About Us
Our Therapists
Kristine "Kiki" Menard, LOTR
Kristine is the owner of Pediatric Therapy Northshore. She has 20 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, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), as well as Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning. Most recently, Kristine was trained in TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training. 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, fun-loving, 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, Pierce and Jude. Kristine enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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, Pierce and Jude. Kristine enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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® "How Does Your Engine Run?", Handwriting Without Tears (Kindergarten through 5th grade), Keyboarding Without Tears, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and Retained Primitive Reflexes and Learning. Brandi is also trained to address feeding difficulties through the Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders: Assessment and Treatment using the SOS approach to feeding. Most recently, she attended a continuing education course that addressed executive functioning.
Brandi is married and has one little girl, Olivia. In her spare time, Brandi enjoys being with her family, staying physically active, traveling, and cooking.
Brandi is married and has one little girl, Olivia. In her spare time, Brandi enjoys being with her family, staying physically active, traveling, and cooking.
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 has furthered her knowledge base by attending continuing education courses related to addressing difficulties with handwriting and sensory integration.
Natalie is native to Memphis, TN. She has lived in New Orleans with her husband since 2017. Natalie and her husband welcomed their first child in February of 2021. Natalie is enjoying being a mother and spending time with her precious little boy.
Natalie is native to Memphis, TN. She has lived in New Orleans with her husband since 2017. Natalie and her husband welcomed their first child in February of 2021. Natalie is enjoying being a mother and spending time with her precious little boy.
Ingrid Ramos, MOT, OTR/L
Ingrid graduated from the University of St. Augustine’s Master of Occupational Therapy Program in Miami, Florida in 2019. Prior to graduate school, she had the opportunity to work at a private school in Orlando for children with cerebral palsy and other motor disabilities for two years where she would work one-on-one with students to assist them with the academic and daily skills to become more independent. This experience solidified her decision to pursue occupational therapy and delve into the pediatric setting. Ingrid proceeded to complete her level II fieldwork at an inclusive charter school in Orlando. After graduating, she joined their team as a medical and school-based therapist up until she relocated to Louisiana. Ingrid recently joined the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team in January 2021 and is excited to continue growing as a therapist, using sensory integration as an effective treatment approach, and creating impactful relationships with families and children.
Ingrid is an Orlando, Florida native. She lives with her husband, a Hammond native, whom she met in graduate school. During her free time, she enjoys exploring the exciting culture and flavors that Louisiana has to offer.
Ingrid is an Orlando, Florida native. She lives with her husband, a Hammond native, whom she met in graduate school. During her free time, she enjoys exploring the exciting culture and flavors that Louisiana has to offer.
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 degree, 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 the 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 to help picky and or problem eaters. She has also been trained in a variety of Talk Tools Courses including a Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding as well as specialized training in T.O.T.S (tethered oral tissues) that can affect infants having difficulty with breast/bottle feeding and older children with feeding or speech difficulties. 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 children. 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. Rachel joined the Pediatric Therapy Northshore team in March of 2019. She enjoys working closely with children and their families in an engaging atmosphere. Rachel has specialized training on conducting oral motor assessments for those with speech and feeding difficulties. She is trained in assessing the structure and function of tethered oral tissues (TOTS) in children of all ages which can negatively impact their feeding, speech, oral resting posture, breathing, and sleep. She is a Level 2 PROMPT trained therapist who uses a multi-modality approach to address articulation and motor speech disorders. She is also trained in the assessment and treatment of feeding disorders in infants who have difficulty feeding at the breast and/or bottle as well as assessing and treating children who are picky or problem feeders through the use of a Sensory-Oral-Sequential Program (S0S). Rachel has training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and offers evaluations to children who are non-verbal/minimally verbal in order to bridge the communication gap so that they can effectively communicate their wants and needs with others in activities of daily living.
Rachel’s passions include learning, traveling, exercising, and cherishing time with her loved ones and fur babies.
Rachel’s passions include learning, traveling, exercising, and cherishing time with her loved ones and fur babies.
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.
Teresa Abram, M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Teresa Abram is a nationally certified academic language therapist (CALT), holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and middle level education K – 8, and special education moderate/severe
K – 12, and master’s of education in dyslexia therapy. She has 15 years of experience in public and private school settings. She has taught regular and special education from grades K – 8. Currently she is a public school special education teacher and private dyslexia therapist, who also offers dyslexia screeners and reading readiness to children struggling with reading in kindergarten and first grade. Her background includes education, management, and tutoring, including group home and respite care experience. She strives towards the goal of fostering every student in their growth as lifelong learners. She has become an educational advocate and consultant with extensive training in multisensory Orton-Gillingham techniques for reading. She does this while supporting students’ talents and personalities while helping them find their self-confidence.
Teresa is a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), has held positions of leadership of committees such as assistive technology and church council, and is currently a data manager at her school. Since moving back to the area in 2016 with her husband and four children, she has been making connections and supporting the community in many ways. Her family feels at home on their two-acre property with many animals. Teresa and her husband enjoy watching their children grow and thrive as part of the St. Tammany community.
K – 12, and master’s of education in dyslexia therapy. She has 15 years of experience in public and private school settings. She has taught regular and special education from grades K – 8. Currently she is a public school special education teacher and private dyslexia therapist, who also offers dyslexia screeners and reading readiness to children struggling with reading in kindergarten and first grade. Her background includes education, management, and tutoring, including group home and respite care experience. She strives towards the goal of fostering every student in their growth as lifelong learners. She has become an educational advocate and consultant with extensive training in multisensory Orton-Gillingham techniques for reading. She does this while supporting students’ talents and personalities while helping them find their self-confidence.
Teresa is a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), has held positions of leadership of committees such as assistive technology and church council, and is currently a data manager at her school. Since moving back to the area in 2016 with her husband and four children, she has been making connections and supporting the community in many ways. Her family feels at home on their two-acre property with many animals. Teresa and her husband enjoy watching their children grow and thrive as part of the St. Tammany community.
Stacy St. Romain, Business Manager
Stacy graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Following graduation, she opened a retail business, which she managed for 11 years. She later 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.