Dawn Darby, MPA; CEO/Co-Founder
Dawn holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina, with an emphasis in Non-Profits and Grants and a bachelors in media arts, also from USC. She has work experience as the Grants Manager of Richland County, Ready to Learn Coordinator for SC Educational Television, and also served as a Grants Writer/Special Events Coordinator for the Indian Waters Council/Boy Scouts of America. Dawn lives in Forest Acres with her husband, James, their daughter, Laura, a senior at AC Flora, and their dog, Phoebe. Their son, Cooper, is a senior on campus at UofSC, majoring in sports management. Dawn enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and keeping up with her kids.
Abby Wilson, MHA; Chief Operations Officer
Abby comes to us with a background in public health and child welfare, where she focused on building positive childhoods for all kids in South Carolina for the last 10 years. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Clemson University and her master’s in healthcare administration from the University of South Carolina. She serves as a volunteer arbitrator for the Lexington County Juvenile Arbitration program and co-facilitates a life skills class for these youth multiple times a year. In her free time, Abby loves to read, hike, and hang out with her little dog, Eleanor!
Teresa Fleming, Billing Manager
Teresa comes to us with over 30 years of billing and medical-clinic experience. Teresa lives in Medina, Ohio with her husband Eric, their daughter Marisa and their cat Sox. In her free time, Teresa enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, reading, hula hooping, and being in nature.
Leah Stafford, Billing Assistant
Leah graduated from Airport high school with Honors in 2021. She is currently attending Midlands Technical College for a degree in Medical Administration. In her free time, Leah likes to go to Starbucks, play softball, hang out with her sister, Marisa or enjoy beautiful Lake Murray with her fiancé, Tyler. Leah has two dogs, Layla & Bailey and a cat, Daisy.
Dr. Tessa Gonzalez, Medical Director
Dr. Gonzalez completed her undergraduate degree in Anthropology at Harvard University and her medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Following med school she returned to Columbia to complete her residency in pediatrics at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. Since completing her residency she has worked in general pediatrics where she enjoys watching kids grow and develop. Dr. Gonzalez lives in NE Columbia with her husband and kids, including her daughter, Ana Sofia, who is a TTP and Bridges all-star! Tessa and her family enjoy going to Soda City on weekends for pupusas and the zoo to feed the giraffes! Tessa is a certified child passenger safety technician. Email her at tgonzalez@thetherapyplace.org to set up a time for an installation check.
Brooke Proctor, Office Coordinator
Brooke comes to us from Good Shepherd Day School where she has spent the last 10 years being a smiling face and caring for children and their families. Brooke lives in Columbia with her three children, Alyia, Aubrey, and Bently, and their dog Sofie. In her free time, Brooke enjoys camping, baking, and reading. She also loves to spend time with her family and friends. Brooke’s favorite color is yellow and she has a sunny disposition to match it.
PEDIATRIC THERAPISTS
Jackie Buckland, MSP, CCC/SLP; Speech-Language Pathologist, PRN
Jackie graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and received a Master’s of Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina in 2015. She gained clinical experience at The Therapy Place while earning her Master’s degree. Jackie (Griffo) Buckland is married to Justin Buckland and they have two daughters. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys traveling, kayaking, and reading.
Edie Hines, MSP/CCC-SLP – Speech Language Pathologist
Edie Hines graduated with a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from The University of South Carolina in 2003. She has over 21 years of pediatric dysphagia and feeding experience. Edie has special interests in the areas of: pediatric feeding disorders, infant and newborn feeding, ARFID, animal assisted therapy, apraxia,TBI, and incorporating literacy in language development.
Edie enjoys playing pickleball, swimming, gardening, dog training, reading, cooking, exercising, and going to sporting events. During her free time, Edie is usually spending time with her four Boykin Spaniels or hanging out with friends and family.
Catherine Troup,MCD – CCC-SLP – Speech Language Pathologist/Lead Speech Therapist
Catherine graduated from Newberry College with dual Bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology, and earned a Master’s +30 degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Carolina. She enjoys cooking with her family, attending sporting events, and loves animals.
Heather Truesdale, MS, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist/Lead Occupational Therapist
Heather graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and received a Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2020. Prior to her start in occupational therapy she was a part of the Bridges Preschool Program and is excited to return and serve in a different role. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, and exploring old and new attractions across the nation.
Monique McNeil, MA, SLP-CFY
Monique is a dedicated professional and two-time alumna of South Carolina State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech Language Pathology. She is a Qualified Autism Services Practitioner and has interest in Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), emerging language, and nonverbal pediatric population. Monique is married to Jamel, and together they are raising their “Au-some” child, Quinci. She believes in providing neuro-affirming care and Santa Claus! In her free time she enjoys Legos, reading and holiday decorating.
Erin Maltba, MS, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist & Therapy Director
Erin graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science. She attended the Medical University of South Carolina to receive her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Erin lives in Columbia with her husband Dennis, daughter Quinn, son Crawford, and German Shepherds Beau and Mack. She has been a pediatric Occupational Therapist since 2005 and has received training and continuing education including infant/child feeding, SOS feeding approach, NDT for infant/toddler, Kinesiotaping, and Interactive Metronome. In her spare time, Erin enjoys hanging out with family and friends, hiking, and traveling.
Mandy Martin, MSR, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist, PRN
Mandy graduated from Presbyterian College with her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. Mandy has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2009 and loves working with children and their families. She and her husband Brad have a daughter, Caroline, and son, Henry. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and cheering on the Gamecocks!
Ashley Surratt, MA, CCC-SLP; Speech-Language Pathologist, PRN
Ashley graduated from The University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and received a Master’s in Speech Pathology & Audiology from South Carolina State University in 2012. Prior to beginning her career at The Therapy Place, Ashley was a part of the Bridges Preschool Program. Ashley (Reames) Surratt lives in Forest Acres with husband, Tyler, and their son, Reames. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys being with her family, and enjoying yard-work.
Tessa Crosby, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist/Lead Physical Therapist
Tessa is from Lexington, SC and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She loves working with kids and making treatments fun for everyone! In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her friends and her cat, Myla. She also enjoys to exercise and try new places!
Bethany Borkoski, PT, DPT
Bethany is an energetic and devoted physical therapist. With a Bachelors in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina, she has a passion for helping the pediatric population. With 11 years of experience in the outpatient pediatric setting, she brings her knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience for animal assisted therapy to our team. Bethany loves a challenge and thinking outside the box to help her patients reach their goals. She believes that making therapy fun is pivotal to progress. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, one of which is a retired facility dog, Chiver.
Natalie Reyes Araya, PTA
Natalie was born and raised in Long Beach, CA and graduated from South University as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She decided to make Columbia her home after completing her military service as an Active Duty Physical Therapist Assistant in the Army. Natalie lives in Columbia with her sister Yarely, son Liam, daughter Luna, as well as her three dogs Obi-wan, Roxy, Ellie, and her cat, Tank. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys working out, trying new foods, and building Lego sets with her family.
The Bridges School at The Therapy Place
Lindsey Duerr, Bridges School Principal
Lindsey graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a minor in Service Learning. She holds a teaching license in special education and brings 4 years of experience teaching in the public school system. Lindsey lives in Columbia with her husband, Stephen, daughter Madison, and their dogs, Leia and Luke. She loves to travel and visit new cities with her family and friends.
Morgan Tanner, Assistant Principal/Teacher — Bridges Preschool
Morgan graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and a minor in Psychology. She holds a teaching license in elementary education and brings 5 years of teaching experience in the public school system. Morgan is married to her husband, Willie, and they have a brand new daughter, Andi, along with three dogs, Precious, Cosmo, and Poppy. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, hanging out with friends, going to sporting events, and playing with the dogs.
Nicole graduated from SUNY Potsdam with Bachelor’s Degrees in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. She received her Master’s Degree from Syracuse University in Inclusive Special Education. She brings 7 years of special education teaching experience in the public school system. Nicole is also a National Boards Certified Teacher in Literacy. In her free time, Nicole enjoys crocheting, reading, and exercising.
Hannah Magee, Lead Bridges Aide
Gabby, Bridges Aide
Annaka Osborne, Lead Bridges Aide
