Occupational Therapy

Sharrie Potts, OT

I was born and raised in South Dakota. I graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 1990 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Since that time, I have practiced in both adult and pediatric settings. In 1997, I decided to open my own therapy business; in 2001, it evolved into Pediatric Therapy Associates. My vision has always been to bring together a group of like-minded people dedicated to children and families and their careers. I wanted the team to be talented, knowledgeable, caring, and fun. In reading the therapists’ bios, I was touched beyond words because they do not come close to describing these talented and dedicated professionals. I am constantly reminded every time I walk through the gym and see them treat or walk through the waiting room and hear them talking to the families that this is my dream come true. I am forever grateful for all the people who have been a part of making Pediatric Therapy Associates who and what we are. At home, I have a passionate and very funny 5-year-old daughter whom I adore and two spoiled whippets. In my spare time, I enjoy bicycling and spending time with friends.

Gabby Auer, OT

I graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. I spent the first two years of my career treating children with autism. During that time, I received certification in sensory integration and praxis testing. I have also gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working with children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. After a year of working primarily with children with CP, I went on to specialize and become certified in pediatric Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT). My goal is to remain up to date to best serve my patients, and I love to learn by taking continuing education courses. My husband and I enjoy outdoors activities, going to the beach, and traveling.

Alison Beck, OT

I was born and received my occupational therapy education in England. Since coming to the USA in 1986, I have worked at both Christus Santa Rosa and Methodist Children’s Hospitals and in two school districts. I currently teach and do research at the UT Health Science Center here in San Antonio, when I am not having fun seeing children and families at PTA! I am certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (pediatric) and have completed the advanced baby treatment course. I have also been on the “other” side of receiving services as the parent of a daughter (now an adult) with a developmental disability. I love to read and travel!

Kendall Cox, OT

I have been associated with Pediatric Therapy Associates for many years: first as a therapy technician, then as an intern, and now as an OT. I graduated with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and I am a Kansas Jayhawk for life since completing my undergraduate study at The University of Kansas. I am originally from Houston, Texas and have lived with my husband in San Antonio for five years. When I am not working with children and families here at PTA, I enjoy fixing up my 86-year-old house, visiting and building relationships with friends, and volunteering with special needs children at my church.

Sandra Giddens, COTA

I was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. My husband and I moved to San Antonio in 1985, and I was a stay-at-home mom of two awesome children and a part-time pre-school teacher before I decided to go back to school. I became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant upon completion of my associate’s degree from St. Philips in May 2001. Since then, I have worked exclusively with the great therapists and children of Pediatric Therapy Associates. I have attended and completed advanced-level training in feeding, handwriting, and sensory integration. My role at PTA has expanded, and I am now also a member of the administration team where I hold many responsibilities. My week days are dedicated to PTA, but my weekends are spent with the family listening to rock and roll, gardening, and traveling occasionally to camp out or go to the beach. The Beach Rocks!!!

Lydia Hernandez, OT

A San Antonio girl por vida, I had a great experience attending school at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas, where I received my master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Although I miss the wide-open spaces, San Antonio is “where it’s at” for me. I am a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister program and am lucky to have met a fun, beautiful girl who is showing me how to appreciate the little things in life and be open minded. A fourth-generation Mexican-American, I am currently working on improving my Spanish tongue so I may further appreciate my culture and people. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my husband, a cook at Methodist Hospital. We love to bike ride, run/work out, cook/eat, watch movies/Red Box it, dance, and travel.

Meghan Springer, OT

I graduated with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center here in San Antonio. I also received a bachelor’s of science degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M in Corpus Christi. I am originally from the Dallas area but have lived here in San Antonio for the past three years. Don’t worry -- I’m not a Mavs fan! Go, Spurs, Go!!! I enjoy mountain biking, camping, traveling, and spending time with my husband and family.

Physical Therapy

Sandra Alcazar, PT

I am from all over: born in Florida but my family is from South America – Argentina and Peru. I grew up on the lovely beaches around the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood area, swimming and playing soccer. I graduated with a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Florida International University in August 2009. I am also a massage therapist -- licensed in Florida -- and I’m working on getting my Texas license too. The first time I worked with children, I was asked to do massage therapy and also teach an adaptive martial arts class. Since I am just a big kid at heart, I have been hooked ever since! I also enjoy spending time with my family, salsa dancing, the beach, cooking, traveling, kayaking, music, and basically anything outdoors and fun!

Anne Latour, PT

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University and a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Southwest Texas State University in May 2000. I am a certified Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) therapist. I have completed several advanced NDT courses, including advanced baby treatment. Being born and raised in Austin, Texas definitely has made me love the outdoors with and without live music. Finding me in and around the water where I can swim, ski, and scuba dive would not be uncommon. Spending time with my husband, Greg, and twin boys always brings me joy.

Cyndi Manes, PT

I was born in Ohio but have lived most of my life in Texas. I graduated from UTMB – Galveston in 1975 and have worked with pediatrics mostly since that time. I got my Feldenkrais Method certification in 2000 and my Anat Baniel Method credential for children in 2007. I am new to San Antonio, so I’m learning my way around and finding lots of new places. I moved to be close to my family and enjoy seeing my five grandchildren most of all.

Natalie Weiblen-Henry, PT

I was born and raised in and around the San Antonio area. I have an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Texas State University. I am a certified Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) therapist and have a background in aquatic therapy. I love what I do for a living and consider it a true privilege. When I’m not at PTA, I can be found spending time with Kinetic Kids doing sports and recreation activities for children with special needs, doing service projects for Hope Arise UMC, or spending time with my greatest blessings—my husband and my son.

Speech Therapy

April Beaty, CCC-SLP

I am a speech language pathologist and I work part time here at PTA. As an undergraduate, I attended Baylor University, Phillips University, and Texas A&M in Commerce. My undergraduate degree is in education, and I taught elementary and special education for several years. After leaving the public school system, I served as Head of School for a small, private school for children with severe to profound disabilities. I earned a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston and since then have worked with the pediatric population. My particular areas of interest are oral motor development, feeding, and swallowing. My husband and I moved from Houston to San Antonio about 18 months ago, so I’m still getting settled in…but we love it here. We have family all over Texas and, now that we are in San Antonio, we have lots of company!!

Tara Kirkpatrick, SLP

I graduated with a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Southwest Texas State University in August 1979. I worked for 29 years in the public school system and retired in 2008. I have had a great deal of experience with children who are diagnosed with profound and severe communication disorders: language disorders, autism, non-verbal. I am one of the few native San Antonians who remain here; I love my city!! My husband left a career in radio a few years ago to become a professional pilot. He now flies for an aerial photographer. Our daughter lives and works in Boston, MA, and our son recently graduated from college. I have been blessed by my work at PTA and hope to continue here until my next retirement!

Paige Leader, SLP

I was born in Virginia and have moved around my whole life. I moved to San Antonio about three years ago and love it! I obtained my master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University in 2007 and am a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Prior to my master’s in speech pathology, I graduated from Shippensburg University of PA with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Geoenvironmental Studies. I worked for six years as a current municipal planner for a county in Pennsylvania before returning to grad school for speech pathology. Since becoming an SLP, I have been working in the schools. I just recently started working at PTA and really enjoy the staff and the cheerful environment! Children make me smile and laugh with the funny things they say and do. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing with Tilly (my dog), and going to the beach.

Stacia Phillips SLP

I was raised in Arkansas but have lived in Texas for the past 20 years. I graduated from Baylor University with my bachelor’s degree and obtained my master’s degree from University of Central Arkansas. I have had the opportunity to work as a speech pathologist in several settings. I have worked in ECI settings, traveled for Denton State School, and worked with families with special needs children in their home settings, long-term care, and public schools. I am married and have three children: Raye 27, Dee 26, and our caboose Meghan 19. I enjoy time with family and friends.

Other Services

Terri Davis

At Pediatric Therapy Associates, one of the services we provide is Behavior Therapy. The Behavior team is led by Terri Davis. Terri has been working with children since 1980. In 1995, she began independent consulting to provide children with special needs with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

visit her site

ADMIN

Annie Blanco, Office Assistant

I was born and raised in San Antonio, graduating from Burbank High School. I have two wonderful kids: Crystal is 27 and Joe is 19. My three grandchildren are Timmy (age 6) and AJ (age 18 mos.) and one on the way. I have always worked in the medical field: nine years at Southwest General Hospital in the ER and seven years at Downtown Baptist. When I decided I needed a change and went to work for Treehouse, I knew nothing about children with autism. With new appreciation for that condition, I came to work for Pediatric Therapy Associates in January 2010. I love every minute here. My co-workers are awesome!

Lori Ehlers, Office Assistant

I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, so that makes me a true San Antonian. I graduated from Judson High School. At PTA I wear many hats; and when I am not working at PTA, I am usually hanging out with friends and relaxing and having fun. I couldn’t decide if I was a cat person or a dog person, so I have one of each. Hannah is my puppy and Davey is my cat.

Elsa Sonora – Intake Coordinator/H.R. Coordinator

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and lived there most of my life. I was office manager for a medical answering service for 20 years. My son and daughter moved to San Antonio and, being the close-knit family that we are, they convinced me to move here too. In the summer of 2004, I relocated to San Antonio and have never regretted the move. I started working at PTA in January 2005. Working at PTA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The best part of my job is getting to know the children and their parents. When I am not working, I enjoy baking, crocheting, and playing with my grandchildren.