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!

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).

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

Robert’s Certifications and Specialties include Personal Training and Safety Care.

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.

Angie graduated from Green River College in 2012 with an Associates degree in Applied Science­ Occupational Therapy Assistant. In 2018, she decided to return to school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Occupation Studies and Minor in Psychology through the University of Cincinnati. Angie recently graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Findlay in June 2023 and is currently studying to take the NBCOT exam to become certified as an OT. Angie has always enjoyed working with the pediatric population and has worked in various pediatric settings including schools, home health, and outpatient throughout her career as a COTA. She strives to meet the current needs of all clients and their families and to collaborate on meaningful/inspirational goals to promote independence as well as positive engagement in daily activities. Angie has completed continuing education in Cortical Vision Impairment, ADHD Strategies for the Clinic, and Movement and Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning. She has also practiced under mentoring OTs with certifications in Handwriting Without Tears, Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), and Sensory Integration, and in the future would like to explore becoming specialized in these areas of practice.

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,

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.

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!

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.

Mahlon became a certified occupational therapy assistant in 2015, graduating from Navarro College with Cum Laude honors, where he received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy. In 2021 Mahlon completed his Masters program bridging from an assistant to a Certified Occupational Therapist. He has worked in a skilled nursing facility and a sensory-based pediatric outpatient clinic. Mahlon is certified in Interactive Metronome and is in the process of completing his certification in Handwriting Without Tears. His many years of experience as an  occupational therapy assistant gives him a unique perspective and level of excellence going into his time with us as an Occupational Therapist.

Mahlon’s Certifications and Specialties include Masgutova NeuroSensory Reflex Integration, Handwriting Without Tears, CranioSacral Therapy, Sensory Integration, Interactive Metronome and The Listening Program.

Shelia Range is originally from Miami, Florida. She greatly enjoys working in the ABA field and is passionate about helping others. It brings her joy to her heart when she sees improvement from each of her clients, and she works hard to help them achieve their goals.

Jakquelyn is determined to reach new goals every day. She has experience working within the pediatrics field over the last few years, and she looks forward to continuing her career with the pediatrics population. She always looks for new ways to make learning fun, easy, and rewarding!

Quashay absolutely loves helping others and bringing a smile to others’ faces. She has been working with children and adults since 2015. Her career started off in early child development and she also worked as a PCA. She has experience working with children who have endured trauma or abuse. Quashay looks forward to furthering her education in psychology to be a therapist and working closely with kids and adults. Her favorite quote is “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” This quote reminds her daily that regardless as to what obstacles are in the way, you can achieve anything.

DaMarea is new to Texas from Atlanta, Georgia. Her passion of working with individuals with autism comes from the root of having a brother who is on the spectrum. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Georgia State University and her Master’s Degree in ABA from Arizona State University. She has worked in the ABA field since 2019, and is currently working to pursue the path of becoming a BCBA.

Brittany Patrick is a graduate from Midwestern State University. She moved from Arkansas and grew up in Lewisville Texas. Brittany enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. When she is not traveling, she enjoys working of the board of a nonprofit organization. Brittany is determined to make a positive impact on everyone’s life she touches.

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.

Ashley Nickerson graduated from Tarleton State University in 2020 with a Bachelors Degree. She is a wife, mother of 4 children, and the oldest of 9. Working with children is a great passion of hers. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) since 2023 and has plans to go back to school to become a BCBA. She is excited to continue her journey in ABA with Cutting Edge!

In 2013, Gabe attended Mountain View College acquiring an Associates in A.S. He then transferred to Texas A&M- Commerce finishing his undergraduate degree with Cum Laude honors in 2018 obtaining a B.S. in Kinesiology. In 2020, Gabe attended Abilene Christian University receiving a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. His favorite part of being an OT is working with patients and completing their meaningful goals that aid to improve their livelihood and wellbeing. Along with working out and listening to music, Gabe enjoys spending his time performing community service with his fraternity brothers.

Karsen Allison has been a Registered Behavioral Technician since graduating from Texas A&M Commerce with a bachelor’s in psychology. She has a wonderful husband and cat at home. She also hopes to one day become a BCBA. She can’t wait to work with the team to make a difference!

Becky has worked with children for more than five years. She formerly worked in childcare but recently transitioned to ABA. She has a passion for working with children and is actively pursuing a teaching degree.

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!

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!

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.

Orlando has been working with young kids in the Plano Independent School District since 2017 and during that time he had found an interest of working specifically with kids on the spectrum. During covid, he wanted to continue to work with children but, with schools shut down, there was not an opportunity to do so until he had heard about being an RBT. He has in the ABA field since 2021 and has been passionate about helping others who require therapy. Orlando loves seeing the journey of helping others grow and thrive, and he plans on going back to school to become a BCBA.

Felicia graduated from University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology in 2015 and from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. From a young age, she has always had a passion for working with children and having a hand in promoting their ability to reach their full potential. She received pediatric experience during clinical rotations in early childhood interventions, outpatient orthopedic clinics, and pediatric home health. She loves how physical therapy has provided her with the opportunity to infuse her love for children and her fascination with the human body, specifically with how to achieve healing and growth through our bodies. She also enjoys building a bond with her patients and their families to ensure that the child develops appropriate gross motor skills and functional independence. It is wonderful being able to collaborate with other professionals as well so that the patients are provided with the best level of care!

Madison has been working in customer service since 2016 because she loves helping and making people smile. She is currently in college to get a degree in psychology. She lived in Mississippi as a young child, then moved to Kentucky in 2005. In 2016, she moved to Texas and has been here ever since. Madison loves spending time with her partner and the people that love her. She is a very empathetic and loving person and is very happy to be apart of the Cutting Edge team, hopefully making a difference in people’s lives.

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!

Cadyn is a Dallas native and has always had a heart for helping others. Prior to starting her ABA journey, she was a nanny, taught swim lessons and volunteered with an organization that provided social skills practice to elementary aged children with autism. She has been an RBT since 2021 and got the opportunity to be apart of the Cutting Edge team in 2023. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelors in psychology in 2022 and is currently in a Master’s in ABA program through University of North Texas. Cadyn’s personal experience with having a family member on the spectrum who received early intervention has led her to where she is today. The passion started close to home but her clients and coworkers continue to fuel it. Cadyn is gaining supervision hours and hoping to become a BCBA in the near future. Once a year, she volunteers with a special needs organization that helps families go on cruises and experience a true vacation with their loved ones who need extra support. Cadyn can’t imagine life without being involved in ABA and is excited to keep growing within the field!

Shay has been an RBT since 2023 and loves working with children. She also wants to go back to school to become a BCBA! She is a cat mom of two, but also loves dogs. Shay likes to spend time with her friends and family in her free time.

Kisha is from Michigan and has worked in the ABA field for almost 3 years now. She truly enjoys being with her clients and building relationships with them and their families. She loves to drink anything that is watermelon or peach flavored, her favorite snack is Chicken and Biscuit crackers, or Sweet Chili flavored Doritos. She also loves reading self help books and learning new things about psychology.

Andrea was born and raised in small town called Plainview, TX. She moved to Plano in 2015 and graduated from Plano Senior High in 2016. She is a mother to her son and her black labsky, Dahlia. She loves to try new things and explore new places in her free time. She has worked with children for 2 years and has decided to continue her career in the ABA field. She has loved building relationships with her kiddos and wants to continue watching them reach their full potential.

Nicole is a native Texan! She has grew up in Arlington & lived in DFW all her life. She is a graduate of UTA with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Nicole has worked with adults & children the last fourteen years, including both the mental health & medical sides. She started working with children while she was at home health organization, but finds the setting of outpatient facility more rewarding. To see the growth of a child up close reminds her as to why she choose this career path.

When not at work Nicole like to spend time with her family & friends. When the opportunity arises they like to take small trips, anything from the big city lights to the quiet country! She likes to cook, but enjoys baking the most. Nicole also enjoys crafting & DIY projects, however, sometimes it doesn’t always turn out as expected but likes the challenge.

She has really enjoyed the last few year at CEPT & cannot wait to see what the future holds. Nicole has been at the Mansfield location & has seen the growth it has had since they opened their doors. She has met many wonderful families & hopes that she has made a difference in their lives.

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.

Madison Robinette is a BACB Certified RBT as of 2023! She has studied at the University of North Texas, majoring in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys crochet, playing and writing music for piano and vocals, and all other forms of the arts! She has two pet cats named Juno and Oliver. Madison will be attending UNT once again to obtain her Bachelors in ABA, and be on track to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst!

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.

Stephanie graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Business. After graduating, she worked as a registered behavioral therapist (RBT) for one year while completing post-baccalaureate classes at the University of North Texas to transition into the field of Speech-Language Pathology. She then began graduate school at the University of North Texas and completed her final practicum placement at Cutting Edge! Stephanie earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2021 and also holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Stephanie has worked with pediatrics and adults of all ages in a variety of settings and has experience evaluating and treating language, articulation, phonology, fluency, feeding, and social communication disorders. Stephanie has experience providing speech therapy to children diagnosed with various syndromes, developmental disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder in which she enjoys incorporating behavior principles and sensory rich environments to help her patients succeed and thrive in all environments. Stephanie is trained and educated in Gestalt Language Processing and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework; she is listed as an NLA Trained Clinician through the Meaningful Speech website. Stephanie also has advanced clinical training in the PROMPT approach for treatment of childhood apraxia of speech. She has experience working with various AAC systems.

Her favorite part about being an SLP is seeing her patients reach their full potential and building relationships with her patients and their families throughout the course of therapy. Stephanie’s approach to therapy is child-led in order to develop strong trusting relationships between herself and her patients.

Stephanie’s Certifications and Specialties include Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPTS), Gestalt Language Processing/Natural Language Acquisition, Safety Care (Specialist and Trainer), and Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) Words for Life.

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.

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.

McKenzie graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. She then graduated from Parker University in 2020 with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She completed her Level II fieldwork rotation at Cutting Edge in 2020. Throughout her clinical experience, McKenzie has gained knowledge with a variety of diagnoses including Autism, Downs Syndrome, and multiple other syndromes and diagnoses. She has always had a passion for pediatrics after working with students in the special education program at her middle school. McKenzie enjoys learning how to better serve her patients by taking continuing education courses in her free time. When she is not at CEPT, McKenzie enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.

McKenzie’s Certifications and Specialties include Safety Care.

Allie graduated from Sherman High School in 2021. She has always worked with kids, even ones on the spectrum. In 2022, she met her best friend who has a son that was diagnosed with autism and learned about ABA therapy. She started her first ABA clinic in June of 2023 and became registered in September of 2023. She fell in love with ABA therapy and always strives to be better than she was the day before. Outside of work she likes to help raise her best friend’s kids along with spending time with her family and her baby sister.

Wendy Sharp received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Tennessee State University.  She has held her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) since 2004. Wendy has always had a passion for helping children reach their full potential and has been able to do that through her work as a Speech Language Pathologist in the public school system as well as pediatric in-home therapy. She has experience providing therapy with a focus on language, social skills, articulation, fluency, and a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (from low-tech to high tech). Wendy loves to travel and was fortunate to combine her love of travel and her career while working as a travel SLP over the last several years. As a travel therapist, she was able to work/live in a variety of states including Tennessee, Maryland, California, and even Alaska before returning back to where it all began in Texas in 2019. Wendy is excited to be a part of the Cutting Edge team and looks forward to helping your child achieve their goals!

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.

Bethanie has been with CEPT since 2023 starting as Office Manager. She has been dedicated to the world of physical therapy since 2020 and working with children has stolen her heart! Their resilience and endless energy inspire her every day. She has been honing her organizational skills and attention to detail in the medical office administration field since 2013. Creating order out of chaos is her specialty, and she is here to ensure that your experience with CEPT is nothing short of amazing. With a heart full of joy and a passion for making a difference, she is thrilled to be part of this amazing team. When she is not busy keeping our clinic in tip-top shape, you’ll find her conquering new hiking trails, diving into captivating books, whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen, or immersing herself in the virtual worlds of video games. So, whether it’s coordinating appointments, brightening up your day with a warm smile, or sharing her latest hiking adventure, she is here to make your journey at our clinic as smooth and delightful as can be!

Heather has been with Cutting Edge since August 2020.  She started out as our ABA Admin helping families gather everything needed to start ABA.  She moved to our CCS office in 2022 as our Referral Coordinator and recently became supervisor of CCS.  Heather works hard helping the families of CEPT navigate the world of insurance and fight to get the services that are needed for each family approved.  She enjoys spending time with her husband and friends on the golf course or spending time at home with her cat named Kitty.

Yolanda Ulloa has been in the administrative and billing field since 2005. Yolanda has worked closely with providers, patients and insurance providers since 2021, helping to provide assistance with claims, referrals and authorization.

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!

Paola has been with Cutting Edge since September 2019. She has worn many hats with Cutting Edge starting as an Office Coordinator to a Client Care Services Coordinator, Senior Office Coordinator, Office Manager, and has now taken on the role as Senior Administrative Assistant. Paola is also currently pursuing her bachelor’s in healthcare management and is expected to graduate in 2024. Although she is a part of our administrative team, Paola loves interacting with patients and building relationships with our families. If she has not already, Paola is looking forward to meeting your family!

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).

Louisa graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. She performed and taught ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance around the country. Louisa performed in a modern dance company that toured the southwest United States. After being injured while in college, she worked with multiple physical therapists and found her passion with physical therapy. She graduated in 1997 from Oklahoma City Community College with an Associate Degree in physical therapy and became a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. She has worked with children and adults in all therapy settings from hospitals, transitional care settings, home health, schools, and outpatient clinics. She has a passion for helping those with special needs achieve their gross motor skills, improve their independence, and improve access to the community. She has been trained on NDT techniques, strain/counter strain, fall prevention specialist training, LSVT, tai chi, and yoga among others. She enjoys continuing her education with learning new techniques and strategies. Louisa likes to use her creative background to make her therapy sessions fun and believes it is important to collaborate with her colleagues and families to build relationships that make a positive impact. She is excited to work with Cutting Edge to continue her journey helping others in the community.