Biographies

Lena is one of the owners and founders of the women's center and children's therapy solutions(cts). Cts was created in 2004 and it’s purpose is to provide a caring and supportive environment for employees as well as families seeking therapy services. Lena graduated from eastern kentucky university with her degree in occupational therapy. She has over 20 years of experience in her field and has a strong desire to “help people” and work with “difficult and challenging therapy situations.” Lena has worked with many medically fragile children, premature babies, and a variety of families with a multitude of challenges. One of her specialties is working with babies who are diagnosed with torticollis. She has attended specialized courses in floortime, hippotherapy, sensory integration, reflex integration, neuro-developmental therapy and aggression control training (act) among many other classes. Lena is originally from norway, speaks fluent norwegian as well as brings a unique perspective into multicultural living. Lena believes it takes as many adults as possible to help love and raise children. “parents need all the support they can get, as well as children can never have too many people who love them and look out for them”. Lena enjoys spending time with friends/family, running, volunteering and traveling.

Megan obtained her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. Her love for children and helping families brought her into this field. Megan has been with CTS since 2008 and has extensive experience in Sensory Processing Disorders, Handwriting Without Tears and academic based therapies, and feeding therapy utilizing the S.O.S. Feeding Approach. She also has training in the Alert Program for self-regulation, FloorTime, and Brain Gym. Megan connects with families and individualizes treatment to meet the family’s needs. One of her specialties is problem solving difficult situations to create practical solutions to apply in the home setting to maximize progress. Megan enjoys anything outdoors, volunteering with Junior League of Manatee County and other non-profits, spending time with family and friends, traveling, music, and watching sports (Go Rays!).

Hayley is originally from Tennessee and attended Jackson State where she received a Bachelors degree in Marketing. She began working for CTS six years ago and was quickly realized to be a Superstar. She is the Patient Relations Coordinator, Head of Marketing, Insync Specialist, Insurance Navigator and also the person that everyone goes to when they have any special need or request. She is an integral part of CTS and the Women's Center needless to say. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her husband and traveling to the Keys.

Jessica (Jes) Costa is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Jes obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of South Florida in 2008, and her Bachelor of Science Degree in 2004 from Eckerd College, where she was also a collegiate women’s soccer player. Jes has spent the last 14 year specializing in pediatrics with concentrations in fragile infants, torticollis, and myofunctional work. While working in this field, Jes has also published, presented and implemented evidence based evaluations, as well as promoted best practice for infants throughout the CTS system. Jes is also a part of the Women’s Center at CTS where she uses these skills to assist with oral motor feeding, and overall body work on infants post partum. Jes also has strengths in intensive strengthening/frequency of physical therapy to be utilized in the pediatric population. As well as a strong passion for the sports/orthopedic population. Jes is certified in Infant Massage/Myofascial release, Kinesiotaping for the pediatric population, Serial Casting, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Pelvic Health in the pediatric population, and Thera-suit Intensive Method. In her free time Jes enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys being active and outside.

Lauren obtained her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2017 and prior to that attended the University of Florida for her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology in 2013. Lauren has been employed at Children’s Therapy Solutions for five years and during that time has served a diverse patient population from infants to adolescents, and beyond, with a wide range of diagnoses. Lauren has always had a passion for working with children and is happiest being a part of independent mobility from a young age. Lauren is an integral part of the Women's Center at Children's Therapy Solutions, where she specializes in pelvic health for the pediatric and adult woman population. Outside of CTS Lauren teaches at Nova Southeastern in the pediatric course helping PT students learn how to treat the pediatric population. Lauren is active in her community as a member of The Junior League of Manatee County. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband & son, traveling to new destinations, and cheering on The Gators.

Kelly attended The University of Alabama where she received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and obtained her doctorate degree in physical therapy from The University of Florida. Kelly’s main goal is to help support and empower children and families to achieve their goals and have fun while doing it! Outside of the clinic, Kelly loves running, watching Food Network, and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide!