About Us
Our Therapists
Kristine "Kiki" Menard, LOTR
Kristine is the owner of Pediatric Therapy Northshore. She has over 18 years of experience in the field. Kristine’s strong interest in pediatrics has driven her to attend numerous continuing education courses related to sensory integration. She is SIPT-certified (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test). In addition, she is certified to evaluate and treat clients using Interactive Metronome (IM) and Therapeutic Listening. Kristine has also been trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Talk Tools® Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach, as well as in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Most recently, she was trained in Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning. She uses a sensory integration frame of reference to treat issues related to motor delays, ADHD, autism, sensory processing, and other related disorders. Kristine is creative and fun-loving while developing individualized treatment plans and engaging children to achieve their goals. She is well-loved by parents and children. She is very nurturing and is highly invested in the well-being of each client.
Kristine graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Shortly afterward, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Alabama. The majority of her clinical experiences have focused on the evaluation and treatment of children. She has worked in private practice, Early Steps, schools, and hospitals. Kristine and her husband, Travis, have 2 children.
Kristine graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Shortly afterward, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Alabama. The majority of her clinical experiences have focused on the evaluation and treatment of children. She has worked in private practice, Early Steps, schools, and hospitals. Kristine and her husband, Travis, have 2 children.
Brandi Hinton, MOT, LOTR
Brandi graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2010 with her Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy. Upon graduation, she worked as a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) in two different rehabilitation hospitals as needed while furthering her education to ultimately receive her master’s degree in occupational therapy (MOT). Prior to applying to the MOT Bridge Program, she completed and received her Bachelor of Science degree in 2012 from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She began the University of Louisiana Monroe’s COTA to MOT Bridge Program in the fall of 2013. She graduated with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in December of 2015. Brandi is our occupational therapy supervisor and has been a member of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since November 2015. She enjoys helping children make gains through play using the sensory integration frame of reference. Brandi strives to be fun and energetic during each treatment session. She has received training in the Alert Program®, Handwriting Without Tears (Kindergarten through 5th grade), Keyboarding Without Tears, "How Does Your Engine Run?", and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Brandi is trained to address feeding difficulties through the Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders: Assessment and Treatment using the SOS approach to feeding. Most recently, she was trained in Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning.
Natalie Tierney, LOTR
Natalie received her Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University in 2005 and her Master of Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in 2008. Prior to joining the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team in December of 2016, she worked in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing facilities. After having a child of her own, she decided she wanted a change of pace and started volunteering at Pediatric Therapy Northshore. It did not take her long to decide that it was the right place for her! She loves play-based therapy and tries her best to provide the children with the just-right challenge while having fun. Natalie is trained in Handwriting Without Tears, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and most recently Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning. She also plans to attend additional courses in the near future to better serve the children she works with.
Natalie is married, has one son, and three step-daughters. Her husband, Ty, recently retired from the US Army. While Natalie and her husband are both Louisiana natives, they have lived in many places including The Netherlands. While they enjoyed their time in Europe, Natalie and her family are so thrilled to be back in Louisiana!
Natalie is married, has one son, and three step-daughters. Her husband, Ty, recently retired from the US Army. While Natalie and her husband are both Louisiana natives, they have lived in many places including The Netherlands. While they enjoyed their time in Europe, Natalie and her family are so thrilled to be back in Louisiana!
Deairea "D" Marchand, LOTR
Deairea “D” graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from LSU Health Sciences Center in 2001. Before pursuing a career with the pediatric population, she spent most of her time working with the adult neuro population, which included several years at the acclaimed Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (“BIR”) in Dallas, TX. At BIR, she was a team member and supervisor on the stroke team; worked closely with other disciplines, doctors, patients and families to provide the best care possible; and was integral in developing a mentorship program to assist new graduates with providing the excellent care for which BIR is known. Her love for the pediatric population was sparked after her own son was assessed and treated for a sensory processing disorder. She witnessed the positive impact therapy had on him and decided to devote her career to helping other children thrive. Her continuing education over the past year and a half has shifted and focused heavily on sensory integration. D has been a member of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since February 2017.
D truly enjoys what she does and she brings a creative, caring approach to her treatment. D is married to her incredibly supportive husband, Gary. They have two children, a boy and a girl. After spending 7 years in Dallas, TX to further their careers, they decided it was time to move “home,” and they could not be happier.
D truly enjoys what she does and she brings a creative, caring approach to her treatment. D is married to her incredibly supportive husband, Gary. They have two children, a boy and a girl. After spending 7 years in Dallas, TX to further their careers, they decided it was time to move “home,” and they could not be happier.
Emily Beau, MOT, LOTR
Emily is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program in New Orleans. Prior to graduate school, Emily volunteered regularly at a therapeutic horseback riding center in Folsom and was a caregiver for two young adults with special needs. As much as Emily loved spending time with these individuals and their families, she knew that she wanted to do more to help them, which led her to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. She has always had a love for children, and through many pediatric volunteer opportunities in OT school, Emily knew that pediatrics was the right path of occupational therapy for her. She gained clinical experience through her fieldwork at University Medical Center in the acute care setting and at a pediatric outpatient clinic in Baton Rouge. Emily has been a member of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since May 2018. Emily is trained to address feeding difficulties through the Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders: Assessment and Treatment using the SOS approach to feeding. She most recently was trained in Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning. Emily enjoys building relationships with the families of the children she treats, and she cherishes the uniqueness of each child.
Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys sipping coffee in the local coffee shops, reading a good book, exercising, and spending time outdoors. Emily has two sisters and loves spending time with her family and friends on the Northshore and in New Orleans.
Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys sipping coffee in the local coffee shops, reading a good book, exercising, and spending time outdoors. Emily has two sisters and loves spending time with her family and friends on the Northshore and in New Orleans.
Jena Brown, MOT, OTR/L
Jena graduated from Mississippi State University in 2013 with her Bachelor of Science and then received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2016. Prior to joining the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team in January 2019, Jena worked in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital for 2.5 years in Midland, Texas. While she enjoyed her time working with the adult population in a hospital setting, Jena has always dreamed of working with children. Her interest in the pediatric population began before occupational therapy school, as she has an older brother with special needs. Jena saw the positive impact that occupational therapy had on her brother as a child and wants to make a difference in the life of other children while using a play-based approach. She has been a member of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since January 2019. Jena received training in Handwriting Without Tears (Pre-K through 5th grade) as well as Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning. She is looking forward to attending continuing education courses to further her knowledge in Sensory Integration.
After spending the last few years in Texas, Jena and her husband, Caleb, are thrilled to be closer to their families in Mississippi. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, going for walks, playing with their two dogs, and traveling.
After spending the last few years in Texas, Jena and her husband, Caleb, are thrilled to be closer to their families in Mississippi. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, going for walks, playing with their two dogs, and traveling.
Alexandra "Alex" Hines, MOT, OTR/L
Alex graduated from Chatham University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She loves children, and after completing most of her shadowing experiences in a pediatric setting, she knew she wanted to work in the field of pediatrics. Alex completed part of her clinical fieldwork in a pediatric outpatient clinic in Florida, which strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in pediatrics. Alex loves collaborating with the families and other therapists to help each child reach his/her full potential! She joined our team in September 2019. Alex is trained in Handwriting Without Tears (Pre-K through 5th grade).
Alex is a native of Michigan and has one sister. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling home to see her family!
Alex is a native of Michigan and has one sister. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling home to see her family!
Natalie Abraham Santiago, MOT, OTR/L
Natalie graduated from Louisiana State University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program in New Orleans in May 2020. She completed her 3-month level II clinical under the supervision of our facility. After her time as a student with the clinic, her passion for working with the pediatric population was solidified. She believes in the effectiveness of play-based therapy and sensory integration. Natalie looks forward to treating children and growing as a therapist.
Natalie is native to Memphis, TN. She has lived in New Orleans with her husband since 2017.
Natalie is native to Memphis, TN. She has lived in New Orleans with her husband since 2017.
Elizabeth Levet, M.Ed., CCC/SLP
Elizabeth is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who was born and raised in New Orleans. She received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders in 1990. Elizabeth has over twenty-five years of experience working with the pediatric population in both public and private school settings. She has experience with children with Autism, Articulation Disorders, Language Delay, Developmental Delays, Fluency and Voice Disorders. Elizabeth is a nurturing Speech-Pathologist, and finds it especially gratifying to help a young child find her “voice”. She believes that children learn best through a child-centered approach, which allows them to achieve their communication goals in a naturalistic setting. Elizabeth has been a member of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since May 2018.
Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, which has grown to include a grandson from her son Joey and his wife Kirsten, Jacqueline, who is an SLP in Washington State, and her youngest son Tim, who attends college.
Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, which has grown to include a grandson from her son Joey and his wife Kirsten, Jacqueline, who is an SLP in Washington State, and her youngest son Tim, who attends college.
Sheena Ryan, M.C.D., CCC/SLP
Sheena is a native of Mandeville, Louisiana and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 2005. Following her undergraduate career, Sheena earned a Master of Communication Disorders from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2012. She began her Career as a Speech Language Pathologist in Houston’s Independent School District. Following her experience in the school system, Sheena found her love of treating children in a sensory based clinic setting. She saw the functional gains of providing therapy in a more natural environment and enjoyed seeing children thrive. Spending close to five years in Texas, Sheena knows what it means to miss New Orleans and was determined to return home. In July of 2017, she and her husband finally had the opportunity to move back to her hometown. Time in Texas provided the opportunity to gain a broad range of skills and experiences personally and as a speech therapist. Since joining Pediatric Therapy Northshore in October 2017, Sheena has been trained in the SOS approach to feeding. Sheena is a compassionate therapist and strives to make a difference in the life of every child she treats.
Molly Roberts, M.A., CCC-SLP
Molly is a licensed speech-language pathologist who earned her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University Baton Rouge in 2010. Shortly following graduation, Molly gained experience serving the adult and early childhood population diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Her time as a therapist with Louisiana Early Steps further established her passion for the pediatric population. After her wedding in 2011, Molly moved to Houston, TX, where she was employed at The Parish School (a private school for children with language and learning differences) as an Elementary Speech-Language Pathologist. There, she gained experience as a classroom therapist, incorporating speech-language therapy into the academic classroom setting. She treated students diagnosed with Mixed Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Molly also received extensive training and clinical experience working with children who have social-cognitive difficulties, executive functioning difficulties and reading challenges. She also incorporated Social Thinking®(Michelle Garcia Winner) and Zones of Regulation® therapy practices into all lessons and child interactions to further social-emotional growth and social-cognitive learning of students. Molly is the speech-language supervisor and has been a part of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since March of 2018.
Molly is a Covington native raising 2 young boys (Warren and Walker) with her husband, Tristan. They love living back home in Mandeville and experiencing all the great activities the Northshore has to offer!
Molly is a Covington native raising 2 young boys (Warren and Walker) with her husband, Tristan. They love living back home in Mandeville and experiencing all the great activities the Northshore has to offer!
Rachel Marquardt, M.A., CCC-SLP
Rachel Marquardt is a licensed speech-language pathologist who received a Master of Arts degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2017. After graduation, Rachel moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she worked as a play-based speech-language pathologist at a pediatric clinic and relished the great outdoors. The following year, she moved to her hometown of Pineville, Louisiana, where she gained experience as a geriatric speech-language pathologist in a skilled nursing facility. As much as she enjoyed working with the elderly, she quickly realized her true calling to be servicing the pediatric population. This past February, Rachel moved to Mandeville after getting married. Since the move, she has gained experience working in the school system. Since March 2019, she has been a part of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team, where she is thrilled to work closely with children and their families in an engaging atmosphere. Rachel is a PROMPT trained therapist who uses a multi-modality approach to address articulation and motor speech disorders.
Rachel’s passions include advancing her clinical skills, traveling, running, and cherishing time with her family and friends.
Rachel’s passions include advancing her clinical skills, traveling, running, and cherishing time with her family and friends.
Meredith Sharpe, MA, MT-BC
Meredith is the owner of Sharpe Notes Music Therapy and loves working with Pediatric Therapy Northshore where she has been a part of the team since June 2015. She has been working as a board-certified music therapist since 2009 and became certified as a neurologic music therapist in 2012. She has found her passion in working with children who have special needs and has been working with these children for many years. As a neurologic music therapist, Meredith works with children through the creative process of making music to assess their needs, designing music interventions to support non-musical goals, and connecting their experiences in music to everyday life. Meredith loves seeing the power of music as it often serves as an outlet for children to express emotions. Music is a tool to help the child organize movement patterns and sequential thinking, while creating a social connection. Meredith continues to engage in continuing education experiences to maintain her neurologic music therapy certification and to remain current with the latest music therapy techniques within the special needs population. Meredith follows a child-centered approach and loves to have fun "musicing" with the children.
Meredith graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to earn her Master of Arts degree in music therapy at New York University in 2009. She has worked with a variety of populations including older adults with dementia, clients who suffered traumatic brain injury, stroke victims, men and women with psychiatric disorders, and those with developmental disabilities. She has introduced music therapy to several schools, outpatient clinics, and a state facility. She also enjoys educating fieldwork students from Loyola University.
Meredith and her husband, Matt, are both New Orleans natives and have two beautiful daughters. Meredith also lived in North Carolina during her childhood and through high school. She loves to visit, especially to see her friends and experience the mountains!
Meredith graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to earn her Master of Arts degree in music therapy at New York University in 2009. She has worked with a variety of populations including older adults with dementia, clients who suffered traumatic brain injury, stroke victims, men and women with psychiatric disorders, and those with developmental disabilities. She has introduced music therapy to several schools, outpatient clinics, and a state facility. She also enjoys educating fieldwork students from Loyola University.
Meredith and her husband, Matt, are both New Orleans natives and have two beautiful daughters. Meredith also lived in North Carolina during her childhood and through high school. She loves to visit, especially to see her friends and experience the mountains!
Jessica Stubbs, Ph.D., CALT, LDT
Jessica is an educator and certified academic language therapist with 26 years of experience including teaching, school administration, and dyslexia therapy. Her passion for helping children with dyslexia learn to read and write was influenced by her time as an early childhood educator and her study of the science of reading. She is a retiree of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System and has served as the principal of a certified special-purpose school for children with dyslexia in Mississippi. Jessica is very involved in community outreach efforts to enhance awareness, school policy, and educational programming for children with dyslexia, and is a strong advocate for providing appropriate, evidence-based reading instruction for all children.
Jessica has extensive training in Orton-Gillingham, multisensory methods endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in school leadership and administration from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in dyslexia therapy from William Carey University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi in school leadership. She is a professional member of the International Dyslexia Association, the Academic Language Therapists Association, the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapists Association, and is certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction.
Jessica and her husband Mitch have four sons and enjoy the wonderful quality of life that St. Tammany Parish offers.
Jessica has extensive training in Orton-Gillingham, multisensory methods endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in school leadership and administration from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in dyslexia therapy from William Carey University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi in school leadership. She is a professional member of the International Dyslexia Association, the Academic Language Therapists Association, the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapists Association, and is certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction.
Jessica and her husband Mitch have four sons and enjoy the wonderful quality of life that St. Tammany Parish offers.
Stacy St. Romain, Business Manager
Stacy graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Using her degree, she secured a business loan and opened a craft store. She owned and managed the 6,500 square-foot store with 12 employees for 11 years. She then earned a master’s degree in elementary education and went on to teach first grade. With an affinity for design, math, and management, Stacy designed and contracted out the labor on her new home.
Stacy is the business manager at Pediatric Therapy Northshore and has been a part of the team since May 2016. She enjoys working with people of all ages and being part of a clinic that improves the quality of life of others. Her education combined with her planning, organization, communication, and management skills used in all facets of her life have contributed to her ability to efficiently and effectively run the office. Her positive attitude and team spirit make her a good fit for the clinic. Stacy and her husband, Louis, have two children.
Stacy is the business manager at Pediatric Therapy Northshore and has been a part of the team since May 2016. She enjoys working with people of all ages and being part of a clinic that improves the quality of life of others. Her education combined with her planning, organization, communication, and management skills used in all facets of her life have contributed to her ability to efficiently and effectively run the office. Her positive attitude and team spirit make her a good fit for the clinic. Stacy and her husband, Louis, have two children.
Ashley Vicknair, Administrative Assistant
Ashley is a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana. After graduating from Mandeville High School in 2012, she attended Southeastern Louisiana University where she took classes in allied health. Throughout school, Ashley worked in the restaurant industry. Later, she worked in customer service at Fisher Cabinets, consulting with customers on flooring and cabinets for new home construction and remodeling. Ashley has been a part of the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team since July 2017. As administrative assistance, she assists with correspondence, record keeping, scheduling, billing, and other similar tasks.
She enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and spending time with family!
She enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and spending time with family!