Carolyn Andrews, MOT, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Carolyn is the owner of Children's Choice For Therapy. She has a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of South Florida . Carolyn taught learning disabled students here in the Hillsborough County School System for four years. She then went on to pursue a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University .

Carolyn specializes in the area of sensory integration and is Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Certified . Her knowledge in this area is extensive and she enjoys attending conferences in order to keep current on the subject. Carolyn has attended numerous conferences some of which include: “How Does Your Engine Run”, “Sensory Integration for those with Developmental, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Dyspraxia”, “Sensory Defensiveness and Related Social/Emotional and Neurological Problems by the Wilbargers:, "Practical Sense in Sensory Integration”, "Advanced Practical Sense in Sensory Integration”, "Sensory Integration Intervention in Autism”, “Handwriting Without Tears”, "Hints for Horrible Handwriting”, “From Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment & Treatment”, “Clinical Assessment and Practical Interventions for Praxis”. Because of her strong background in sensory integration, Carolyn especially enjoys working with children on the autistic spectrum.

Carolyn is also certified in Therapeutic Listening . She has attended “Listening With The Whole Body” which provides her access to Modulation and Somonas CD's as well as “Advanced Listening With The Whole Body” which are the Fine Tuning CD's. Carolyn is also a certified Interactive Metronome provider.

Carolyn evaluates and treats children in the office on a daily basis. Carolyn is a certified RDI Consultant. RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) is a developmental program that focuses on the remediation of autism.

Andrea Kelley Walter, MS, CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Andrea received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Florida. She received her Master's degree from the University of South Florida in Speech Language Pathology. Her professional interests include Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Language Delay, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome.

Prior to joining Children's Choice for Therapy, Andrea worked in the school setting for years and did one of her externships at Morton Plant Mease Hospital. She has experience with both adult and pediatric clients with various diagnoses. Andrea is a certified Interactive Metronome provider.

Rebecca Raydon, MOT, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Rebecca is an occupational therapist at Children's Choice for Therapy. Her background includes a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Clarke College in Dubuque , Iowa and then she attended the University of Indianapolis where she earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Rebecca completed her clinical internships in occupational therapy at the Mayo Clinic St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester , Minnesota and The Shriner's hospital for Children in Greenville , South Carolina .

Rebecca is a certified Interactive Metronome provider. She takes pleasure in working with children who have sensory integration dysfunction especially those on the autistic spectrum. Rebecca shares her time between the clinic and school settings where she consults with teachers on ways to incorporate sensory strategies into the classroom in order to improve a child's ability to learn. Rebecca enjoys the outdoors, dancing and quilting as outlets for creativity and self-expression.

Leslie C. Hiltz, MHS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Leslie is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of Florida in 1998. Since that time, she has enjoyed working with children with sensory integrative disorders, such as Autism. Leslie enjoys physical challenges and anything outdoors.

Leslie has had extensive training in neurological injuries such as brain and spinal cord injury, in addition to her training in pediatrics. "Working with these populations has allowed me the opportunity to see how learning impacts and develops the brain. I feel grateful for the opportunity to share in my patients' recoveries."

Leslie has shown a specific interest on how vision affects learning and motor skills. She tries to incorporate this into all aspects of patient care, whenever appropriate. Leslie is a certified Interactive Metronome provider.

Paige Shuster, M.A., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Paige received her B.A. degree from The Ohio State University with a major in speech and hearing science. She earned a M.A. degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Cincinnati. Paige’s work as an SLP has included the evaluation and treatment of pediatrics and adults. Throughout her career, she has provided services in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, preschools, daycares, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and homes. Paige is fluent in sign language and has been trained to implement auditory-verbal techniques to hard of hearing and cochlear implant patients.

Paige moved to Florida in the fall of 2008 from North Carolina ; however, she is a native of Ohio . She enjoys spending time with her family and time at the beach. She also loves sporting events and is an avid Buckeye fan!

Sara Cox , MHS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Sara is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of Florida in 2002 and again with her masters in 2006. Her experience includes working with children in both the clinic and school settings, and has worked extensively with children who have sensory integration dysfunction and those on the autism spectrum. Her interests include working with handwriting/educational delays and motor delays.

Originally a Florida native, Sara recently moved to Tampa in January 2009 after a 5 year stay in Seattle, WA. She is very excited to be back in the Sunshine State! Sara is a certified Interactive Metronome provider.

Michelle Turner, M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Michelle has practiced speech for over twenty years. After graduating from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., she worked for the Virginia Beach City School System for several years before joining the outpatient care team at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Va. (the home of Dr. Bill Magee and Operation Smile). She worked at CHKD for nearly ten years where she specialized in infant and preschool language assessment and treatment.

Since moving to Florida in 1998, she has worked part-time for the Hillsborough Co. Schools at Westchase Elementary and Davidsen Middle School.

Having been raised in Virginia Beach, Michelle feels as if the Tampa Bay area is a perfect “second home” offering lots of opportunities to enjoy outdoor sports and the beach with her family.

Carolyn Bentley, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Carolyn is an occupational therapist who graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. Her professional interests include working with children who have sensory integration dysfunction especially those on the autistic spectrum. She has provided services to both adult and pediatric clients with various diagnoses. Carolyn joined the Children's Choice for Therapy team in January 2009.

Personally, Carolyn is a native Floridian who is interested in organic gardening, however, she expressed that between Florida's extreme heat and bugs it was indeed a challenge!!

Kara Mihelich , M.S., OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Kara is originally from the Metro Detroit area. She moved to Kalamazoo, MI to earn her B.S. and M.S. in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University. There she also studied holistic health and yoga. Moving to the Tampa Bay area had always been a thought, so she decided to leave the blistery winters and give tropical weather a try. She enjoys exploring Tampa, cooking, and talking with her family in MI via web cam.

Kara's clinical experiences have ranged from outpatient hand therapy to providing services for early intervention in the school system. She enjoys learning about new and exciting research regarding pediatric occupational therapy. She has always found joy and laughter when spending time with children. She is inspired by the creativity and happiness they bring to any situation. "I am honored to be a part of helping these children develop the skills they need to live a fulfilling and happy life."

Rachel Fisher, M.A., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Therapist

Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Florida. She continued her education as a Gator, earning her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from UF as well. Before coming on board at Children’s Choice, Rachel completed her clinical externship at Shands Hospital, specifically at the Speech and Hearing Clinic and at Magnolia Parke, an outpatient rehabilitation center for children. Her other clinical experiences have ranged from private practice to a residential community for developmentally disabled adults. Rachel has experience working with children with apraxia, hearing impairment/cochlear implants, Autism Spectrum Disorders, cleft lip/palate, and language delay.

In June of 2009, Rachel moved to the Tampa Bay area. She spends her time hanging out with her family and friends, keeping up with Gator football, reading, and enjoying as much of the beautiful Florida sunshine as possible!

Jane Smart M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Jane received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. This is a second career for Jane, who previously worked in Human Resources for many years while raising her two sons. She enjoys working with children of all ages, particularly in the areas of literacy and language. Jane is a certified beginning Cued Speech instructor and has a professional interest in Cued Speech research and in providing speech and language therapy for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Jane is a Tampa Bay area native, but spent a few years in Alabama, Wisconsin and South and Central Florida before returning to her “home.” She is an active volunteer with the music program at her youngest son’s high school. When she has the time, Jane enjoys traveling, reading and gardening.

Danielle Wessel, MOT, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Danielle is originally from a small town in southern Illinois. She received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University and then moved to the Tampa Bay area to enjoy the warm weather. Danielle currently practices OT across the age-spectrum working with both geriatrics and pediatrics. For Danielle , working with both populations provides her opportunities to utilize various treatment approaches . Her clinical experience include s clients with sensory processing disorder as well as acute hospital and long term care . 

In her spare time Danielle enjoys playing and watching sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, going to the beach, and exploring Florida.

Valerie Bourque, MS, CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

In 1997, Valerie's daughter was diagnosed with Autism. As a result of this diagnosis, she decided to enroll in a Speech/Language Pathology program so that she could learn as much as possible about how to enhance communication and development for her child while earning a degree simultaneously that would allow her to help other children as well. Valerie earned both her undergraduate and graduate degree in Speech/Language pathology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career, she began volunteering and ultimately became employed at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at the University of Southern Mississippi.  Upon graduating, Valerie moved to Florida where she worked as an independent contractor in the pediatric population with a desire to concentrate on Autism for the past few years.  During this time she became interested in the Miracle League baseball organization for children with disabilities with her daughter and volunteered as a buddy for over four years.  Upon relocating to the Tampa area in November of 2009, she became interested in starting a Miracle League for the Tampa Bay Area.  After partnering with others interested in the same accomplishment and the National Organization, she is currently working to launch The Miracle League of Tampa with an anticipated fall 2010 first season and with the dedication of others an anticipated field completion date for fall 2011.