Our Staff

The staff at First Steps Pediatrics are experienced, caring and family-centered therapists ready to help promote growth and learning in a variety of areas. Below is a list of the therapists on our team including summaries of their experience and disciplines.

*Please click on the pictures below to e-mail a therapist.  We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.

	Patty Solomon Home Health Administrator / Registered Nurse A graduate of Deaconess School of Nursing with over thirty years experience in providing pediatric nursing care. Employment history includes Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, St. Anthony’s Behavioral Health, Immaculate Conception School and currently, First Steps Pediatrics Home Health. I am the mother of nine children, two with special needs. I enjoy and am involved in church and community organizations promoting children’s activities.
	Sue Allen Physical Therapist, Partner I received my undergraduate degree from University of Missouri, Columbia and my graduate degree from Saint Louis University with a master's in pediatric physical therapy. I completed a recent study on the gait of children with Down's Syndrome. I have special emphasis with preterm babies. I believe that intervention must focus on educating the parents to help meet their child's needs. Children will then not only be challenged during therapy, but will benefit every other day of the week.
	Patricia Howard Physical Therapist I have been a Pediatric Physical Therapist for more than 20 years and I have very much enjoyed working with children and their families. I graduated from St.Louis University in the Physical Therapy Program. Since graduation I have taken numerous continuing education classes and have successfully completed the 8 Week Pediatric NDT course and the NDT Baby course. I have worked in infant programs, schools, clinics and in children's homes. I live in South County with my Husband and 3 dogs
	Christine Scheman Physical Therapist I graduated from Saint Louis University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I have worked with children with developmental delay, torticollis, orthopedic conditions,cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, stroke, brachial plexus injuries, and others. I believe in treating a patient in a natural environment so they can easily integrate learned behavior into everyday activities! I enjoy the opportunity to work together with both family and other team members to accomplish a child's goals and to help them reach their highest possible quality of life! I enjoy pediatrics because it allows me to turn therapy into play. I am easy going and am willing to schedule around your family's busy schedule.
	Kara Wieberg Physical Therapist I have my master's from SLU and received my PT Doctorate. I worked for 5 years at United Cerebral Palsy Association. I worked with individuals with C.P. and other developmental delays. I have knowledge in wheelchair seating and adaptation, adaptive equipment, and augmentative communication. I have also performed pediatric home health services for children and young adults ages 0-21.
	Mindy Biethman Occupational Therapist I graduated from Maryville University with my master’s degree in OT in July of 2008. While completing OT my degree, I worked in a nursery for children ages 0-5 as well as doing ABA therapy for First Steps of Missouri. Since graduation, I have worked with children ages 0-21 at 2 of St. Louis’s pediatric hospitals and in Nashville, TN doing home health care. I have recently relocated back to St. Louis. I have experience with a variety of diagnoses such as developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, CP, hemiparesis, autism, spina bifida, etc. During my time in the hospitals, I became competent and comfortable with medical equipment such as a trach and /or ventilator, G-button, NG tube, oxygen, catheter, suction machine, etc. I also have experience with splinting and aquatic therapy.
	Christine Billingham Occupational Therapist I am CPR certified and have specialized training in assessment and treatment of neonates and preemies, feeding disorders and oral motor skills. I have eight years experience working with children with visual impairments usually in combination with other physical and/ or mental disabilities. Behavior management and sensory motor intervention are integral parts of my basic training in addition to being integral to many of the areas of specialized training in which I have participated.
	Darci Garavaglia Occupational Therapist I am an Occupational Therapist who believes play is an essential occupation for children. Through play children learn and develop skills for the job of living. Watching a child accomplish their goal and celebrate their success is the purpose of my work. The experience I gained working with my nephew, who has hyposensitivity issues, has been priceless. My nephew is better able to attend/focus in class after working on several sensory integration issues. I have experience with the following diagnoses: prematurity, Autism, PDD, ADD, ADHD, MR, Down Syndrome, CP, Spina Bifida, SCI, and others. I have experience working with mobility needs, home modifications, assistive technology (including computer access), adapt-a-toy workshop, and Getting Kids in Sync. I am a certified provider in Therapeutic Listening (November 2006). I look forward to working with children and their families to enhance PLAY and participation. I put 100 percent into what I do and look forward to working with your family.
	Jamie Gehrin Occupational Therapist I graduated with my Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Maryville University. I have had experience working with school aged children, as well as experience outside of the school. I have worked with kids with a variety of diagnoses including autism, CP, Downs Syndrome, MR, ADHD, and several other developmental disorders. I believe that working with children in early intervention therapy is crucial in order for them to live their lives to the fullest. Working with a child in their natural home environment brings out the best in them. A child’s main occupation is play, which is exactly what is necessary for them to develop the skills they need. Children need a fun, creative, and stimulating way to develop and maintain skills necessary for growth, and I strive to provide those treatments. Seeing a child reach their goals is the reason for my work as an OT. I plan on giving every effort to watch your child succeed and grow, and I look forward to working with you and your family.
	Lara Darner Speech Language Pathologist A Speech-Language Pathologist with 7 years experience working with the pediatric population (birth - 3) as well as early childhood population (3-5). I have worked with a wide variety of disabilities and disorders which include, autism, apraxia, speech delay, sound system disorder, language delay and language disorder, dysfluency, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. I have been to training for PECS (picture exchange communication system), both basic and advanced training. I strive to help every child reach their potential. I am passionate about the work that I do and in helping families achieve their goals as a family unit.
	Alecia Dixon Speech Language Pathologist I earned my Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Fontbonne University. I have experience working with individuals who demonstrate communication disorders in the following areas: expressive and receptive language, articulation and phonological disorders, stuttering, auditory processing, autism, PDD/ASD, intellectually impaired, and traumatic brain injury. I have worked in clinic, home, and school settings. I believe in family involvement and collaborating with family members as well as other disciplines (such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and medical providers) in providing the best possible treatment for each child. I enjoy working with children of all ages, with all types of disabilities and their families
	Ashley Hinds Speech Language Pathologist I graduated from Saint Louis University with my Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. My clinical experience includes working with children and adults of all ages with a variety of communication disorders. I have knowledge in social communication for children on the autism spectrum, augmentative/alternative communication, articulation disorders, language disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and swallowing disorders. My passion is to help children find an effective way to communicate with those around them using any means possible (speech, sign, PECS, etc.). I believe that family involvement is essential in developing functional communication between the child and others. Therefore, I look forward to working in conjunction with family members to improve communication within their households.
	Pamela Williams Speech Language Pathologist With more than 17 years experience in speech pathology in a variety of settings, I have a wealth of knowledge of early intervention and school based speech therapy with a special interest in caregiver/provider relations.  It's important that the caregiver/provider have a respectful and humble relationship in order for the child to achieve maximum benefit from the services provided. I am available on a PRN basis during the school year, typically Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings with occasional weekend availablity. More flexible during the summer months.
	Jama Hall Registered Nurse Hi I am Jama Hall, I am still young at heart. I have 4 children Cindy, Steve, Alex, and Katie, 2 dogs Dave and Sparky, and 1 cat Tigger. I have been a pediatric nurse for 22 years and absolutely love it. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and 2 year old grandson.
	Angela Lappin Registered Nurse I began my nursing career in May of 2008. I have worked in a variety of settings including Labor and Delivery, ER, Nursery & NICU. I have spend the majority of my nursing career in the NICU. I love working with infants, children, and their families. I have three children of my own, all boys, who give me new learning experiences every day. I look forward to working with you!
	Natalie Spatafora Registered Nurse With 18 years of pediatrics experience, I feel very comfortable working with children of all ages and medical conditions. I am the devoted mother of twin boys. I serve clients in the St. Charles County area.
	Barbara Hantsbarger Developmental Therapist I look forward to being of service to your family. I have been working in First Steps as a Developmental Therapist for 2 ½ years. I have degrees in Early Childhood/Elementary Ed., Early Childhood Special Ed., Behavioral Disorders, Learning Disabilities, and Admin. K-12, I have 23+ years exp. w/children birth to 21. I've trained & taught at Judevine Center for Autism. I specialize in autism spectrum disorder, behavioral problems, compliance issues, sensory integration, speech/lang concerns, epilepsy, cognitive, & physical/medical issues. I design & implement alternative communication programs (PECS), using various augmenitive communication devices, & computer communication software. The family & team approach is important to me when serving your child, & you. I feel when designing a behavioral intervention program, language/communication program, or educational program it is vital to look at the child as a whole in all their natural environments. I will do ALL I can to help your child achieve ALL THEY CAN.
	Allison LaMont Special Instructor / Developmental Therapist Bio Coming Soon.
	Michelle Frossard Registered Dietitian I am a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University where I received my Bachelors in Dietetics as well as completing my internship at Barnes Jewish Hospital. I enjoy working with children and their families and look forward to supporting them in achieving their child's nutritional goals/needs. I have had a variety of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, which includes managing tube feedings, infant formulas/supplements, specialty diets, and creative ways to increase calories. I look forward to working with your child and your family!