spare time, she enjoys laughing with her three children and fiance. |
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Colleen Yeany, Office Assistant Colleen Yeany, Office Assistant, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2011. She graduated from Messiah College in 2007 with a degree in Environmental Science. Having worked in a variety of office environments, Colleen appreciates the opportunity to work for a company with a meaningful mission. She performs any tasks needed to support River's operation, such as purchasing, correspondence, and screening potential employees. In her spare time, Colleen enjoys cooking, writing, crafting and hiking. |
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Nathaniel Gregg, Graphic Designer / Marketing Coordinator Nathaniel (Nathan) Gregg, Graphic Designer / Marketing Coordinator, joined River Pediatric Therapies in 2011. He graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design. Having worked for a small design agency downtown Pittsburgh, a printing press in Washington County, a corporate headquarters in Moon Township and all the various freelance gigs; he now has a broad experience in the field of Graphic Design. Nathan is currently updating the River website, along with designing ads, developing |
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Amy Parkinson, Front Desk Evening Receptionist Amy Parkinson, Front Desk Evening Receptionist, joined River Pediatric Therapies in January 2012. Her job consists of answering phone calls, scheduling appointments and general clerical work. She graduated from Geneva College in Christian Ministries, with an emphasis in Missions. She loves to help other people. She loves to spend time with her husband and son, playing soccer and is a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan. |
