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Caring professionals — helping kids thrive.

Meet the Shine Therapy Team

At Shine Therapy, our team is made up of passionate, highly trained therapists who believe every child deserves the chance to shine. We combine professional expertise with genuine care, creating a supportive environment where children — and their families — feel seen, understood, and encouraged every step of the way.

Occupational Therapists

Shine Therapy’s occupational therapists are passionate about helping children gain independence and confidence in their daily routines. Through creativity, play, and compassion, they support each child’s growth in fine motor skills, focus, and sensory regulation.

Dana Elliot

Owner/Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Dana is the Co-Owner of Shine Therapy and a licensed occupational therapist with nearly two decades of experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 and has since dedicated her career to supporting children and families through evidence-based, compassionate care.

Dana has completed advanced training in a variety of specialized areas, including Sensory Integration (SIPT certified), Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening, feeding therapy, neuromuscular development, trauma-informed care, and early intervention. Her comprehensive skill set allows her to tailor therapy to the unique needs of each child, helping them grow in confidence, regulation, and independence.

Beyond her clinical work, Dana is deeply involved with Foster Village, where she leads the Project SOOTHe program—an initiative close to her heart that supports children in foster care and their caregivers.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their three children.

Dana.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Amy Bumgarner

Occupational Therapist OTR/L - Supervisor

Amy is a licensed occupational therapist with a strong background in pediatric care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University. Since beginning her career in 2007, Amy has worked extensively with children in both clinic-based and home-based early intervention settings.

Amy spent several years in a pediatric clinic specializing in sensory integration and is SIPT certified. Her advanced training also includes myofascial release, Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Therapeutic Listening, and handwriting development. She has a particular passion for working with children with autism, using a strengths-based, individualized approach to help each child thrive.

Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and their dogs. Her family loves being active outdoors—whether it’s at the ball field, on the lake, or out camping together.

AmyB.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Dana Clemons

COTA/L

Dana earned her Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) degree from CPCC in 2018 and has been a valued member of the Shine Therapy team since 2019. She brings her passion for craftsmanship and creativity into every session, using these strengths to actively engage her clients and support their growth.

Dana enjoys designing personalized therapeutic environments within her clients’ homes, tailoring spaces to enhance comfort and progress. She believes that collaboration with families is essential to the success of therapy, fostering a strong team approach throughout the process.

Her areas of expertise include sensory integration, emotional and behavioral regulation, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Outside of work, Dana loves spending quality time with her family and her beloved fur babies.

DanaC.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Jenelle Mrugalski

Occupational Therapist OTD, OTR/L - Supervisor

Jenelle earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Wingate University in North Carolina. With a diverse background treating children across multiple clinical environments—ranging from home health to outpatient rehabilitation—she brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her practice. What Jenelle loves most about occupational therapy is empowering her clients to overcome challenges and providing caregivers with the education and tools they need to support their children’s ongoing growth and success.

Her professional passions include the integration of retained reflexes, neurology, vision, and sensory integration.

When she’s not working, Jenelle enjoys immersing herself in nature, nurturing her extensive plant collection, and cherishing quality time with her family and pets.

JenelleM.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Cre Wilkerson Davis

Occupational Therapist MS OTR/L

Cre is a licensed occupational therapist who earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe in 2004. After spending six years gaining valuable experience as a travel therapist, Cre relocated to Charlotte, where she now provides care across both North Carolina and South Carolina.

With a strong foundation built on years of hands-on experience across diverse settings, Cre brings deep clinical expertise to her pediatric practice. Her areas of focus include Early Intervention, Outpatient Therapy, and Special Education. She is especially passionate about supporting children in the areas of sensory integration, social behavior, visual perceptual-motor development, learning through play, and holistic wellness. Her approach is rooted in continuous learning and a genuine commitment to helping each child thrive.

Outside of her professional work, Cre enjoys life with her beautiful blended family and finds joy in exploring new cultures, cuisines, and experiences through both domestic and international travel. She lives by the motto “Living Life in Purpose” and is driven by a desire to use her gifts to brighten the lives of others.

CreW.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Stephanie Donovan

Occupational Therapist MA OTR/L

Stephanie is a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with over 24 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy, with a concentration in Nutrition. Her diverse career spans hospitals, schools, private practice, and home health care—giving her a well-rounded clinical perspective and a broad skill set.

Stephanie has pursued advanced training in several specialized areas, including feeding therapy (SOS Approach to Feeding), sensory processing disorders, handwriting interventions (Handwriting Without Tears), Therapeutic Listening, and vision therapy. Her approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practice, and she is passionate about empowering children to reach their highest potential in daily life.

As a mother of four and a wife of 20 years, Stephanie brings a strong understanding of the importance of family-centered care. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, cooking, volunteering in her community, and cheering on her children at their various sporting events.

With her extensive background, compassionate approach, and commitment to individualized care, Stephanie is dedicated to helping children thrive—at home, at school, and in the community.

StephanieD.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Jessica Richards

COTA/L

Jessi graduated from the COTA program at RCCC in 2021 and holds certification in early intervention. She brings experience working with children of all ages and has received hands-on training in sensory integration, ADHD and ASD treatment techniques, sensory-based feeding, and neuro-developmental approaches. Jessi is passionate about delivering therapy in natural environments, crafting strategies that seamlessly align with family routines and priorities. Known for her playful spirit, she often describes herself as a kid at heart. In her free time, Jessi loves exploring and creating alongside her daughter, embracing every opportunity for fun and discovery.

JessiR.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Beth Shayler

COTA/L

Beth is a licensed and certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, graduating in 2020. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the State University of New York at Oswego. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Beth is always exploring innovative techniques to enhance her therapy sessions, with a special focus on sensory integration. As a mom to two young children, self-described health enthusiast, and former New Yorker, Beth loves spending quality time with her family, staying active through workouts, diving into holistic health, and soaking up the beautiful North Carolina sunshine.

BethS.shinetherapy@gmail.com

What our clients are saying....

"Shine Therapy has been life changing. We spent months in therapy with other providers after my daughter's autism diagnosis with little to no progress. After our first session with Beth, we had real, practical strategies to support our daughter at home. The gift of knowing how to help our daughter and understand her more deeply is priceless and we are so grateful for our experience with Shine Therapy"

Melissa Bradley

OTR/L

Melissa graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2005 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She brings over 20 years of experience working in a wide range of pediatric settings, including schools, clinics, homes, pediatric acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Her areas of expertise include neurodevelopment, visual motor integration, sensory integration, social-emotional skills, feeding therapy, neurorehabilitation, and promoting functional play and communication skills.

In addition to her occupational therapy credentials, Melissa is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and uses this training to support young families both in her community and through her church. She is deeply passionate about educating, empowering, and serving others—especially mothers—and is committed to providing family-centered care that reflects real-life needs.

Originally from New York City, Melissa has called Charlotte home since 2008. She is married with four children and values the balance between personal experience and professional insight. In her free time, she enjoys quality time with friends and family, listening to live music, and making trips to the beach.

MelissaB.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Dana Singleton

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Dana earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2013. After gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field, she pursued her passion further by earning a Master of Occupational Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2019. Dana joined the Shine Therapy team in 2020 and thrives on working with children of all ages and abilities. She has a special interest in sensory integration and pediatric feeding. Outside of work, Dana enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending quality time with her family.

DanaS.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Shannon Shulenberger

COTA/L

Shannon is a certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who earned her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in 2023. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, bringing a unique blend of creativity and communication skills to her therapy practice.

Shannon is passionate about building strong relationships with families and supporting children throughout their therapy journey. During her OTA training, she had the opportunity to complete clinical hours with Shine Therapy, where she developed a deep appreciation for individualized, family-centered care.

In her free time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and getting lost in a good book.

ShannonS.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Leann McDevitt

Occupational Therapist MS OTR/L

Leann earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Xavier University in 2010 and brings over a decade of diverse clinical experience to her work. Her background spans outpatient pediatrics, inpatient acute care, and rehabilitation settings, giving her a well-rounded perspective and strong clinical foundation.

Leann is known for her creative, play-based approach and her ability to make therapy both engaging and effective. She incorporates a multisensory treatment style that supports various learning needs and helps children reach their goals in meaningful, motivating ways.

Leann lives in Charlotte with her husband and their three daughters. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, exercising, and baking.

LeannM.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Grace Rettew

MS OTR/L

Grace earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development from UNC Charlotte. After working for a year as a Registered Behavior Technician, she returned to school to complete her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at UNC Chapel Hill. Grace has since gained experience working with children and families across a variety of settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics, in-home care, and schools. She is passionate about collaborating with families and colleagues to help her clients achieve their goals through fun, engaging, and meaningful interventions. In her free time, Grace enjoys exploring Charlotte, spending quality time with friends and family, being outdoors, and listening to music.

GraceR.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Sara Glaser

MS OTR/L

Sara holds a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from D'Youville College and a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders with a minor in Leadership from Fredonia State University. Sara has worked in various settings, including home health, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, and pediatrics.
Sara moved to Charlotte from Buffalo, NY, to escape the cold. She feels passionate and committed to helping children and their families navigate appropriate strategies to help regulate their children and increase functional performance. Sara is grounded in her belief that the therapist's job is to support parents and children with practical tools to live healthy and meaningful lives together.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time hiking with her husband and rescue dog Tito and exploring all that Charlotte has to offer.

SaraG.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Sophia Shrader

Occupational Therapist MS, OTR/L

Sophia is a licensed occupational therapist who earned both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Le Moyne College. She has extensive experience working with children and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) across a variety of settings, including pro bono clinics, The Salvation Army, home health, and school-based programs. Her professional journey began early, through mentorship and support roles in high school and college.

Sophia is deeply committed to providing individualized, child-centered therapy that helps children build meaningful skills for greater independence and success in daily life. She brings compassion, creativity, and clinical expertise to every session, partnering closely with families to ensure lasting progress.

Outside of work, Sophia enjoys spending time with her husband and their newly adopted kitten. She also loves being outdoors and relaxing with a good book whenever she gets the chance.

SophiaS.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Speech Therapists

Shine Therapy’s speech therapists are dedicated to helping children find their voice and communicate with confidence. Through play-based sessions and personalized strategies, they support speech, language, and social communication skills — empowering both children and families to connect and grow together.

Judy Speicher

Owner / Speech Language Pathologist MA CCC-SLP

Judy is the Co-owner of Shine Therapy and brings extensive expertise in pediatric speech therapy. She holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Audiology from the University of Maine. Judy is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC) and is PROMPT trained. A licensed therapist in North Carolina, Judy specializes in working with children diagnosed with Down Syndrome and apraxia.

Originally from New England, Judy’s career spans public school systems, private practices in the Boston area, and early intervention programs. She also worked in Austin and Katy, Texas, gaining valuable experience in both private practice and school settings. In 2017, Judy founded Leap Pediatric Therapy and later merged her practice with Shine Therapy in 2022.

Outside of work, Judy enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband and three sons.

Judy.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Ann McClanahan

Speech Language Pathologist MS CCC SLP

Ann holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Culver-Stockton College and a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Truman State University in Missouri. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in North Carolina and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Ann has gained valuable experience working in pediatric clinics, private schools, and providing in-home therapy in both Missouri and North Carolina. She is passionate about helping clients with speech sound disorders and literacy development. Outside of work, Ann enjoys volunteering and cherishing time with her husband and two children.

AnnM.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Julie Kremer

Speech Language Pathologist MA CCC-SLP

Julie Rabon Kremer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University. Julie is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC)Julie has 14 years of experience treating pediatric clients with speech-language related disorders in private clinic settings and has been instrumental in also providing services at several private schools and daycare locations in Charlotte.
She enjoys working with children of all ages and with various disabilities. Her special interests are articulation, apraxia, early language development, language disorders, phonemic awareness, literacy, auditory processing, and fluency. Julie is certified in PROMPT technique, which is often used with kids with motor speech difficulties. When she isn’t working, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, going to the movies, listening to live music, and cooking.

JulieK.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Kristin McEvoy-Both

Speech Language Pathologist MS CCC-SLP

Kristin holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in North Carolina and holds the Clinical Competence Certification (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Kristin brings valuable experience working with students from preschool through high school in Union County Public Schools, as well as providing early intervention services in a private practice setting in Pennsylvania.

KristinM.shinetherapy@gmail.com

What our clients are saying...

"Our daughter showed signs at two years old (now five) of a speech delay. We made the easy decision of starting speech therapy with Kristin. She was professional and incredibly instrumental with helping our daughter be at grade level for kindergarten this year. The whole staff at Shine Therapy was also extremely helpful during what seemed like an uneasy time." - Tracy (mom).

Theresa Moritz

Speech Language Pathologist MA CCC SLP

Theresa is a seasoned speech-language pathologist who has been serving children in the Charlotte area since 1992, following her graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Theresa is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC). With over 30 years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her work with children and families.

While Theresa enjoys working with children of all ages, her primary focus over the past 15 years has been in private elementary school settings, where she specializes in speech sound disorders, auditory and language processing, and emergent reading skills. She is passionate about the power of early, effective communication and strongly believes it is the foundation for both social development and academic success.

Outside of her professional life, Theresa enjoys adventuring with her husband and three sons, making the most of family time together.

TheresaM.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Allison Parker

Speech Language Pathologist MA, CCC-SLP

Allison is a licensed speech-language pathologist with a strong background in pediatric communication development. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology from Appalachian State University. Allison is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC)

Since beginning her career in 2008, Allison has worked primarily in public and private school settings as well as outpatient pediatric clinics, providing services to children of all ages and with a wide range of communication needs. Her areas of special interest include articulation and phonological disorders, early language development, language processing and disorders, social language skills, and fluency. She is passionate about helping children become confident communicators and tailoring therapy to each child’s unique strengths.

Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She loves being outdoors, hiking, traveling, and discovering new restaurants with friends and family.

AllisonP.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Sharon Hancock

Speech Language Pathologist MCD CCC SLP

Sharon is a highly experienced speech-language pathologist who has been serving children and families in the Charlotte area since 1998. She earned her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of South Carolina and has worked across a wide range of settings, including preschool, elementary, and middle schools, as well as private practice. Sharon is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC)

Sharon has a special interest in early intervention and is passionate about supporting young children and their families as they build strong foundations for lifelong communication. She is deeply committed to helping each child reach their full potential through individualized, evidence-based therapy.

Outside of her professional work, Sharon enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling near and far, and going on long walks.

SharonH.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Amy Lukacs

Speech Language Pathologist MA CCC SLP

Amy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and completed her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology at Michigan State University. She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC). Amy has extensive clinical experience across a wide range of healthcare and educational settings, including acute care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term acute care, skilled nursing facilities, early intervention, preschools, and elementary schools. She is skilled in treating both children and adults, addressing voice, swallowing, articulation, receptive and expressive language, fluency, and neurocognitive disorders.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Amy now resides in Waxhaw, NC, with her husband and twin children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, walking her dog, swimming, practicing yoga, reading, traveling, and cheering on her kids at their sporting events.

AmyL.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Liz Karpiel

Speech Language Pathologist MS CCC SLP

Liz has been providing speech therapy services in South Charlotte since graduating in 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Kentucky University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Carolina. Liz is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with her Clinical Competence Certification (CCC).

With extensive experience working with children in private clinics, homes, and preschools, Liz brings enthusiasm and creativity to her therapy sessions—helping children develop communication skills through play, music, and gross motor activities. She is married and the proud mom of a teenage daughter. Outside of work, Liz enjoys running, coaching young athletes, staying active, and spending time outdoors.

ElizabethK.shinetherapy@gmail.com

Physical Therapists

Shine Therapy’s physical therapists help children build strength, coordination, and confidence through movement and play. They focus on improving balance, endurance, and mobility so every child can move freely, participate fully, and enjoy the activities that make them shine.

Catie Cheek

Physical Therapist PT DPT

Catie earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University. With over six years of specialized pediatric clinical experience, she has developed a strong focus in early intervention, where she values a collaborative team approach to supporting the development of gross motor skills in children. Her areas of clinical interest include torticollis, pediatric taping techniques, and aquatic therapy. Outside of her professional work, Catie enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and three dogs, as well as running, reading, and appreciating a good cup of coffee.

CatieC.shinetherapy@gmail.com

New Therapist

Coming Soon

Coming soon!

New Therapist

Coming Soon

Coming soon

Administration

Shine Therapy’s administrative team ensures every family’s experience is seamless and supported from start to finish. They coordinate communication, scheduling, and documentation so therapists can focus on what matters most—helping children shine.

Kelly Blackmer

Administrative Coordinator

Maria Farmakis

Billing Coordinator

JOIN OUR TEAM

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