Staff – Dallas

Kate Lundgren graduated from San Jose State University and has been a registered Occupational Therapist since 1989. She received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University in 1992. Kate specialized in the treatment for neurological disorders and traumas for the first 10 years of her career and completed her Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) certification in 1995.

After moving to Dallas in 1997 from Southern California, Kate and her husband, Joe, were informed through diagnostic testing, like many of our clients, that their two sons were on the “Autism Spectrum”. The diagnosis drove a change in Kate’s career and treatment focus in Occupational Therapy to the treatment of pediatric disorders, more specifically, Autism and Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Kate completed her Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing (SIPT) Certification (http://portal.wpspublish.com) in April of 2008 and completed her Advanced CranioSacral Therapy Technique (http:// upledger.com) in August 2014.

Recently, she decided to take her wealth of skills and knowledge and open up a unique clinic focused on the “Cutting Edge” treatment of children with “special needs.” Instead of just “treating” the client, the goal of Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy (CEPT) is to partner with families to prepare the client for a safe and abundant future.

Kate’s model for Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy has been so successful, she has had the opportunity of expanding and establishing “Cutting Edge” model in different locations.

Since 2004, Kate has had the unique privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor for the School of Occupational Therapy at Texas Women’s University training students in the area of pediatrics. At TWU, she was provided the opportunity of developing the first special interest course for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Kate continues to speak publicly and share her passion for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Most recently, Kate was invited to speak internationally in southern China regarding training for Sensory Integration treatment in conjunction with ASDS.

Some of the relevant training that Kate has completed but not limited to is Handwriting without Tears, ABT’s TLP/InTime, Level 1 Mentorship at the SPD Foundation, Reflex Integration Testing, Astronaut Protocol, Keyboarding Without Tears and Interactive Metronome with emphasis in pediatrics.

Kate, as of February 2019, is a TOTA (Texas Occupational Therapy Association) CE Reviewer for practice area in Occupational Therapy Assistants.

Kate’s Certifications and Specialties include Handwriting without Tears, Size Matters (handwriting), First Strokes Handwriting, The Listening Program, InTime, Level Mentor at STAR, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI), Astronaut Training Protocol, Keyboarding without Tears, Interactive Metronome (emphasis in pediatrics), Kineseo Taping 1 & 2, Craniosacral Therapy Advanced Certification, Neuro-developmental Treatment (NDT), Sensory Integration and Praxis Certification, Vision Therapy Training, Autism Specialist Training, Clinical Instructor, TPOT, and DIR/Floor Time.

Jennah graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelors in Psychology in 2012 and with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2015. She always felt drawn to the pediatric population and began her journey in pediatrics as a fieldwork student at Cutting Edge where she greatly cherished helping children to achieve functional gains.

Following graduation, she returned to Cutting Edge to continue down this path. Over the years she has assisted with program development, leadership opportunities, and has sought out multiple continuing education opportunities to strengthen her skillset and to provide a high level of care for her clients.

Jennah enjoys being able to target client goals with a play based functional approach. She loves to utilize her creative skills to make sessions memorable and motivating for the clients that she sees. She appreciates being able to collaborate with clients, family members, and other professionals on the treatment team.

Jennah’s Certifications and Specialties include Neuro-Developmental Treatment Introductory Coursework, The Listening Program, InTime Provider Course, Interactive Metronome, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI), Level 1 Sensory SPD Foundation Mentorship, Fine Motor and Handwriting related to First Strokes Program, Handwriting Without Tears, Astronaut Training Protocol, Kinesio Taping 1-4, Essentials of Praxis Intervention for Children with Autism, Size Matters Handwriting Program, Zones of Regulation, DIRFloortime Introductory Coursework, and additional training in vision.

Nooreen Khalid is an Occupational Therapist. She graduated with her bachelor’s in psychology from Austin College in Sherman in 2017 and recently graduated with her Masters in Occupational therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2019. Nooreen has always had a passion for working with the pediatric population and has had various experience from volunteering to completing her fieldwork at various outpatient pediatric clinics.  Nooreen is looking forward to working with the children and families and to be apart of the Cutting Edge team!

Nooreen’s Certifications and Specialties include Interactive Metronome (IM).

Kara received both her Bachelor of Science in Child Development (2019) and Master of Occupational Therapy (2021) from Texas Woman’s University. Kara’s mother is an elementary teacher, which inspired her to pursue pediatrics early on. Kara has various experiences working with the pediatric population, from working at achievement centers to completing her fieldwork placements. She completed her Level II fieldwork in a pediatric outpatient clinic in Central Texas, where she worked directly with children of various ages to foster independence in everyday tasks. In addition, Kara was able to facilitate aquatic therapy sessions with various clients. During her time at this clinic, she developed a multi-disciplinary aquatic therapy activity set to address various skills. Serving children and their families is Kara’s passion and she is excited to become a part of the Cutting Edge community!

Sidnye graduated from Mississippi State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. She went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi Medical Center with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy in May 2021. She has always had a passion for working with children, working as a nanny, mentor, and camp counselor from a young age. Completing her doctoral capstone experience in a pediatric setting finalized her desire and passion to begin a career in pediatrics! She has experience working with children in various settings and has a special interest in sensory processing and integration. She finds fulfillment in guiding children to their full potential and success in their everyday activities. Her favorite aspect of working with children is incorporating play and making it fun while maximizing the child’s independence. Sidnye’ s continuing education interests include reflex integration and sensory approaches to feeding. Sidnye is super excited to work with the children and families of the Cutting Edge community!

Mikayla attended Texas Woman’s University where she received both her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies in 2018 and Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2021. Throughout the completion of her graduate program, Mikayla gained extensive experience working with children and young adults with diverse needs in a variety of pediatric settings. Mikayla is passionate about creating a fun and engaging therapeutic environment that enables a child to successfully develop new skills and achieve their highest level of independence. As she continues to advance her career in occupational therapy, Mikayla would like to expand her knowledge and skills in various areas including Sensory Integration, Animal-Assisted Intervention, and Autism Specialist Training!

Mikayla aspires to create a positive impact in the lives of children and their families and looks forward to joining the Cutting Edge community!

Nicole graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 2019. She then attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, TX where she received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2022. She has always had a passion for working with children and has previously worked as a tutor and volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at her church. Nicole gained experience in pediatrics during her clinical rotations where she commonly worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy. During her rotation, she was able to directly assist children with various needs such as feeding skills, play and social skills, and self-regulation. This experience only helped solidify her desire to work with children.

Nicole is interested in continuing to learn and gain knowledge in all areas related to occupational therapy, including but not limited to feeding and sensory integration. Nicole is looking forward to working with the team at Cutting Edge to assist the individuals she works with achieve their full potential!

Jennifer Lopez is an Occupational Therapist who graduated with her Bachelors in Biology in 2017 and Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2022 from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She had the opportunity to complete her fieldwork rotation at a pediatrics outpatient clinic in Brownsville, Texas and at the VA hospital in Bonham, Texas. Through schooling and fieldwork, she was able to learn and gain experience as a clinician by working with children and adults. She enjoys the creative process and the collaborative aspect of working with children and families to meet their individualized needs. Jennifer’s continuing educational interests include Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and Sensory Integration. Jennifer hopes to make a positive contribution towards her community as she utilizes her vocation as an occupational therapist to serve children and families at Cutting Edge.

Rachel graduated from The University of North Texas where she received her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology in 2017. She then graduated from Parker University in 2018 with honors where she received her Associate’s of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy. Rachel has plans in the near future to go back to school to earn her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. Rachel enjoys taking extra continuing education classes in her free time in order to further her knowledge and help better serve the clients she works with.

Rachel’s Certifications and Specialties include Safety Care, DIR/Floor Time, Visual Deficits in Pediatrics and Kinesio Taping 1, 2, 3, & 4.

Sydney is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist who has worked in both public schools and outpatient therapy clinics since 2010. Sydney has experience evaluating and working with children, teenagers, and young adults with a variety of communication disorders. In 2008, Sydney received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of North Texas, also minoring in Development and Family Studies. In 2010, Sydney completed her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University. Sydney has held her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association since 2011. She is also an actively involved member and volunteer with the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Skilled and educated in Gestalt Language Processing and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework, Sydney is listed as an NLA Trained Clinician through the Meaningful Speech website. Sydney also has advanced clinical training in the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) approach for treatment of childhood apraxia of speech and is listed in the Apraxia Kids SLP Directory. In addition, Sydney has completed introductory courses related to the SCERTS model, DIR Floortime, and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP). She has experience working with various AAC systems and has training in AAC parent coaching.

Sydney has completed training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and is certified in the VitalStim Specialty Program, a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) modality for resolving dysphagia and oral motor disorders related to feeding and swallowing. She has completed additional feeding coursework related to Responsive Feeding Therapy.

Sydney greatly values collaboration between therapy providers and with caregivers. In addition, she strives to take a child-led approach to therapy, prioritizing connection and relationship-building at the heart of each therapy session.

Sydney’s Certifications and Specialties include Gestalt Language Processing/Natural Language Acquisition, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (ages 1 and up), Social Cognition, DIR/Floor Time, Talk Tools Level 1, Pediatric Feeding, and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC).

Natalie is a 2018 graduate of Abilene Christian University with her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Speech therapy was introduced to Natalie at a young age when her older brother received early childhood intervention and school speech therapy services. Later, when she was 14 years old, Natalie observed the speech pathologist at the elementary school where her mom taught, and she decided that speech therapy was the path for her. Throughout graduate school, Natalie’s interest in helping people with neurodevelopmental disorders grew. She gained experience working with children and adults in clinics, early childhood intervention, outpatient rehab, and schools. Natalie joined the Cutting Edge family in 2018 for her Clinical Fellowship Year, in which she earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She has been trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) therapeutic approach to feeding for picky eaters and in the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) therapeutic approach for individuals with limited verbal abilities. She is also a member of the Texas Speech and Hearing Association (TSHA). Natalie loves getting to know her patients and their families every day, collaborating with other professions, and helping each child learn how to communicate meaningfully.

Natalie’s Certifications and Specialties include Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Therapy, DIR/Floor Time, and Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) Words for Life,

Katie graduated from Baylor University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then attended the University of Texas at Dallas where she received her Master of Science in Communication Disorders. Katie was introduced to speech therapy when her younger brother was diagnosed with Autism, and she has had an interest in working with children and teens with communication disorders ever since. During graduate school, Katie gained experience working with the pediatric population in preschool programs, public schools, and private clinics. Through those experiences she was able to provide therapy for articulation and language disorders, social/pragmatic disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, and sensory based feeding disorders. Katie is joining the Cutting Edge team for her Clinical Fellowship Year. She looks forward to getting to work as a team with her clients, families, and other professionals to help her clients be the best communicators they can be.

Rachel graduated from Harding University with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She moved to Dallas in 2019 and graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders in 2021. Rachel has experience working in public schools as well as graduate experience working with children and adults of all ages. She has a passion for making therapy sessions both fun and functional for her clients and is excited to be a part of the Cutting Edge team!

Grace McFarling, M.S., CCC-SLP graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders in 2014. In 2016, she graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Grace has been trained in Level 1 of the PECS program and has been a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Texas since 2016. She specializes in working with individuals with Autism, Developmental Delays, and AAC devices.

Kat graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2018. Post undergrad, she began work as an SLPA while maintaining relationships with professors and contributing to research. In 2020, she decided to further her education and attended Baylor’s Master’s program where she graduated with her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. While at undergrad at Baylor, Kat joined a church outing to an organization called Friends for Life, a day center in Waco for adults with various disabilities and she fell in love with the population and all the kindness they had to offer. Kat continued volunteering almost every day until graduation. From there, she knew she held a special place in her heart for kids and adults with disabilities and wanted to help in any way she could. During graduate school, Kat had various placements from elementary through high schools, private clinics and a skilled nursing facility. In those placements, she gained valuable experience and worked with clients with a range of various communication disorders including articulation, language and fluency disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, and social and pragmatic disorders. Kat joined the Cutting Edge team for her Clinical Fellowship year in 2022 and is looking forward to creating quality relationships with her clients, peers and supervisors!

Austin graduated with her Bachelor’s in Communicative Disorders from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2020. She went on to graduate from Abilene Christian University with a Masters of Speech Language Pathology in May 2022. Austin was led to the field of Speech Therapy by finding a passion in helping others find their voice to be able to express themselves! Through out graduate school Austin gained experience working with children and adults in clinics, inpatient rehab, and schools. Austin is passionate about serving the pediatric population along with interprofessional collaboration. She is interested in furthering her clinical knowledge by pursuing continuing education certifications and specialties, including Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and DIR/Floor Time.

Julia graduated from James Madison University in 2020 with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In 2021, she attended Abilene Christian University – Dallas, where she received her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Julia was introduced to speech therapy at a young age, when her older brother received outpatient and school speech therapy services. In high school, Julia was involved in a program that allowed her to shadow several speech therapists at local elementary schools and a skilled nursing facility. Julia gained experience working with both the pediatric and adult populations in various settings, such as schools, outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab hospitals, and acute care. Julia is looking forward to getting to work collaboratively with parents, families, and clients to help them be the best they can be!

Jill Bruskas graduated from Texas Tech University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to complete a second undergraduate degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences in 2021 from the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. Jill then attended Baylor University, where she received a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May of 2023. Throughout her graduate experience, as well as working as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) since 2021, Jill has had experience with pediatric private practice, pediatric and adult private practice specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy, public schools (K-12), home health, and adult inpatient acute care. While completing her first semester of her graduate school, Jill’s nephew was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This led her to be passionate about advocating for and providing therapy to individuals with ASD. Jill is excited to be joining the Cutting Edge team for the completion of her Clinical Fellowship (CF) year and cannot wait to meet her clients and their families!

Felicia graduated from University of Texas at San Antonio where she received her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology in 2015. Felicia then graduated from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. Felicia completed her final clinical in home heath pediatrics and that solidified her passion for this setting. Felicia has always loved working with children and she’s excited that she now has the ability to make a positive impact in their lives.

Ashley Faris graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training in 2018. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Clarkson University in 2021. In graduate school, she has completed clinician experiences in outpatient ortho, outpatient pediatrics and acute care/inpatient pediatrics. Ashley has always had a passion for working with kids and helping them achieve their goals through play-based therapy. She is excited to continue her passion working with kids at Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy.

Amanda is a 2013 graduate of the Kaplan College Physical Therapist Assistant program. Amanda received physical therapy treatment when she was in high school which led her to begin volunteering at a local physical therapy clinic. It was during her volunteer hours that Amanda found her passion for physical therapy as a treatment modality. While in a pediatric clinical rotation, Amanda became driven to make a career out of helping children. After receiving her license, Amanda began working with a pediatric home health company in May 2014. While she enjoyed her time in home health, Amanda is excited to continue her passion of pediatric Physical Therapy with the Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy team.

Amanda’s Certifications and Specialties include Aquatic Therapy.

Abbey graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2013 with her Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Health and Exercise Science. She went on to pursue her PTA degree at Weatherford College and graduated in 2018. She always loved working with children and after a year of working in the ICU/CCU at Norman Regional Hospital, she transitioned to outpatient pediatrics. This is where her passion lies. Abbey loves seeing kids try things for the first time, improve their motor skills through play and see their little personalities develop as they become more confident! Abbey is also in the process of completing her Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist certification. She loves watching OU football with her family in the fall and spending time with her new husband, stepson and 3 fur babies! She is excited to continue her passion for pediatrics at Cutting Edge Pediatric and Adult Therapy.

Abbey’s Certifications and Specialties include Certified Clinical Instructor (CCI).

MariAnn received her Masters degree in Counseling from Syracuse University in 1997. She is a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) specializing in developmental disability services as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. MariAnn has special training in Autism Spectrum Disorders using cognitive behavioral methods (CBT). She has also recently obtained her licensure as an LPC-Supervisor (LPC-S). Additionally, she is an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). She has worked in schools in instructional support as well as a special services counselor, learning specialist and Director of a special education program. She has worked in therapy centers as a counselor, parent trainer, employee trainer, and was involved in the development of special programs for the Autism community. MariAnn has authored and presented the 5 Sense Thinking Series of workshops on topics such as Experiencing Autism, Depression, ADHD and more. MariAnn has been trained to work in both individual and group sessions and is open to serving the child, parent and/or sibling for support services. MariAnn is married with 3 adult sons, one of whom is significantly impacted by Autism. She loves spending time with her family and watching funny movies and psychological thrillers!

Keely Howard has been with Cutting Edge since July of 2020 as the ABA Program Manager and is now working towards her dream of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) under the supervision of MariAnn Gattelaro, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, LPC-S & Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, CRC.

Keely graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2015 with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2017. She spent her practicum and internship hours in her master’s program at Hunt Regional Medical Center, providing individual and group treatment to adults in the inpatient unit. She also interned for a year at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center counseling children and teens who suffered abuse and their families. She has experience using an array of different theories and methods, such as, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy. Having over 6 years of experience in the ABA field working with the population we serve here at Cutting Edge; she is excited Cutting Edge has provided the opportunity to put both her passions for counseling and the special needs population together!

During her free time, Keely enjoys playing with her daughter, going to the movies, and trying new coffee shops and restaurants!

Asha Mathew is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Texas Since 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology with a Minor in Child and Family Development in 2015. She has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2016 and during that time earned her Master’s in Education in ABA at Arizona State University in 2018. Before becoming a BCBA, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) giving direct therapy to clients. She has also been a Lead Therapist, overseen programs, created Behavior Skills Training, and assisted with behavior reduction plans. Asha is passionate about making a difference and improving the quality of life of others.

Heather Boydstun has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2021. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies, as well as her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Before becoming a BCBA she was a Registered Behavior Technician in the clinical setting, working with children who have Autism and other disorders. Heather is passionate about assisting and empowering families to live fulfilled lives, no matter the circumstances.

Heather’s Certifications and Specialties include Safety Care.

Vanessa Mendoza has been in the field of ABA since 2016. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Learning Development from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2015, she went straight into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She received her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2020 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2021. As a bilingual children’s advocate, Vanessa has a passion to assist families from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. She has experience working with children with autism and other developmental delays, parent training, and providing therapy in multiple settings such as clinic, home, and community. She is excited to grow and foster her passion in advocating early intervention services for the lives of children, their families, and their community.

Alyssa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She earned her Bachelor Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Child Learning Development in 2015. Alyssa has worked in the field of ABA since 2017. She earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis in 2021. She started in the field of ABA in 2017 as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). Alyssa is passionate about working with individuals with Autism and other intellectual disabilities. She wants to make a difference in the lives of all families and become an advocate for the special needs community.

Alyssa’s Certifications and Specialties include Safety Care.

Kelly started with Cutting Edge in March 2021 as a Front Office Coordinator. Shortly after, she changed her degree plan from Information Technology to Applied Behavior Analysis. Set to graduate with her Bachelors in ABA this Fall, she will continue to pursue her Masters in ABA in order to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Kelly hopes to keep assisting families in getting the services they need. She loves to talk to the kids about Pokémon and dinosaurs, and cannot wait to see where her adventure at Cutting Edge continues to lead her!

Robert is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelors in Healthcare Studies. Currently, he is a therapy tech, but wishes to eventually go back to school for Physical Therapy. He has a personal training certification, is QBS safety certified, and is an RBT.

Stephanie King received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on APE and Disability Sport from Texas Woman’s University in August 2020. Stephanie completed an internship at the Cooper Aerobics Center in 2019. Since July 2020 Stephanie has worked as an RBT and has fallen in love with the profession! Stephanie has plans to begin a master’s program in ABA next year.

Grant Putnam works as an RBT at Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelors in Criminal Justice. Since his graduation, he has worked many different jobs and volunteered with various organizations in an effort to find a place where he can help people. Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy provides this opportunity.

Ainsley is a junior at Oklahoma State University, majoring in Psychology. She has had her RBT license since September 2022. She loves working with children and hopes she will continue to do so in the future! She has lived in Texas her whole life and has a cat named Ricky Bobby!

Ashaunti is from Carrollton, Texas. She is the oldest and the only girl out of 4 children. Ashaunti graduated from Hebron High School. Ashaunti has been an RBT since 2022. Ashaunti plans on going back to school and becoming a BCBA.

Samantha Heironimus has been a Registered Behavior Technician since March of 2022. Her career goal is to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Samantha has 2 dogs and a sphynx cat named Athena. Sam likes to spend her free time playing with her son or reading books.

Elizabeth Pritchett has been a Registered Behavior Technician since May of 2022. She has previously worked in management roles. She also has several years of experience working in preschool environments. She has a bubbly, outgoing personality, and she strives to create positive, strong relationships with her peers, clients, and clients’ families. During her free time, Elizabeth enjoys reading and watching true crime shows. Elizabeth is excited to be part of the CEPT team!

Matilyn has been a registered behavior technician since October of 2021. She has experience from in home therapy as well as clinical therapy, gaining the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional services. Matilyn is currently attending Collin Community College to purse a degree in counseling psychology. She is an adventurous, nurturing, and loving character. Matilyn enjoys hiking with her dog to keep her safe, spending time with family and friends, and is dedicated to helping others. She strives to make an impact in lives of those that she encounters daily. She is often described as funny, caring, and patient and looks most forward to helping people with their emotional, social, work, school, and physical health concerns across the lifespan.

Emily Lopez has been a Registered Behavior Technician since 2020 and is excited to be part of the Cutting Edge Team. She is currently a student and plans to pursue a career in Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis. She has a passion for neurodivergence and helping others reach their full potential. She is an advocate for autism acceptance and loves to share her knowledge and personal experiences with ASD.

Crystal Anderson graduated from Purdue University Global with a Master’s Degree in Psychology and ABA. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician since 2019. Crystal Anderson plans to continue her education in hopes of becoming a BCBA.

Zohaib graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, then proceeded to complete his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Zohaib and his fellow colleagues presented literature at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting in San Antonio, 2022. It has been a goal of his to serve in the community while facilitating growth and the development of others. His area of interest resides in Neurology and he is fortunate to be part of the team here at Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy.

Jaspreet received her diploma from Imagine International in 2022. She enjoys working with children and hopes to continue doing so in the future! She has resided in Texas her entire life and has worked in a variety of occupations and helped with a variety of organizations before settling into her position at Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy.

Sterling has been with Cutting Edge since 2023 and is a student at Collin College in which she is studying to obtain her associates degree. She has lived in Texas most of her life. Sterling enjoys spending time with her family during her free time and taking her dog Bella to the dog park on the weekends. She loves to be able to see individuals’ growth and loves the thought of being able to help people grow and can’t wait to see what Cutting Edge has held for her in the future.

Linda began working at our office in March of 2016. She graduated in 2013 from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Upon graduating she spent two years helping children with a variety of neurological disorders including ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and processing disorders. Linda loves being in an environment that helps children and their families and is looking forward to a long career doing so.

Kenzie has been with Cutting Edge since November of 2020, starting as a Front Office Coordinator before moving into the role of Office Manager in 2021. Kenzie graduated from UTD with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Counseling at TWU. She has a passion for working with diverse groups of people and lending a helping hand wherever is needed. Her favorite thing about Cutting Edge is getting to watch the patients grow and achieve their goals!

Maggie Mondragon is an energetic Intake Coordinator with experience in customer service since 2015.

She has been professionally teaching Taekwondo to children since 2014 and has won leadership awards as well as Employee of the year at Mount Pleasant Martial Arts (2017-2018), and as Front Desk Operations for Callejo Elementary (2019-2021). She is continuing her education at Dallas Community College. Maggie Is currently residing in North Dallas.

Abigail has been at Cutting Edge since January 2023 as a Front Desk Coordinator. She is working on getting her undergraduate degree and wants to pursue a career in Child Psychology. Abigail has a passion for helping young adults and adolescents and raising awareness for mental health. She enjoys creating a fun and inviting environment for the people around her and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her at Cutting Edge!

Candace is a married mother of one who originally hails from Tampa, Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida before moving to Texas in 2018. Candace enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her two fur babies, a beagle named Cookie, and a husky named Rocko. She cherishes her time with loved ones and is passionate about creating meaningful memories with them. In her free time, Candace enjoys live music, gardening, exploring new hobbies, and engaging in outdoor activities. She is a driven individual who values personal growth and is always seeking new opportunities to challenge herself and serve her community.

Jakiyah has been working in customer service since 2018. She is originally from Georgia and moved to Texas after Highschool in 2021 to pursue a background in early childhood education. She enjoys working with children of all ages and is often warm and bubbly when she interacts with anyone. Her favorite motto is ‘Every day is a second chance’ and she’s excited to be a part of such a great team!

Samantha Godsey has been an RBT since 2022 and enjoys working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Samantha is a United States Army Veteran. Samantha has such a passion for helping others no matter the circumstance. She has two dachshunds who she absolutely adores. Samantha is engaged to be married June of 2023.

Michelle was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Richardson, and graduated from Richardson High School.  Michelle has worked in physical therapy medical billing for 20 years. She has twin boys and loves spending time with her family and her dog.  She is excited for this opportunity with Cutting Edge.

Melissa has been with Cutting Edge since 2019 and is a student at Collin County Community College where she is studying to obtain an associate degree of science in nursing. She initially began her journey with Cutting Edge as a front office coordinator, where she gained tremendous knowledge. After a year, she was then given the opportunity to work in the client care services department. Melissa has worked with front desk scheduling and medical billing since 2016. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new adventures.

I started working with children in 1999 for Child Protective Services in my hometown of Amarillo, Tx.  I left the great state to see where life was going to take me. I ended up back in Texas and started working in for an Environmental Analysis company. After ten years working as an Administrative Assistant, it was time to make change and go back to working around kids. I love helping new families navigate the process of ABA at Cutting Edge.  I am excited to be a part of a great team here at Cutting Edge.

Joseph began working for Joe and Kate Lundgren back in 2013, originally coming on board with one of Joe’s other companies. Since then, Joseph has become a large part of the Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy staff working alongside the admin team. While he has always been a behind the scenes team member, it wasn’t until 2015 that he assumed an active roll as part of the CEPT family name. Having a connection with special needs in his own family, Joseph has enjoyed getting to learn more about our client’s different diagnoses and treatment modalities. During his regular week schedule, Joseph is also working towards a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree through Texas Woman’s University. When he’s not working here with our CEPT family or studying, Joseph enjoys movies, music, exercising and spending quality social time with his family and friends.

Annie graduated from Angelo State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She was born in Plano but has been happy to call Allen her home for over the past ten years. She has helped her family raise two service dogs and loves spending time with animals. She is motivated by her passion for helping others and strives to approach all situations with an empathetic mindset. Annie is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Alex graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH in 2012. Originally from California, Alex moved around growing up; first to Ohio from 2003 until 2012, then to Texas, back to California from 2016-2019, and back to Texas in 2019. Upon moving back to Texas, they worked in retail until 2021 and found a place in Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy as an Administrative Assistant. Aside from retail, Alex also worked for a non-profit organization in California for the California State Railroad Museum Foundation in clerical work. They love making a difference and helping people. Their mission in life is to be able to make a positive impact and influence in people’s lives.

Mariana Cortinas recently graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a bachelor’s in Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy. In the next year, she hopes to get into Texas Woman’s University doctor of physical therapy program to eventually work with children.