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

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Bentley -
Pediatric Occupational Therapist:
October 9, 1960-September 5, 2015

Carolyn graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. Her professional interests included working with children with sensory processing disorder especially those on the autistic spectrum. Carolyn was a part of the Children�s Choice for Therapy team from January of 2009 until her passing in September 2015. She will forever be in our hearts and always a member of our therapy team!!!!

Dylan Jacobs, MOT, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Dylan received both his bachelor�s degree in health sciences and his master�s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Dylan has had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings including a local outpatient pediatric clinic, outpatient rehab at the VA Bay Pines, and a hand therapy clinic in Clemson, SC. Pediatrics is where he has found his home; he loves the creativity it allows and the opportunity to positively impact many lives!

Dylan enjoys books, nature, dancing, and Star Wars.

Melanie Pacetti, B.A., SLP-A
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathology Assistant

Melanie received her Bachelor�s Degree in Communication Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University in 2015. Prior to that she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 1997. Before joining Children's Choice for Therapy in 2018, Melanie worked as a Preschool teacher in Pinellas County for 8 years. She enjoys working with children of all ages.

In her free time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, exercising and watching sports.

Vivian Lee, MOT, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Vivian is a Tampa native and received her B.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida and then went on to pursue her Master�s degree in occupational therapy at Nova Southeastern University. She has had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, schools, and outpatient hand therapy. Pediatrics is the reason Vivian entered the field of Occupational Therapy and enjoys working with children of all ages to reach their goals and to live fulfilling lives.

In her free time she enjoys painting and drawing, spending time with her family and pets, and trying out new restaurants with friends.

Maria del mar Rivera, MS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Maria was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She has a Bachelor�s degree in General Sciences and her Master�s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puerto Rico. Maria specializes in the area of sensory integration and is also certified in Therapeutic Listening. She has had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings such as school systems and outpatient pediatric clinics in both Puerto Rico and Tampa. She enjoys working with children of all ages with developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, and sensory integration dysfunction. Maria especially finds satisfaction in helping them achieve their greatest potential.

During her free time, Maria enjoys running, traveling, going to the beach, watching football and spending time with her two daughters and husband. Maria is bilingual-Spanish and English.

Abbigail Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist

Abby received her bachelor�s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2019. (Go Vols!!) She moved to the Tampa Bay area to pursue her Master�s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and graduated from Gannon University. Before joining the team at Children�s Choice, Abby had experience in various clinic settings including schools, private practice, prescribed pediatric extended care (PPEC) center, home health, and a community support center. Although the majority of her experience has been with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children; she also has experience working with adults with aphasia. Abby specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, and feeding disorders. She is especially interested in working with children with a variety of disabilities and complex medical diagnoses. Abby believes in providing empathetic care utilizing evidence-based treatment and education to all clients, family, and caregivers.

In her free time, Abby enjoys going to the beach, drinking coffee, reading, and checking out cool new restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.

Allie Hendry, OTD, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Allie was born and raised in Tampa. She has a bachelor�s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!) and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Before joining Children�s Choice, Allie gained experience in inpatient rehabilitation, specifically Spinal Cord injuries and pediatric Hippotherapy. She completed her doctorate project on Service Dogs and how they can assist Veterans with PTSD. Allie loves working with the pediatric population, adapting children�s environments to promote success in everyday activities!

In her free time, Allie also coaches rowing at a local high school. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and hanging out with her dog.

Abby Viglia, M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist

Abby received her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders at Eastern Illinois University and her master�s degree in speech language pathology at Governors State University. Once her clinical fellowship year was completed in Chicago, Illinois; Abby decided to move down to Tampa, Florida for some sunshine in her life!

Before Children�s Choice for Therapy, Abby had experience working in various clinic settings and school settings. Although Abby has had experience working with a variety of populations ranging from ages 2-21; her love for children and play based therapy within natural environments is her passion!

In her free time, Abby enjoys yoga, exploring countries, going to farmers markets, and playing with her daughter Lilah!

Kaitlyn Rice, B.A., SLP-A
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathology Assistant

Kaitlyn earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2022. Passionate about helping children thrive, she combines her academic background with practical experience to support their communication development.

Beyond her profession, she finds joy in reading, staying active, and embracing the outdoors. With a compassionate heart and commitment to excellence, Kaitlyn strives to make a positive impact on the lives of the children she serves, empowering them to communicate effectively and confidently.

Emily Bews, B.S., SLP-A
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathology Assistant

Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, taking walks, visiting the beach and exploring new coffee shops.

Alisha Dudeck, M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathology

Alisha received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida State University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of South Florida.

Alisha has experience working in various settings including clinics, schools, and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of speech and language disorders. She has a passion for making speech therapy a creative and engaging environment to support student’s communication and success in their everyday environments.

In her free time, Alisha enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and family, finding new hobbies, and walking around local spots in Dunedin.

Madelyn White, M.S., CF-SLP
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathology Assistant

Maddie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida, where she also went on to complete her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (Go Bulls!). Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Maddie is passionate about serving her local community.

Before joining the team at Children’s Choice, Maddie gained clinical experience in pediatric and adult private practices. She primarily worked with children presenting with language disorders, phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder, social pragmatic language challenges, feeding difficulties, early intervention, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Maddie is especially interested in working with pediatric and adolescent ASD, AAC, and social pragmatic language development. She values providing empathetic, evidenced-based care in natural environments to promote confidence, independence, and communication success.

Vicki Koonce, M.S., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech/Language Pathology Assistant

Vicki graduated from Western Kentucky University with her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders in 2001. She has worked as a speech-language pathologist with the pediatric population in multiple settings and states, including schools, home health, and clinics. She returned home to Tampa and has been working with Children’s Choice for Therapy since 2013.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, watching soccer, and spending time with friends.