Pediatric Physical Therapist Abby Allman, PT, DPT, holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Central Arkansas (2015). Before becoming a therapist Abby felt a strong pull toward the field of pediatric physical therapy. However, it wasn’t until she joined Children’s Therapy TEAM’s front office that she began settings her sights on PT school. She observed what she considered to be “the amazing work of Children’s Therapy TEAM therapists.” She was hooked. Unquestionably dedicated to pursuing her dream, she eventually began graduate studies in physical therapy.

As a licensed PT she returned to Children’s Therapy TEAM. Abby draws on her experience with a wide spectrum of patients. She has clinical experience serving individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders, orthopedic impairments, and neurological disorders. Additionally, she has been an active volunteer in the community. As a pediatric physical therapist, Abby Allman enjoys journeying alongside families. She appreciates opportunities to listen and guide. Abby shares, “It’s a privilege to watch kids learn and to be able to celebrate their achievements with them.”

An avid animal lover, Abby supports the Humane Society to care for sheltered animals. Abby grew up in Northeast Oklahoma and then moved to Northwest Arkansas where she gained an appreciation for calling the Hogs and supporting Razorback football. She enjoys surrounding herself with friends and family, traveling, hiking, camping and just about anything outdoors.

With a wholehearted focus in pediatrics which has grown out of years of experience with children as well as specialized training in graduate school, Alyssa Parkhill began her dream come true career as a Licensed Physical Therapist at Children’s Therapy TEAM. Alyssa first worked with children with special medical needs at Camp Aldersgate while she was still in high school. With an insatiable desire to serve children with the greatest needs, Alyssa continued to work at Camp Aldersgate for six consecutive years before entering the University of Central Arkansas’s (UCA) Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.

While at UCA, Alyssa distinguished herself by being one of only two students in her class participating in an interdisciplinary Leader Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Training Program as a second year graduate student. In the LEND program she received additional educational, clinical, research and leadership experience. When not immersed in clinical care and continued learning in her professional field, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends, providing extra care for foster children, running, reading and camping. While Alyssa was born in Texas, her family moved to Arkansas before her 1st birthday. She notes, “I have been raised as a true Razorback fan and love calling those Hogs!”

Amber Williams holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from California State University in Sacramento (CSUS) and now focuses on serving pediatric populations. She shares, “I have always had a love for children, especially those with special needs.”

For much of her life, Amber has not been a stranger to the world of physical therapy. She was an elite gymnast as a teenager, competing on the USA Gymnastics Tumbling and Trampoline National Team from 2001-2004. However, it was not until she cared for a close family member following a serious accident that she became interested in physical therapy as a future profession.

While Amber already had a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Texas Tech University (2009) she switched her focus and dove into preparing for graduate studies in physical therapy by completing 52 hours of prerequisite coursework at the University of Arkansas (2011-2012). During that time she also volunteered with the New Heights Church Children’s Ministry and rEcess respite programs for families with children with special needs.

Amber‘s doctoral research studied the efficacy of treadmill exercise through the STEPS program at Sacramento State (2014-2015). She completed one of her major doctoral clinical experiences at Children’s Therapy TEAM under the supervision of Physical Therapist Christina Ruby. Amber also completed a clinical rotation at the UC Davis Medical Center providing care in the Pediatric ICU and Pediatric Acute Care Units.

During Amber’s graduate studies, she served in the CSUS Pro Bono Clinic for pediatric and adult patients with neurological and orthopedic challenges. Amber is a member of the Pediatric Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and she is a member of the Arkansas Physical Therapy Association.

Raised in Texas, Amber now feels at home in Northwest Arkansas. She has been happily married to her husband, Kenny, since 2013 and enjoys spending time with their two boys. She also appreciates opportunities to be outdoors, ride her bicycle, run, travel, do crafts, and spend time with her family.

Ashton Witt’s initial love of working with kids with special needs began in high school when she volunteered at a camp for kids with Autism. She shares, “I loved it. I was hooked!” She went on to work with kids with special needs nearly every summer that followed. She also spent a semester-long internship at none other than Children’s Therapy TEAM during her Bachelors studies in Kinesiology at University of Arkansas in 2012. Pursuing her dream of building a professional career working with the kids she loved, Ashton received her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 2015.

Ashton is a native to Fayetteville, AR and has been an active supporter of local NWA non-profits including coordinating the children’s tent at Polo of the Ozarks (2007-2010). Ashton is a huge fan of both her home town team, the Razorbacks, and the Bronx Bombers, a.k.a the New York Yankees. A kid at heart, she enjoys all things Harry Potter. Ashton loves to cook and particularly enjoys baking an occasional sweet treat with chocolate as a key ingredient.

Caroline is a veteran member of the Children's Therapy TEAM PT Department with over thirty years of experience in school, home, and outpatient settings. She joined the TEAM family in 2000 and continues to serve as a dedicated, compassionate therapist with a true heart for pediatrics.

Caroline enjoys using aquatic therapy as a treatment modality. She notes, “I love seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they experience freedom of movement in water.” Caroline enjoys volunteering as a Miracle League Baseball Coach. She is a strong advocate for children with special needs both locally and globally through her support of TEAMworks and other area non-profits.

Caroline’s recent professional engagement has included training in Torticollis treatment, Effective Treatment of Infants & Children; Beverly Cusick, New Paradigms in Pediatric Foot and Ankle Deformity Management; Kinesio Taping Specialization Course 2 & 3.

Caroline is well known at TEAM for her compassionate, other-centered spirit. When not working Caroline likes spending time with family and friends and enjoys outdoor activities.

Christie holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. After graduating, she became a part of the Children’s Therapy TEAM family. She has always had a desire to work in pediatric physical therapy. She enjoys working with patients with a variety of diagnoses and has special interests in Early Intervention, serving premature infants and children with Down Syndrome. She is a devoted mother who is happily married. She enjoys spending time with family, attending Razorback games and calling the HOGS! Christie has attended continuing education courses in spasticity management, Cascade DAFO management and related pediatric physical therapy courses.

Christina Ruby, PT, DPT, is a veteran therapist who has worked in varied settings including schools, homes, early intervention settings and hospital based Neonatal Intensive Care Units. She received her Masters of Physical Therapy from University of Central Arkansas. She feels blessed to have a job she loves as she gains joy from watching kids grow and learn new things. When not working Christina enjoys laughing with her husband and their boys. She says they keep her on the go. Christina is Certified in Interactive Metronome and has received additional training in Kinesiotaping, Early Intervention, NICU interventions, Infant Massage and other related coursework.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelors in Health Sciences in 2011, Crystal Sennett went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Missouri. Sennett combines her experience as a top clinical student with additional pediatric therapy experience in Northwest Arkansas prior to joining TEAM. Additionally, she has volunteer experience working at the Neuro PhysZou, a pro bono clinic for the under insured in Columbia, MO. Crystal is happily married and has two puppies. She loves enjoying the great outdoors of Northwest Arkansas.

After Danielle Cunningham completed her Bachelors of Science at Texas Woman’s University, she went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 2008. During her graduate school clinical rotation at Children’s Therapy TEAM, Danielle notes, “I fell in love with pediatrics, and knew it was my future.” She pursued post-graduate work in rehab with neurologically impaired patients before joining the TEAM family in 2009. Danielle serves at Children’s Therapy TEAM’s Center Coordinator of Clinical Education in Physical Therapy. She also serves as a mentor to Physical Therapy Assistants. In 2011, Danielle served internationally with TEAMworks in Ukraine. She continues to be an active supporter of TEAMworks outreach. Danielle and her husband live in Rogers, Arkansas and have three young children. Danielle gave birth to twins in 2015, so she and her husband fondly call their home-life busy.

Danielle’s recent clinical education includes the following: Kinesiotaping courses 1, 2 & 3, Effective treatment of Torticollis, New Paradigms in Pediatric Foot & Ankle Deformity Management, Prechtl’s Assessment of General Movements: A diagnostic tool for the functional assessment of the young nervous system, APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, DAFO Dynamic Bracing Workshop.

When Delinda Floyd received PT for a shoulder injury in high school she was captivated by everything involved with her rehabilitation. She took note that therapists seemed to have the opportunity to motivate, inspire and work hand in hand with their clients.

For Delinda, the profession seemed like a perfect fit as she loved the idea of working with kids and also had a desire to pursue medicine. To this end she received her Master’s in Physical Therapy Degree from Southwest Baptist University in 2004 and went on to join the TEAM Family in 2008. Delinda notes, “What I offer is dedication to my patients. It is one of my primary objectives as a clinician.”

When not serving at Children’s TEAM, Delinda is a busy mother of five children including four children she and her husband adopted through foster care. She enjoys reading, sewing for her kids, cooking and biking. While Delinda and her husband enjoy their children, they also embrace opportunities for occasional getaway weekends together.

Delinda has additional training in kinesio taping, Cascade Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis, Pediatric Foot and Ankle Deformity Management with Beverly Cusick, torticolis assessment and intervention, clinical supervision, neuro-sensory-motor reflex integration, and Interactive Metronome among other related trainings.

Emily Altimont joined the Children’s TEAM family of providers in 2023 as a licensed pediatric physical therapist. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University in Colorado. Emily was drawn to Children’s TEAM because of their passion for serving children in need. All therapists have this trait within them, and she appreciates that Children’s TEAM does not turn families away based on financial situations or difficulties. 

Emily embraces the challenge of being creative when working with kids and helping them reach their goals within their family and the community. She shares, “They [kids] often don't want to do hard things, and it is fun for me to make it fun for them!”

Personal Insights

Emily appreciates how children are authentic and believes they have a lot to teach us about loving others wholeheartedly. Emily shares, “[I believe] God has called me to work with children. I also am a firm believer that He gives me the strength, endurance, and patience to work with them each day.” 

When not at work, Emily enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and dog. She especially enjoys being outdoors walking, running, swimming, camping, or hiking. She also loves to read a good book.

Haley Denney joined Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. in 2021 and draws on over a decade of experience in pediatric physical therapy. Passionate about working with children, Haley’s focus throughout her career has been with serving children and families. 

Haley earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Wellness from the College of the Ozarks in 2011 before pursuing her PTA studies. She has served in various settings including daycares, schools, and outpatient clinics. Haley’s continuing education studies have been in Kinesio taping, pediatric yoga, and SureStep/orthotic measuring and fitting.

Haley Denney is a native of NWA and enjoys spending time with her family, the outdoors and running.

Holly Hill holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. Before joining the TEAM family in 2010 as a licensed therapist, she served as a Student Clinician at Children’s Therapy TEAM. She now serves at the Physical Therapy Clinic-Based Resource Manager and Mentor to Physical Therapy Assistants. She has a keen interest in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration, a non-invasive treatment that focuses on improving motor reflex and sensory system integration. She is an active, on-going supporter of TEAMworks local and international non-profit outreach. She served as a TEAMworks Therapist in Guatemala in 2011. Holly lives in Rogers, Arkansas with her husband and two young sons.

Holly has additional training in Cascade Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis, Pediatric Foot and Ankle deformity Management with Beverly Cusick, Torticolis Assessment and Intervention and Kinesio Taping among other related trainings.

Kylie Linkeman, PT, DPT, joined Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M.’s Physical Therapy Department in 2022. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri in Columbia and draws on diverse clinical experiences in outpatient, hospital, and school settings.

Before joining Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. Kylie served as director of adapted gymnastics with the University of Missouri Physical Therapy Department and Tiger Academy of Gymnastics. In this role, she directed adapted motor-oriented activities for children with disabilities. Also, prior to joining Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. Kylie assisted with exercise classes and provided exercise education for patients with neurological conditions.

Kylie embraces opportunities to utilize research to inform her clinical practice. She has served as a past presenter at the American Physical Therapy Association Pediatrics Annual Conference, PT inservice trainer, and journal research discussion leader.

In her free time, Kylie Linkeman enjoys staying active by hiking, running, playing pickleball, and working out. She also enjoys reading, crafting, and trying new food.

After graduating as the top Physical Therapy Student in her Arkansas State University class, Kym returned to her native home of Northwest Arkansas where she has true appreciation for the beauty of the area and a love for the people. She feels that being a Physical Therapist specializing in pediatrics has allowed for a continuum of personal and professional growth and has opened doors to life-changing opportunities. This has included building Children’s Therapy TEAM from a small group of just two therapists into the company it is today, establishing the TEAMworks non-profit to serve children locally and internationally and founding the The Grace School at Children’s ABA T.E.A.M.. Kym describes her first international TEAMworks trip as particularly life changing because that is when she met and fell in love with her oldest daughter in a Ukrainian Orphanage. Happily married to her husband Kevin, the couple raises their three daughters by modeling a faith filled life of compassion and care for all people.

In the area of physical therapy Kym has special interests in Spasticity Management, Interactive Metronome, Early Intervention, Orthotic and Equipment Management and Home Modifications. She also engages with continued learning related to non-profit and business management.

Lara LaMastus-Waite received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 2005 and joined the TEAM Family in 2007. Lara serves as a TEAM Ongoing Training collaborator by contributing to TEAM sponsored trainings on key topics. She exudes warmth and a generous spirit with all those she encounters.

Lori received her Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She enjoys working with children with varied diagnoses. One of her foremost areas of interest is helping children with moderate to severe motor challenges become more independent with Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). Lori has additional training in taping methods, Torticollis and Neurodevelopmental Treatment.

Madison (Madi) Harvey shares that working in pediatrics has always been her dream. Before joining Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. in 2019, Madi worked in home health and in skilled nursing facilities in Little Rock. In joining the T.E.A.M. family in Northwest Arkansas, Madi was thrilled to have the opportunity to turn her focus to pediatrics. 

As a therapist, Madi embraces combining her clinical knowledge with finding motivating ways to have fun with kids during sessions. She shares, “Pediatrics never feels like work because it is all play-based.”

Madi holds an associate’s degree in applied science as a physical therapy assistant from Arkansas State University (2016). Having grown up in Arkansas, Madi appreciates spending time with friends and family in the state. She also enjoys traveling and getting a good workout at Orangetheory Fitness. 

Merilee Booker is an Emeritus Pediatric Physical Therapist who retired in 2021 from full-time clinical care. She leaves an indelible mark on the profession having mentored countless therapists. As a leader in the field, Merilee Booker served as a State Representative for the Section on Pediatrics with the American Physical Therapy Association. During her tenure, she offered clients a level of specialization found at few clinics in Arkansas. As a Nationally Board Certified Pediatric Specialist in Physical Therapy, Merilee embraced opportunities to serve children with complex needs.

Merilee served as the past Director of Research and Continuing Education at Children's Therapy TEAM. She used her vast clinical knowledge and experience to develop TEAM’s mentor program for novice therapists. She gained energy from opportunities to guide protégés and discuss the latest clinical findings. When TEAM therapists gathered for what they refer to as their “Journal Club,” Merilee often served as an active contributor.

Michael Cogan, PT, DPT, has a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Fayetteville, AR. He holds his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science Degree from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Gaining pediatric clinical experience under the supervision of Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, Christina Ruby at Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M., Michael thrived while working with children. He later joined Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. as a full-time Physical Therapist in 2021.

Michael is known for striving to motivate patients to reach their goals in and out of therapy sessions. Dedication to patient and family advocacy comes naturally to Michael. Children and families often have ease and comfort working with him. This skill is drawn from Michael’s many years of experience working with kids. For several years during his studies, he served as a camp leader at Camp Kanakuk, a Christian summer camp for families and kids.

In preparation for his career in physical therapy, Michael worked with multiple ages across varied settings including outpatient pediatrics, orthopedics, acute care, neuro, and rehab. He also served as UAMS Physical Therapy Class President and as a board member of the North Street Clinic. While at the North Street Clinic, Michael assisted in both running the clinic and treating the Marshallese population.

When Michael Cogan isn’t working, he loves everything outdoors and spending quality time with his wife and dog. He loves to go hiking, off-road mountain biking, fishing, hunting, archery, and cooking.

Nicole LaFerney, PT, DPT, grew up visiting the hospital with her family in rural Eastern Arkansas. With a younger brother with Spina bifida and no local pediatric clinic, hospital visits were a common event. As a curious child, Nicole embraced opportunities to learn about human anatomy and the treatment of Spina bifida. She particularly remembers learning about her brother’s Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthotics (HKAFO) so that she could help out at home.

With this foundation, it is no surprise that Nicole eventually pursued her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Central Arkansas and became a Pediatric Physical Therapist (2011). Given her personal experiences she says, “I understand that life happens on top of your home exercise program.” She explains how her background has shaped how she views the many abilities of children with motor impairments. She explains that her experiences also continue to serve as her guide for interaction with kids and families at Children's Thearpy TEAM.

On weekends Nicole can be seen at many of the community events sponsored by the March of Dimes, Miracle League and Down Syndrome Connection of NWA. Nichole loves spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Razorbacks as she enthusiastically calls, “Woo Pig Sooie!”

Nicole LaFerney is a Certified Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association. She attended the American Academy of CP and Developmental Medicine Conference (2012). Nicole has received additional training in the treatment of torticollis and foot/ankle positioning. She completed Beverly Cusick’s New Paradigms in Pediatric Foot and Ankle Deformity Management (2014).

Sherrie Flory, PT, DPT, has served as a licensed physical therapist since 2014 and joined the Children’s Therapy TEAM PT Department in 2018. She holds a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Western Carolina University.

In working with children and families, one of Sherrie’s primary goals is to help parents feel comfortable with her as their child’s provider. She sees this as a critical component to supporting her understanding of the unique dynamic of each family. Not only does her connection with families make her work more enjoyable, but she sees it as critical to informing her develop of effective home-based strategies.

Sherrie’s work with children who have special needs initially began during her studies at Cal State in Monterey Bay, California. There, she minored in human movement and adapted physical education. After graduating in 2009, Sherrie’s passion for children laid the groundwork for her future career in pediatrics.

During Sherrie’s doctoral studies, she gained international treatment experience serving in a walk-in clinic in Honduras. Additionally, in the United States, she has served in pediatric, orthopedic, sports rehabilitation, and acute hospital settings.

Originally from California, Sherrie Flory loves getting to explore the Ozarks. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, walking her dog, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, yoga, and coffee (lots and lots of coffee).

When Tabitha Hallam, PTA, married she began caring for her husband’s very young daughter with Cerebral palsy. Instead of standing by the sidelines, Tabitha jumped right in and began attending physical therapy appointments with her new stepdaughter. She wanted to better understand Cerebral palsy and learn what she could do to help her stepdaughter get stronger.

From this beginning, Tabitha Hallam discovered an insatiable desire to learn and know more about all areas of pediatric physical therapy. She enrolled in the only local PT training program available at the time at. She completed her training at Northwest Arkansas Community College's PTA Program and went on to complete her pediatric internship at none other than the Children’s Therapy TEAM PT Department in 2007. With her Associate's Degree in hand and a wealth of life experiences to inform her practice, Tabitha Hallam embraces the opportunity to work with children with a range of diagnoses. When not at work, Tabitha loves spending time with her husband and three children.

Tabitha Hallam has additional experience with Aquatic Therapy, Cascade Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis training, Pediatric Foot and Ankle deformity Management with Beverly Cusick among other related training.

Trina Carmon, PT, DPT, gained interest in working with children during a mission trip to Haiti. A little boy with Down syndrome was unable to walk and was carried around by his mom. She shared, “He was getting so big that it was almost to the point where the child’s mom couldn’t carry him any longer.” This experience led Trina to set her sight on a career in pediatrics as a physical therapist.

Trina later earned her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Central Arkansas and has exclusively served pediatric populations since graduating.

Joining the Children’s Therapy TEAM Physical Therapy Department in 2017, Trina brought with her an array of experiences in outpatient, preschool, and home health settings. She shares, “I love having fun with my kiddos.” She serves at the lead physical therapist at The Grace School.

You can often see Trina down on the floor doing the very activities she encourages her young clients to do. Trina believes therapy should be fun and enjoys teaming up with her clients to find ways to make therapy engaging.

When not working, Trina Carmon can often be found spending time outdoors. She enjoys time with her family and dog. They like to hike, camp and kayak together.