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Meet the Staff of The Therapy Place

Dawn Darby, MPA; Co-Founder and Executive Director 

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 sophomore at AC Flora, and their dog Sophie.  Their son, Cooper, is a sophomore on campus at UofSC. Dawn enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and keeping up with her kids.

Megan Burgee, Family Services Coordinator 

Megan is a devoted special needs Mom with a strong advocacy background. Her years of experience give her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with special needs and their families. She is passionate about creating a more inclusive world for her son and everyone like him. In her downtime, she enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, immersing herself in nature, baking and practicing yoga.

 

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 fiance, Tyler. Leah lives with her two dogs, Layla & Bailey and her 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!

 

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.

Chanele Osborne, Business Manager

Chanele is a prior service Army branch New York native. She comes to us with over 10 years experience in Human Services, Operations and Business Management. She has recently moved to Chapin from the big apple with her wife Cheryl, their 8-year-old son Michael and their pet turtle Beasty. Chanele enjoys catering and cooking for her family and friends and LOVES Harry Potter!

Willie Tanner, Marketing

Willie comes to us from a background in marketing and graphic design operating his company Grey’s Graphics for over 18 years. He also has over 7 years of experience with iHeartMedia where he was responsible for website and social media management for over 25 radio stations. Willie lives in Columbia with his wife Morgan and their three dogs, Precious, Cosmo, and Poppy. In his spare time he enjoys working out and Gamecock Football and Basketball.

 

 

PEDIATRIC THERAPISTS

 

 

Jackie Buckland, MSP, CCC/SLP; Speech-Language Pathologist

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 recently had a daughter, Charlotte, in December 2021.  In her spare time, Jackie enjoys traveling, kayaking, and reading.

 

Heather Truesdale, MS, OTR/L – 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.

Savannah Fredendall, DPT – Physical Therapist/Lead PT

Savannah graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Georgia Southern University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has received training and continuing education on the TheraSuit and the TheraSuit Method of intensive physical therapy. She enjoys exercising, reading, and exploring new cities with her friends and family!

Catherine Troup MCD – CCC-SLP

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.

 

Jenna Kessler, MSP, CCC-SLP –  Speech-Language Pathologist
Jenna graduated from Wofford College with a Bachelor’s degree in English and French and received a Master’s of Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina. She completed a clinical rotation at The Therapy Place when she was a graduate student and loves being back here now as an SLP! She and her husband live in Columbia but have enjoyed traveling to other countries in the past (France, China, Ecuador).  They have one son, Leon, who they welcomed in January of 2022.  Jenna loves to read, exercise, and go to the Soda City Market on the weekends.

 

 

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

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! 

Haylee McGregor, COTA/L – Certified/Licensed Occupational Therapist

Haylee graduated from The University of South Carolina Upstate with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications in 2014. She then decided to go back to school and graduated from South University with a degree in Occupational Therapy in 2019. She and her husband live in Columbia with their dog, Mia! In her free time, Haylee loves to exercise, read, go shopping, and hangout out with her friends and family. Fun fact about Haylee is that she has a twin sister as well as two older sisters, whom all work in the medical field!

Kelly Price, PTA – Physical Therapy Assistant 

Kelly recently moved down to Columbia from Richmond, VA. She graduated from James Madison University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Science. She then decided to go back to school to pursue Physical Therapy and became a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. She loves her job because the kids keep her on her toes making every day different and full of surprises.

 


Ashley Surratt, MA, CCC-SLP; Speech-Language Pathologist

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 is married to her husband, Tyler, and they recently had a son, Reames, in May 2022. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys being with her family, and enjoying yard-work.

Tessa Crosby, DPT – 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!

Katie Van Gurp, MS, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist
Katie graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and received a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2021. She gained part of her Occupational Therapy clinical experience at The Therapy Place and is excited to be back! She loves Occupational Therapy because she gets to promote independence, empowering those of all ages while learning from and sharing smiles with kids each day! Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Dylan Bonds, MS, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist

Dylan graduated from College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science and received a Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2023. She completed part of her clinicals at The Therapy Place and is thrilled to be joining the team full time. She’s excited to continue to foster growth and independence for children through fun, interactive, and personalized plans! On her free time she loves to exercise, cook, travel, and read!

 

Leah Ziegler, MSP, CCC-SLP; Speech-Language Pathologist/Lead Speech Therapist

Leah is a South Carolina native with eleven years of pediatric speech therapy experience. She graduated from Clemson University with her Bachelor’s of Art in Communication Studies. After working in the non-profit sector for a few years, Leah returned to school and graduated with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from USC. Leah resides in the Midlands with her husband Jon, two daughters, and her rescue dog Otto. She has received training and continuing education in childhood Apraxia of Speech, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), LAMP, pediatric feeding, PROMPT, and TOTS (tethered oral tissues).

 

Sabria Roberson, M.S., CCC-SLP; PRN Speech Language Pathologist
Sabria is from Savannah, Georgia and graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Spanish. She received her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2020. When she has time to spare, you can find her crocheting, gaming, or playing with her dog, Ryu.

BRIDGES THERAPEUTIC PRESCHOOL STAFF

 

Lindsey Duerr, Bridges Director/Co-Teacher

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, Bridges Assistant Director/Co-Teacher

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 public school. Morgan is recently married to her husband, Willie, and they have three dogs, Precious, Cosmo, and Poppy. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, hanging out with friends, and playing with the dogs.

Marlyssa Linder, Assistant Teacher
Marlyssa is from Greenville, SC and is a senior at the University of South Carolina studying Public Health.  She has always loved working with children and hopes to continue helping children as she pursues a career in occupation therapy.  She loves hanging out with friends, working out and shopping.

Hannah Magee, Bridges Aide

Hannah is from right outside of Philadelphia, PA, and is attending the University of South Carolina to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She plans on attending Graduate School in order to pursue her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Hannah has always loved working withchildren and also used to go to speech and occupational therapy as a child. This led her to want to pursue a career in the area of speech. Hannah has always wanted to provide children with the same fun but a learning experience that she received while going to therapy. She believes that every child should experience learning in a fun and exciting way. Hannah enjoys cheering on the Gamecocks, spending time with friends, and going to the beach.

Nancy Rizo, Bridges Aide

Nancy is a rising senior Public Health Major and Social Work Minor at the University of South Carolina. She is a Child Life Volunteer at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Upon graduation she plans to attend grad school for Speech Pathology. A fun fact about her is that she loves going to baseball games!

Sarah Vore, Bridges Aide
Sarah is from Irmo, SC and graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Sarah is planning to pursue her doctorate degree in pediatric physical therapy. She participated in clinical experiences during her high school years, where she found her passion for physical therapy. Sarah has a special needs brother which has inspired her to pursue a career with special needs children.

Gabby Hopkins, Bridges Aide
Gabby is from Sumter, SC and graduated from USC Columbia with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science May 2022. Growing up around teachers in her family sparked her passion to help others whether they are young or old. Gabby is wanting to pursue a successful career as an Occupational Therapist.

Riley Hickox, Bridges Aide

Riley is a Senior at the University of South Carolina getting a degree in Public Health. She is from Lewes Beach, Delaware and enjoys snowboarding, running, and going to the beach. Upon graduation Riley plans to go to graduate school for Occupational Therapy. A fun fact about Riley is that she loves dogs and has a double doodle back home named Dewey!


Kate Liggitt, Bridges Assistant

Kate is originally from Columbia, SC. She graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in 2020. Kate is an active member of Eastminister Presbyterian Church where she participates in Bible study and youth group activities. Kate loves to visit her brother Kent, 26, who lives in Charleston, SC. In her free time, Kate likes to travel, especially to Litchfield Beach, loves to bake, and spend time with her friends. A fun fact about Kate is that she loves weddings and is always up front dancing and singing with the band.

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