Specializing in Speech, Occupational, & Physical Therapies

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About Thera-Play Pediatrics

At Thera-Play Pediatrics, our mission is to provide children and families with quality and consistent pediatric therapy services that maximize a child’s functional independence and quality of life. Our centers in Springdale and Fort Smith, AR, are strategically designed to mirror the experiences that developing children encounter within their communities.

We address your child’s global therapy needs while they enjoy what they do best: playing. For the child, his or her therapy sessions are fun, not a series of rote activities. Our goal is to maximize each child’s motivation to play throughout the therapeutic process.

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Pediatric Therapy Services in Fort Smith & Harrison, AR

Pediatric Services in Fort Smith & Harrison, AR

Key Tenets of Our Approach

Mirroring Natural Environments

Learning is optimized when practice occurs under varying and random conditions, as that is how children learn about themselves and the world around them. Our main gym areas are equipped with state-of-the-art sensory-motor equipment and designed to create variable conditions that will maximize results for your child’s growth and development.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is a core component in all of our therapy sessions. By participating in these sessions, parents learn first-hand how to incorporate the therapeutic techniques we use on a day-to-day basis while bonding with their children in a positive, enriching environment.

Support for Families

Thera-Play introduces a whole new world of interaction, stimulation, and excitement for children with special needs. Equally important, our unique program gives parents and family members of children with special needs the opportunity to meet other parents who are dealing with similar issues, allowing them the opportunity to build support groups and create lasting friendships.

Meet the Team

Emily Roberts | OTR/L

Owner / Occupational Therapy Director

Occupational Therapist

Speech-Language Pathologists

Abbi Ball | M.C.D. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Springdale Clinic

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Hi, I’m Abbi! I’ve called Northwest Arkansas home for the past three years after moving here from Northeast Arkansas. I absolutely love what I do—helping kids find their voice and grow in confidence through speech therapy. I have a special passion for working with children with Autism who use AAC devices, as well as kids with language and articulation needs. When I’m not in the therapy room, you can usually find me traveling, spending time with friends, family, and my dogs, or cheering on pretty much any sport.

Alicia Ketter | CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director

Fort Smith Clinic

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Hi! I’m Alicia Kettler (pronounced uh-lee-see-uh), a cajun from Southwest Louisiana. My family is so excited to explore the natural beauty of Arkansas. I’ve been married to my husband, Kyle, for 16 years and we have 4 amazing daughters. We also have 2 cats (and I constantly have to stop myself from bringing home more!) When I manage to squeak out some free time you can find me under a weighted blanket with a cup of coffee lost in a fantasy novel! I also love thrifting and refinishing furniture for fun.

I am passionate about helping children learn to communicate and to safely eat and learn to enjoy eating. I have worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for more than 10 years. I have previously worked in schools, clinics, and traveled to families homes or favorite community places. I’m so excited to join the Thera-Play team!

Joe Agan | PhD. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bilingual English and Spanish
Springdale / Fort Smith Clinics

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I completed my Master’s in Communication Disorders (1999) from the University of Houston and my PhD in Rehabilitation (2009) from the University of Arkansas. My experience includes working with children and adults in a diverse array of medical and outpatient settings. In 2015 I had the opportunity to rejoin Thera-play. Prior to returning to Thera-play, I was a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for six years.I have a passion for understanding the relationships between social, cognitive, emotional and language development in children.

I approach therapy through engaging, joint cooperative activities (e.g., play, new learning and work) that promote the development of social interaction, attention, memory and self-regulation. This cognitive focus facilitates speech, language and social skills that can be easily transferred to settings outside of the clinic. I am passionate about exploring and developing hands-on activity-based approaches to addressing speech, language, and literacy-related issues with clients in a manner that fosters independence, self-efficacy, and healthy self-identity.

An activity consists in producing some tangible outcome following an apprenticeship model of learning. For example, building a wooden model (e.g., catapult); a rubber-band airplane; bookmaking, programming a computer game or computer art (via Scratch, Android App Inventor 2 and Processing programming language). Such activity-based approaches can provide a rich and motivating context for addressing a multitude of speech therapy objectives.

The purpose of specific therapy objectives become more readily apparent to clients in activities with tangible, understandable real-world goals. Clients acquire new knowledge, vocabulary, language structures and discourse practices. Literacy skills can be incorporated in ways that highlight their usefulness within a motivating activity. As a clinician and clinical educator, I have been working on distilling these ideas, developing materials (i.e., literacy related materials) and exploring means of sharing this approach via alternative platforms with a broader audience.

In my spare time I spend as much time as possible with my son, Zach and daughter Rye. I also enjoy martial arts, computer programming, bike riding, reading, and exercising.

Jamie Gonnerman | ST

Speech Therapist

Fort Smith Clinic

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I’m a speech-language pathologist with TheraPlay and a local school district, and I truly love working with children. I’m especially passionate about language development and fluency, and I strive to create a supportive and engaging environment for every child I work with. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University (go Pokes!) and my master’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University. I currently have three boys, two dogs, and a bird. Outside of work, whenever I have extra time, I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, painting, and going on road trips.

Occupational Therapists

Amanda Miller | COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Spingdale Clinic

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Thera-Play Pediatrics in Springdale, AR. My husband and I met in high school and have been married since 2005. While not native to Arkansas, we’re so happy we moved to such a beautiful and welcoming place. Having dedicated 10 years working in the public school system I knew I wanted to continue working with children.
Once observing an Occupational Therapist I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I received my degree in December of 2014 and began practicing as a licensed OTA in February of 2015. I really enjoy providing OT services as it involves teaching and beyond. Offering my patients additional support while attending school, daycare, online classes, etc. is an important part. I also recognize my patients play more roles than just students. These may include son, daughter, brother, sister, grandchild, or possibly even helping a caregiver at times, etc. Every occupation or task needed for each role can vary.

My passion is getting to know my patients and their families while taking these roles into account. This helps me to provide the best support possible based on that patient’s individual needs.

Kevin Maxon | OTR

Occupational Therapist

Fort Smith Clinic

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I’ve been an OT for a long time and worked in every practice area with people of all ages. I joined Thera-Play this year and am very glad to be working in a clinic with nice people and beautiful kids. I’ve just finished a long “pediatric rotation” of 20+ years, meaning that my youngest of three children is a grown young adult. My wife and I (and our two youngest grown children) live on a 10-acre farm where we home-schooled our two youngest, kept an extensive garden, and raised all kinds of animals for butchering and for fun. My wife (a PTA) and I raised our kids with the same neuro-developmental bias that I bring to practice: physical immersion into the environment to develop bodies, minds, social interaction, cognitive skills, and appreciation for all of creation including everything, every person and living creature in the world around us. I love being an OT! We raised our kids with progressive neuro-developmental activities and lived those out ourselves as adults. I practice OT on myself all the time! Meaningful activities of play, work and leisure are important throughout the entirety of life. And it’s so fun to see this with kids. I took a break from my OT career about 20 years ago to become and work as a credential elementary education teacher. I taught public school 4th and 5th grade. I loved the kids but found that my best work is one on one as a therapist. What else about me? My greatest earthy passion is music. I play several instruments, sing and compose music, and perform when I get the chance. I’m also still busy on our farm and go to the gym a couple times a week (I try to practice what I preach).

Blythe Flake | COTA

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Fort Smith Clinic

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Bio Coming Soon!

Kerri Schriver | COTA

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Fort Smith Clinic

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Bio Coming soon!

Mysti Drinkwater| OTR

Occupational Therapist

Springdale Clinic

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I’ve been an occupational therapist for 13 years and am also a mom to three amazing autistic kids. I love working with children of all abilities, but supporting autistic kids holds a special place in my heart. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, our dogs, and planning fun and accessible travel adventures.

Jenna Schwencke | COTA/L

Occupational Therapist

Springdale Clinic

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I’m a COTA/L with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I love working with children and helping them build skills and confidence to reach their goals. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and being out in nature.

Physical Therapists

Katie Froese | PT

Physical Therapist

Fort Smith Clinic

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I received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017 from the University of Missouri. I have experience with children in the clinical setting and educational setting. I love to watch them grow and achieve the best version of themselves. I also have experience with equine-based therapy along with adult rehabilitation. If I am not running around chasing 2 young children, then I am trying new restaurants with my husband, traveling, playing with my Aussidoodle; Howard, drinking coffee or reading a good mystery book.

Jeremy Helms | PTA, CKTP

Physical Therapist Assistant | Certified Kinesio-taping Practitioner

Fort Smith Clinic

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I have been a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) since 2008 and have been involved in therapeutic rehabilitation since 2000. I am happily married to my lovely wife since 2007 and we have 2 wonderful children, a boy (2014) and a girl (2015). When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family. My wife and I use to travel a lot before we started to have kids, and now that they have grown some, we look forward to new adventure with them. I love drawing, listening to movie soundtracks, being outside if possible, watching movies, occasionally playing video games (if my kids let me), and reading books (though it does take me several months to finish a book).
I was inspired to pursue a career in physical therapy when I was 12 years old after having to have hip surgery. I had to learn how to walk all over again, and I had a physical therapist that specialized in pediatrics to help me recover. Since becoming a PTA, I have enjoyed getting to help children meet and exceed their developmental milestones/goals to better their quality of life, and in doing so, have helped the parents too.

Jennifer Mason | PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Springdale Clinic

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I have been a Physical Therapist Assistant since 2010, I started working at Thera-Play Pediatrics in 2011. I have extensive experience working with children of all ages in school, home, and clinic settings. I enjoy helping patients’ families develop solutions to help their child overcome any challenges they may be experiencing. I strive to collaborate with our patients’ speech and occupational therapists to ensure that patients reach their full potential and are successful in all aspects of their lives. When I’m not working at the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters, playing soccer, and rooting for the Razorbacks.

Lea Hopper | PT

Physical Therapist

Fort Smith Clinic

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Hi, I’m Lea Hopper, and I’ve been a physical therapist for over 20 years. I earned my Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas and have worked in just about every setting throughout my career. In recent years, I’ve found my true passion in pediatrics. I absolutely love working with kids—whether it’s helping babies with developmental delays or supporting high school athletes through injury recovery, I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.
I married my husband Joe in 2004, and together we have five wonderful kids. Life is always full with our two youngest still at home and involved in all sorts of activities, so spare time is rare—but when I do have it, you’ll usually find me in my flower garden. We also share our home with a very relaxed bulldog and three cats who keep things interesting.

Office Staff

Stephanie Franklin

Chief Adminstrative Officer

Fort Smith Clinic

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Me and my husband moved to Arkansas in March 2010 from our native state of Texas. I am a mother of 2 sons, 1 daughter and 3 dachshunds. I am also a grandmother. I completed my undergraduate coursework at the University of North Texas. Majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. I have a true passion for US History and love collecting antique glass. I enjoy antiquing, visiting history museums or places of history and spending time with my family.

Kerra Thompson

Prescription & Prior Authorization Specialist

Fort Smith Clinic

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My name is Kerra Thompson and I am from Van Buren, Arkansas where I graduated in 2002. I attended the U of A @ Fort Smith and Ultimate Medical Academy with a Certification in Medical Administration. I am happily married to my husband Clint. We have 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy and 2 dogs. My family and I enjoy kayaking, camping, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.

Liz Smith

Administrative Assistant

Springdale Clinic

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I am originally from Little Rock, AR. I graduated from Mt. St. Mary Academy in 1994 and came to Fayetteville to attend the U of A. After college, I decided to stay in NWA because I absolutely love it here! My grandparents lived here, my mom was raised here, so in my younger days I was visiting frequently and going to A LOT of Hog games. I married my husband in 2007 and we live in Elkins, AR. My oldest son is in College at OBU and my youngest is in High school in Elkins.I also have 3 stepchildren who have blessed us with 4 amazing grandchildren. We are BIG Razorback fans, especially baseball! When we are not following our kids or grandkids around to football and baseball games, we enjoy fishing, jeep riding, exploring the beautiful outdoors near our home and going to Hog games. We also enjoy visiting with family, laying low and streaming new and old tv shows.
I started managing a pediatric therapy clinic in 2009 and in 2018, I took a well-deserved break to stay home with my boys. In 2021, I decided it was time to return to work. I absolutely love working with the children here because they bring so much joy and I missed it. I love watching each of them grow and progress every day. We have an amazing team of therapists that care so much about helping children and that makes my job worth it.

Rosy Torres

Administrative Assistant

Springdale Clinic

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I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Healthcare Administration from Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC). This academic background, combined with over a decade of experience in the healthcare field and more than five years specializing in billing and insurance, enables me to effectively support Thera-Play families by addressing their questions and needs with confidence and care.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my wonderful husband and our two energetic sons. Our weekends are often filled with soccer practices and games. I have a deep appreciation for nature, and music is a constant presence in our home.