Mackenzie Printy received her associates degree in Occupational Therapy and became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. While completing her clinical rotation with the Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy, she fell in love with the community and atmosphere of the office and was eager to join the team. Since then, Mackenzie has loved pursuing her passion for helping kids of all ages with sensory processing needs.
"Watching a child who was initially terrified of their feet leaving the ground progress to jumping on a swing with no fear is one of the highlights of this profession. Kids with sensory processing needs live in a constant state of disorientation or anxiety. Being the person who helps them move into a state of regulation where they can interact in their environment and play with the freedom and security a child should have is rewarding and the reason I come to work everyday."
Sensory integration has become her primary focus at the office. She helps children who have difficulty adjusting to new or high stress environments. Mackenzie believes that kids demonstrate the best outcome with the involvement of their whole family. This is why she is a proponent of parent and family education, always wanting to help her kids reach their full potential.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." -Dr. Seuss
When she isn't helping kids meet their goals at the practice, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves exploring The Woodlands and Houston areas, always looking for that hidden gem of a restaurant or entertainment venue off the beaten path.
Karina Montelongo graduated from HCC Coleman in 2016 as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She has been working for Center for Pediatric Therapy since 2016 and specializes in working with children in a clinic and home health setting. Karina has volunteered with various programs for children with special needs such as the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, Autism Speaks and Easterseals. She has experience working with children with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders and working with infants with torticollis and gross motor delays. Karina is fluent in Spanish. She lives in Houston with her husband and enjoys traveling and reading.
Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She obtained her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Lone Star College Montgomery in 2020. She has been with the Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy since 2021. Jennifer is a member of Lone Star College Montgomery Physical Therapist Assistant Program Advisory Committee. She has experience in working with children with gross motor delay, Torticollis, and neuromuscular disorders.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends fishing, boating, and playing games.
“I love being able to take those small steps with families to help their children reach independence with eating and speaking. My job is about celebrating the little milestones! Whether it is licking a Cheeto or requesting a song for the first time in sign language, I believe that each step is worth celebrating with cheers and high-fives because we are further today than we were yesterday. Sometimes speech and feeding learning can feel like a slow process. I always want my kids and families to keep their focus on progress and celebration so there is no room for discouragement.”
Meredith says the most thrilling moments in her career have often involved getting messy or unconventional in her mission of helping children discover their independence with eating or speaking. Whether it was a time she was covered in pudding, or sitting under a table with a child who found their voice asking for goldfish for the first time -- she’s satisfied to see the spark of joy and motivation in taking a bite or saying a word.
When she isn’t helping children and their families, Meredith enjoys studying the history and culture of the Old Testament and evidences for Christianity. She also loves trying new restaurants and cooking new foods with her husband!
Kathy grew up in the historic town of Westminister, MA. Her academic experience began with a double major in Psychology and Speech Pathology at Worcester State College. Her husbands career ambitions required that the couple move to Texas. Kathy received her Master Degree in 2001 from the University of Houston, graduating magna cum laude. She obtained her Certificate of Clinical Competence in 2003 from ASHA. She has a wide array of experience with disorders of articulation, phonological processing, auditory processing, specific language impairment, neurogenic disorders, voice, fluency and evaluation/rehabilitation of swallowing disorders. She has experience in many arenas including hospitals, acute care facilities, schools and private practices. She has experience in administration of modified barium swallow studies. Kathy has been with CPT since May 2005. She finds pediatric speech therapy to be the perfect niche which combines her love of children and providing therapy. Kathy lives in The Woodlands with her husband Chad and young daughter, Emma.
Verda received her MS in communication disorders from Baylor University. Verda decided to join the Speech Therapy field due to her passion for neuroscience and how it plays a role in development and the rehabilitation of communication. She believes that the ability to communicate is a basic human right and is passionate about being the connection between her patients and their right to communicate and ultimately improve their quality of life. Verda also loves the added challenge of diverse disciplines and settings including feeding and swallowing disorders.
Above all else, Verda believes in patient/caregiver directed goals and therapy. “My patients come first and their goals become my goals.” Counseling and patient education is a very important aspect of treatment and makes it a priority to communicate with caregivers about care, progress and successes during treatment! She knows that the process can bring up anxieties and stress for patients and caregivers, she makes it a point to connect patients and patient families with resources to alleviate any anxieties.
Every child is different, and progress can come slowly over time or surprisingly quickly! Every progression is something to celebrate. I love seeing patients and parents happy and excited! I find it super motivating when I see my clients making even the slightest progress in therapy, or when they share that the therapy is helping make their life better.
When she isn’t working with patients Verda loves to read, listen to podcasts and spend time with her family.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah Hinch is a compassionate and dedicated speech-language pathologist (SLP) who joins the esteemed team of providers at the Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy. With a strong educational background, a commitment to patient-centered care, and a passion for helping children find their voices, Hannah is an invaluable addition to the center's mission of helping children live their best lives.
Education:
Hannah's journey into the field of speech therapy began with a solid educational foundation:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Baylor University
Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech Language Pathology - Lamar University
Her academic pursuits provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a fulfilling career in speech-language pathology.
Credentials:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) - Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Philosophy and Approach:
Hannah's dedication to her profession is deeply rooted in her belief that the ability to communicate one's wants, needs, and desires is a fundamental right that should never be taken for granted. Through her work as an SLP, she has been privileged to assist children of all ages in discovering their voices and establishing meaningful connections with their friends and family.
Hannah firmly believes in collaboration with her patients and their families. Together, they can develop functional goals that are tailored to each child's unique needs and priorities. She places significant emphasis on caregiver education and involvement, recognizing the pivotal role that family plays in a child's progress.
Patient-Centered Care:
What Hannah loves most about her practice is witnessing the small but profound signs of progress that her patients make toward their goals. Whether it's the first time a child produces a target sound correctly or the moment they utter their first word to their loved ones, these milestones are a constant source of motivation and joy for Hannah. She views her role as both a privilege and an honor, working collaboratively with children and their families to enhance their speech, language, and feeding abilities.
Life Beyond the Practice:
Outside of the office, Hannah enjoys spending time with her dog, Libby, exploring the outdoors and going for runs. She loves baking and the opportunity to share her treats with friends and family.
Hannah Hinch's dedication to her young patients, her commitment to their progress, and her passion for the field of speech-language pathology make her a valuable asset to the Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy. Her genuine care and enthusiasm for helping children find their voices are evident in every moment she spends working with her patients and their families.
Rae Lynn graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders. Since graduation, Rae Lynn has worked with pediatrics in the school setting, ABA centers, and in-home setting. She has worked for The Center for Pediatric Therapy since May 2022. She has experience working with pediatric patients with articulation, fluency, expressive and receptive delays, and phonological processing. She has a passion working with children with autism spectrum disorders, who may or may not need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to communicate.
She enjoys focusing on speech and language services to help kids establish fundamental skills such as phonological awareness and production of speech. As well as guiding parent’s on how to promote language and encourage speech, so children can grow and participate in society. Rae Lynn believes every child should have a voice, to be heard, and to be seen.
When Rae Lynn isn’t working, she spends time with her husband and her son. Her and her husband relocated to Houston/Spring area in 2019 for her husband’s job. Her future goals include getting her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.