Meet The Staff

THERAPISTS

Ashley Eichler, DPT, Physical Therapist

Ashley graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. Ashley has been a physical therapist since 2013 in various settings including outpatient pediatrics, school based and acute care. She, her husband Brandon and their dog Rex moved back to Columbia from NE Florida and now reside in Forest Acres. She enjoys traveling and cheering on the Gamecocks!

Danielle Fordham, DPT, Physical Therapist

Danielle graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelors in Exercise Science, and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. Danielle has been a pediatric physical therapist since 2008. She has training in myofascial release techniques, therapeutic play, pediatric trauma, strength training in children, Brain Gym, wheelchair seating/positioning and sensory integration. Danielle currently lives in Lexington, SC with her husband, Clif, son, Coleton, daughter, Caroline and their two rescue dogs, Madison and Tanner. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending Gamecock sporting events, and traveling.

Kelly Garland, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Kelly received her Masters in Occupational therapy from Brenau University. Kelly lives in Columbia with her husband, Wesley and therapy dog, Scotty. She has received training and continuing education in pediatrics including: SOS feeding approach, Kinesiotaping for Pediatrics and is a Certified Car Seat Technician. Kelly enjoys spending time with family, golfing and traveling.

Jackie Griffo, MSP, CCC/SLP; Speech Language Pathologist

Jackie graduated from College of Charleston with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education, and received a Master of Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina in 2015. She gained clinical experience at The Therapy Place while earning her Masters degree. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys traveling, kayaking, and reading.

Kristen James, MS, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist

Kristen graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Howard University in Washington, D.C. As a student, Kristen gained additional clinical experience with The Therapy Place during her Master level II fieldwork rotation. She currently lives in Columbia, SC with her twin sister Katrina and puppy Rondo. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Erin Maltba, MS, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist

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, daughter Quinn, and dogs Gunnar 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 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 enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and cheering on the Gamecocks!

Genevieve Penland, MS, OTR/L,
Pediatric Therapy Director/Occupational Therapist

A native of Columbia, Genevieve graduated from Francis Marion with her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Psychology, and received her Bachelors of Occupational Therapy and her Masters in Health Science from the Medical University of South Carolina. Genevieve has been an occupational therapist since 1997 and has been specializing in pediatrics for all but 3 of those years. She is certified in the Print Tool handwriting assessment by Handwriting without tears. She also has training in NDT, myofascial release, Brain Gym, and sensory integration. Genevieve currently lives in Columbia, SC with her husband, three daughters, Blythe, Annabella, Maggie and their adopted dog Sandy. She enjoys spending time with her family, making jewelry, and traveling.

Liz Pierce, MSP, CCC-SLP; Speech Language Pathologist
liz Liz is a South Carolina native. She received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Presbyterian College in 2005 where she completed a semester student teacher at a local elementary school. She received her Master’s plus 30 hours in Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina. Liz has been a speech language pathologist since 2007, with all her experience in pediatrics and the medically fragile population. Her experience/continuing education includes: social skills, pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, food chaining, and assessment/usage of a variety of augmentative and alternative communication devices and the S.O.S. approach to feeding as well as training in feeding aversions with Cheri Fraker. Liz lives in Columbia with her husband Rick and their son, Marshall. Liz enjoys spending time with family, traveling, Pilates and spending time at the lake.

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

Ashley graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelors in Mass Communications, Public Relations as well as a minor in Communication Science Disorders. Ashley has tons of experience with children and loves more than anything to be around kids. In 2016, she completed her masters program at South Carolina State and earned her degree in Speech Language Pathology. Soon after the completion of her masters program, Ashley joined The Therapy Place team as an SLP. She is so excited to begin her career where it all once started 3 years ago as a Bridges Assistant. Ashley likes to spend her time going out to eat and being around her family and friends. She especially enjoys spending time with her nephew.

Mandi Stoner, DPT, Physical Therapist/TheraSuit

Mandi is a native of Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA. Mandi has been a physical therapist since 2007; in 2008, she began working in pediatrics. Her training/continuing education includes: Theratogs, kinesiotaping, Yoga for Special Needs Children, Sensory Integration, and Total Motion Release (TMR). Mandi lives in Columbia with her husband Kenny, sons Kaden and Maverick, and Weimaraner, Rameses. Mandi enjoys spending time with family, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and playing sports.

BRIDGES STAFF

Mellie Boozer, Bridges Co-Director
mellie

Mellie graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. She previously worked as an early interventionist for over 3 years. She enjoys dancing, singing, acting and laughing. She will admit to being obsessed with anything Disney, the SC State Fair and the Gamecocks.

Caroline Strauss, Special Education Teacher

Caroline graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and from University of South Carolina with a Master of Social Work. She has experience working with children with special needs in a variety of ways, including applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy. Additionally, Caroline holds a teaching license in special education and brings 3 years of experience teaching in the public school system. Caroline lives in Columbia with her husband, Matt, and their dog, Cooper. She loves to spend time with family and friends at Edisto Island, what she considers to be a little piece of heaven on earth.

Heather Boatwright, Bridges Aide —
Heather is a South Carolina native. She recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science. She has a passion to work with children and wants to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. In her free time, she volunteers throughout the community, spends time with her friends and family, and stays active in her church. She loves playing with her two nephews, traveling and going to the theater.

Stephanie Bruns, Bridges Aide —

Mitchell Graham, Bridges Aide —

Travis Swogger, Bridges Aide — Travis is from rural South Carolina and has recently graduated from the University of South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, with a minor in Psychology. Travis gained ample experience with children throughout his undergraduate career, working with special needs children in the Perceptual-Motor Development lab at USC. He plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy, where he would like to continue to work with the special needs community. He enjoys staying fit and active, being outdoors, and watching sports, especially the Gamecocks!

FAMILY SERVICES STAFF

Joye Lee, MPH; Family Services Coordinator

Joye received her Masters of Public Health from the University of South Carolina and her Bachelors of Science, in Biology, from Charleston Southern University. Before starting her Master’s program, Joye worked in Indonesia for two years teaching English. She has experience with special needs children all over the world. She worked with DHEC’s children and youth with special health care needs program and Camp Burnt Gin. In her free time, you can find Joye at any Gamecock game with her family or spending time with her friends.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

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 an undergraduate 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 Columbia with her husband, James and two children, Cooper and Laura, and their dog Sophie. Dawn enjoys spending time with family and friends, being at TTP, traveling to the beach, her church – TRUMC, reading and golf.

Beverly Dunston, Front Desk Coordinator

Beverly holds a BA in History and Political Science from the University of South Carolina. She loves working with children and has experience as a Preschool Teacher at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church and as a Student Liaison with Healthy Learners. Beverly and her husband Lee live in Forest Acres with their two rescue dogs, Wade and Rosie. They have two grown sons – Drew (daughter-in-law Shelby) and Greg. Beverly enjoys traveling to Folly Beach, reading, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Teresa Fleming, Billing Manager

Teresa comes to us with nearly 30 years of billing and medical clinic experience. Teresa lives in Gilbert with her husband Eric, their daughters Marisa & Eliana, their spoiled black lab Penny, and 5 bunnies. In her free time, Teresa enjoys spending time with her family, music, reading, hula hooping and gardening.

Terry Reid, Associate Director

Terry studied Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina but landed in business management for the past twenty years. She and her husband, Rob, have been active in The Therapy Place since its inception in 2008 from cooking for the TTP golf tournaments to performing the original renovations to our building. This Gamecock girl and her Tiger husband live in Irmo with their 4 legged children Albert and Cocoa.