Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on large motor and functional skills to enhance development, restore function and prevent disability from pediatric conditions, illness or injury.

Conditions we treat

Evaluation, treatment and home programming are available for children with:

Sports and orthopedic injuries
Brain injuries and neurological impairments
Cancer and blood disorders
Musculoskeletal injuries or disorders
Cardiopulmonary disorders
Evaluation for wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices

Treatment

We individually tailor our treatment based on your child’s diagnosis, impairments and family and physician concerns to maximize independence and function. Treatment may focus on:

Gross motor development
Coordination
Strength
Balance
Endurance
Improving flexibility
Improving your child’s independence with mobility
Wheelchair training
Participating in play or leisure activities

Specialty programs

Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Helping children with bladder and bowel incontinence, constipation, pain when using the restroom or pelvic pain return to everyday life without leaking or pain.

Serial Casting
Treatment intervention to improve muscle range of motion and flexibility.

Tri My Best Triathlon
Cook Children's Rehabilitation Services sponsors an adaptive Triathlon every fall. Children 4-18 are eligible to participate in this fun-filled event. The triathlon gives kids the opportunity to bike, swim, run/walk/roll with their peers in a friendly race!

iCan Bike

Who: For kids with a diagnosed disability

When: TBD for 2025

Where: Game On

iCan Dance

Who: For kids with a diagnosed disability

When: TBD for 2025

Where: Southwest Christian School

Contact Mary Pfeffer with questions or for additional information.

At Cook Children's, our physical therapists are specially trained to help your child reach their maximum potential. Our team understands the importance of play and how to successfully engage your child during a session. We individually tailor care for our patients and use an episodic treatment model to help your child excel.

Family-centered care is a core part of treatment within Rehabilitation Services. We understand that you as the caregiver are the expert in your child and their needs. Therapists incorporate families and caregivers throughout treatment sessions. Our goal is to empower your family to work on activities at home, in the community and after discharge.

At Cook Children's, you benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach that allows open communication between providers and specialty services to enhance your child's outcomes. We understand and believe that collaboration is critical to each child's success.

The neurodevelopmental team of physical therapists consists of highly skilled licensed healthcare professionals with unique training in the growing child. We are experienced treating infants, children, teens and young adults with a wide range of impairments.

Our knowledgeable team utilizes evidence-based practice treatment approaches to create an individualized treatment plan for your child. Many of our physical therapists have obtained specialized training and certifications to better serve our patients:

Doctor of physical therapy (DPT): A physical therapist who has obtained a clinical doctorate in physical therapy.
Board-certified specialist in pediatric physical therapy (PCS): A physical therapist who has obtained an advanced certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities. These physical therapists are considered experts in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with pediatric conditions.
Child passenger safety technician (CPST): A professional who has obtained a certification from Safe Kids Worldwide to provide education and hand-on assistance for the proper usage of child restraint systems and seat belts.

Haleigh Schreck, PT, DPT

Haleigh has worked as an inpatient physical therapist at Cook Children's since 2016. Haleigh completed her undergraduate education at TCU (go Frogs!), and stayed in Fort Worth to continue her education at University of North Texas Health Science Center where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Haleigh enjoys having the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patient populations in the acute care setting.

Bryan Pyrc, PT, DPT

Brian is an acute care physical therapist. Bryan attended Texas A&M University for his undergraduate degree and Duke University for physical therapy school. Bryan has worked at Cook Children's since 2015.

Angela Howser, PT, MSPT

Angela has been a physical therapist with Cook Children's since 1998. She has worked in a variety of settings, but primarily in inpatient care and multidisciplinary specialty clinics. She currently serves as the physical therapist for Cook Children's Movement Disorder clinic, Neuromuscular Disorders clinic and Bleeding Disorders clinic. Angela has presented at the local, regional and national level on these specialties and is active in the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Angela's favorite part of her job is collaborating with patients, families and other professionals to provide optimal care for children with complex medical challenges.

Allison Ewing, PT, DPT

Allison has been a physical therapist at Cook Children's since 2013. She enjoys partnering with families to help them achieve their goals. She has special interests in cystic fibrosis, hematology and oncology. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Health Science Studies from Baylor University in 2010 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Woman's University at Dallas in 2013.

Olivia Hartman, PT, DPT, CPST

Olivia Hartman, PT, DPT, CPST, is a neurodevelopmental Physical Therapist at Cook Children's Northeast Center in Hurst. She graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and earned her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy both at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. She first discovered her passion for pediatrics by volunteering with equine therapy and coaching soccer in college. She is passionate about motivating her patients to accomplish their goals as well as providing a positive experience. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, and exploring new restaurants.

Harrison Cruz, PT, DPT

Harrison Cruz, PT, DPT is an acute care pediatric physical therapist who began working at Cook Children's in 2022. He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences in Athletic Training and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Harrison is passionate about working with children of all ages as well as promoting and inspiring health and wellness, not only in the acute care setting, but also beyond discharge from hospital services.

Elizabeth Elliott, PT, DPT

Elizabeth Elliott, PT, DPT is an acute care physical therapist who started working at Cook Children's in 2022. Elizabeth received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Concordia University Texas in 2015, then graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 2017. After graduation she continued on at her alma mater serving as a Faculty Lab Instructor and began working in acute care, gaining experience serving both the adult and pediatric populations. Elizabeth is passionate about education and enjoys working in a team environment to provide comprehensive care.

Jill Tibbets, PT, DPT

Jill Tibbets, PT, DPT has worked as an inpatient physical therapist at Cook Children's since 2020. Jill completed her undergraduate degree at the University of North Texas and then went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UT Southwestern in 2013. While attending UT Southwestern, Jill completed a clinical rotation at Cook Children's Medical Center and is grateful to be back working under the blue peaks!

Lindsay Jacobs, PT, DPT

Lindsay Jacobs, PT, DPT, is the physical therapist in the Cook Children's Motion Analysis Lab. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and has been at Cook Children's since 2010. Lindsay has treated patients with many different pediatric neurologic and genetic conditions since her time at Cook Children's. She is a WalkAide certified specialist and trained as a child passenger safety technician. She now specializes in movement and gait analysis for treatment planning with our physicians and surgeons. Lindsay loves being able to interact with patients and their families in the process of considering interventions. However, she truly enjoys it when those families return to the lab for follow-up studies and can celebrate the outcomes with them.

Mary Pfeffer, MPT

Mary Pfeffer, MPT, is a physical therapist currently working in the orthopedic clinic. She has worked at Cook Children's since 2004. She has worked in all areas of rehabilitation services, but has dedicated her career to working with children with developmental disabilities. She is NDT certified and has extensive experience in serial casting, gait analysis, and the orthopedic management of children with cerebral palsy. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is assisting families along their journey to receive the necessary services to optimize outcomes and provide them with avenues to participate in community activities.

Morgan Hubbard, PT, DPT, CPST

Morgan Hubbard, PT, DPT, CPST, is a neurodevelopmental physical therapist at Cook Children's in Mansfield. She has been with Cook Children's since 2013. Morgan specializes in treating patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. She enjoys various areas of practice and mentoring students in becoming skilled professionals. Morgan is a certified child passenger safety technician and she volunteers at community events to ensure the safety of children in vehicles. Her favorite part of working at Cook Children's is implementing family- centered care with families to maximize progress towards goals.

Carrie Carney, PT, CPST

Carrie Carney, PT, CPST, is a physical therapist at Cook Children's in Mansfield. Carrie has been at Cook Children's since 2004. She specializes in treating patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. She enjoys various areas of practice, including Equipment Clinic. As a certified child passenger safety technician, Carrie volunteers in the community to ensure that children are as safe as possible while on the road. Carrie loves to problem solve and collaborate with her families to help improve the lives of her patients.

Emily Hiller, PT, DPT, CPST

Emily Hiller, PT, DPT, CPST, is a neurodevelopmental physical therapist who has been at Cook Children's since 2016. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation, equipment clinic and treats children with neurological and genetic disorders, post-surgical, torticollis and gross motor delays. Her favorite part of working at Cook Children's is having the opportunity to collaborate with other clinicians and physicians in order to assist patients' and families in reaching their goals. Emily is married and has one active little boy. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and being outside.

Kathy Manthuruthil, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST

Kathy Manthuruthil, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST, is a neurodevelopmental Physical Therapist at Cook Children's in Fort Worth. She has been a part of the Cook Children's team since 2012. Kathy's areas of expertise include providing treatment to children with developmental disabilities, serial casting, evaluating for adaptive equipment, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Kathy is the founder and co-coordinator of the Cook Children's Tri My Best Triathlon, an annual athletic event for children with special needs. She is a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist. Outside of work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband and sons.

Amanda Whitmire, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST

Amanda Whitmire, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST, is a neurodevelopmental physical therapist at the South Rehab Clinic. She has been a physical therapist since 2011 and at Cook Children's since 2013. She is a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist. Amanda has worked in multiple pediatric settings and loves helping children of all ages reach their full potential. Amanda's areas of expertise are neurodevelopmental disorders, pelvic floor dysfunction, and the treatment of foot drop with Functional Electrical Stimulation. She has also been a child-passenger safety technician since 2015. Outside of work, Amanda is married and the mother of two girls.

Ashley Graves, PT, DPT, MS

Ashley Graves, PT, DPT, MS, is a neurodevelopmental Physical Therapist who joined the Cook Children's team in 2017. Her early volunteer work and interaction with children developed her passion for pediatrics from a young age. Ashley continues to funnel this passion through her involvement in the community and work with many local non-profit organizations. She enjoys working with children of all ages and empowering families and patients through family centered care to reach their goals. In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading and staying active with outdoor hikes.

Jean O'Mara, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST

Jean O'Mara, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST, is the neurodevelopmental Physical Therapy Clinical Coordinator & SCCE. She has worked at Cook Children's since 2011. Jean is a board certified pediatric clinical specialist and a child passenger safety technician. Jean is passionate about empowering her patients and families to meet their goals and improve their quality of life through rehabilitation and equipment intervention. Jean is active in the Rehab Family Advisory Council and enjoys the emphasis on collaboration and family centered care at Cook Children's. Jean is a graduate of the University of Missouri & enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and experiencing all that Fort Worth has to offer.

Carolyn Mullins, PT

Carolyn Mullins, PT is the PT/OT Program Coordinator and the Rehab Clinic Manager at Cook Children's Walsh Ranch. Carolyn has worked for Cook Children's for 12 years, in a variety of roles in Rehab at the Medical Center and 8th Avenue locations. Carolyn is an active member of the APTA and TPTA. She has a long history of working with children of all abilities and her most cherished moments working at Cook Children's are those watching children realize their unique strengths while overcoming challenges.

Ashlee Winkle, PT, DPT, CPST

Ashlee Winkle, PT, DPT, CPST is a neurodevelopmental physical therapist who began working at Cook Children's Hurst Rehab Clinic in 2020. She graduated with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas States University and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She first discovered her passion for working with children with special needs while volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding center throughout college. Ashlee loves helping her patients discover ways to make exercise fun and meaningful. In her free time, Ashlee enjoys reading and hiking with her husband, daughter and golden retriever.

Jodi Burgett, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST

Jodi Burgett, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST is the Rehab Clinic Manager at the Hurst clinic. She has worked at Cook Children's since 2011. Jodi is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and an active member of the APTA, TPTA and the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. In 2018 she became a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Jodi has also been a Child Passenger Safety Technician since 2014, assisting with car seats for children with special needs. She volunteers for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to help create the National Physical Therapy Board Exam. Jodi has a long history and an absolute passion for working with children of all abilities, and working with the amazing staff at the Hurst Rehab clinic to provide outstanding family centered care and customer service.

Erin Foster, PT, DPT

Erin Foster, PT, DPT, is an inpatient pediatric physical therapist who has worked at Cook Children's since 2018. Erin enjoys working with a wide variety of diagnoses and is passionate about creating an individualized plan to help her patients achieve their goals.

Justice McFarland, PT, DPT

Justice McFarland, PT, DPT began working at Cook Children's Health Care System in 2023. Justice received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Virginia State University in 2018. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in August 2023. Justice enjoys being an acute pediatric physical therapist as it allows her the ability to work with a variety of diagnoses and grants her the opportunity to closely collaborate with other disciplines.

Nety Duenas, PT, DPT

Nety Duenas, PT, DPT is a neurodevelopmental physical therapist who joined the Cook Children's team in 2023. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Child Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Dallas in 2020. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2023. Her passion for working with children through various volunteer opportunities and interactions lead to her career in pediatrics. As a pediatric physical therapist, she loves helping children and their families feel empowered to reach their full potential through play-based therapy. Outside of work, Nety enjoys playing with her dogs, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Hailey Ladner, PT, DPT

Hailey Ladner, PT, DPT is a neurodevelopmental physical therapist at the South Rehabilitation Clinic who joined the Cook Children’s team in 2024. In 2019, Hailey received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas. In 2023, she graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Hailey is passionate about working with children & enjoys collaborating with her patients and their families in helping them reach their fullest potential.

Avery Allen, PT, DPT

Avery Allen, PT, DPT is an acute care physical therapist who started working at Cook Children’s in 2024. Avery received her Bachelor’s in Health Science Studies at Baylor University in 2021 and then pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Hardin-Simmons University, graduating in 2023. Avery completed a clinical rotation at Cook Children’s during PT school, and is so excited to have joined the team! Avery enjoys being an advocate for her patients, as physical therapy plays an integral role in the child’s multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Melissa Menard

Melissa has worked at Cook Children’s since 2009. Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Oklahoma Christian University in 2006. She then continued her education at Texas Woman’s University to complete her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2008. She enjoys getting to work with patients of all ages along with their families to meet the most optimal outcomes.

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Consumer information notice

With the increased utilization of telehealth, home visits, and other non-traditional modes for the provision of physical therapy services, we want patient families to be able to have direct access to check our Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiner's license verification. Please use the following web address if you have questions: https://www.ptot.texas.gov/page/look-up-a-license.

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