Psychologist

Elizabeth Huffstutter, Psy.D.

Dr. Huffstutter received both her Master of Arts Degree (2004) and Doctorate Degree (2006) in Clinical Psychology from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, MO. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral training at Royal Oaks Hospital. After her training, she continued on as the Pre-Adolescent Program Director. She has worked in various settings including private practice, community mental health, county jail, schools and hospitals. She has assessed and treated a variety of mental health diagnoses. Her clinical interest include autism spectrum disorders, childhood aggression, assessment and play therapy. In 2009, Dr. Huffstutter relocated back to her home-state of Arkansas and began her work with Miracle Kids Success Academy. She is a member of both the American Psychological Association and the Arkansas Psychological Association. When she has free time she enjoys reading, scrapbooking and spending time with her family. Dr. Huffstutter splits her time between the Batesville and Jonesboro locations.

Occupational Therapists

Melanie Davidson-Hall

Melanie is a pediatric occupational therapist from Newark, AR. She graduated with a BS in Biology from Lyon College and graduated in 2007 with her Master’s Degree in occupational therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She has been practicing in pediatrics for 1 year. Prior to pediatrics she treated geriatrics in skilled nursing facilities as well as home health. Melanie has been married for 5 years to her wonderful husband, Christopher. They have one dog, a Pekingese, named Mallory. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys working on crafting projects and reading. Melanie works at the Batesville facility.

Anni Duvall

Anni is a pediatric occupational therapist from Tuckerman, AR. She graduated with a BS in Health Science from the University of Central Arkansas in 2009 and graduated in 2011 with her Master’s Degree in occupational therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She has been practicing in pediatrics for 1 year. Anni has been married for 5 years to her wonderful husband, Christopher. They have a son, Hudson, who is 4 months old. In her spare time, Anni enjoys playing with her son, spending time with family, reading and going to church. Anni works at the Jonesboro facility.

Ashton Gipson

Ashton is a pediatric occupational therapist from Batesville, AR. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a BS in Health Science in 2009 and graduated in 2011 with her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She has been practicing in pediatrics for 1 year. She has had the opportunity to work in outpatient rehab, home health, and both school and preschool settings. She has been blessed with a wonderful husband named Chad, two-year-old daughter named Addison, and a golden retriever named Molly. She loves to spend her free time playing outdoors with her family and traveling. Ashton works at the Batesville facility.

Danielle Johnson

Danielle is a pediatric occupational therapist residing in Greenbrier, AR. She holds a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR, where she graduated in 2008. She has been working in the pediatric realm since her graduation almost four years ago. She has experience with children who have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Autism, as well as other developmental challenges. Danielle is a newlywed who loves spending time with her new husband and their families, as well as enjoying all of God’s blessings in their new life together. Danielle works at the Batesville facility.

Ritchie Neely

Ritchie Neely graduated with a Bachelor’s in occupational therapy from the Philippines in 1996. She has been in Arkansas since 2005 and completed her Master’s in occupatonal therapy from Boston University in 2008. She is married and has one dog. She has more than 10 years of experience with chidren. Her experience ranges from working as a pediatric clinical coordinator, a special education teacher, a coordinator to mainstream children with special needs in regular schools, and a school- and clinical-based occupational therapist. She is certified in Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening and Astronaut Protocol as treatment modalities. She and her husband love to travel, and are food adventurers, occasional environmentalists and weekend trip goers when they can. Ritchie works at the Jonesboro facility.

Jocelyn Pendergist

Jocelyn is an occupational therapist from Cabot, AR. She graduated in August 2012 with a Master’s degree in Occupational therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and being outdoors. She devotes much of her time to church activities and volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Jocelyn works at the Jonesboro facility.

Mandy Pippinger

Mandy is an occupational therapist and physical therapist assistant from Jonesboro, AR. In 2005, she graduated from Arkansas State University with her Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy. She worked in a pediatric setting for four years and continued providing therapy services in home health and acute care while attending classes. In 2012, she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She has been married to her husband, Robert, for five years and has two step-children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys to read, paint, and work on various craft projects. Mandy works at the Jonesboro facility.

Andrea Schmidt

Andrea is an occupational therapist from Jonesboro, AR. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She has been practicing in the area of pediatrics since she graduated in 2007. Andrea went on to receive her certification in Sensory Integration and is currently one of 11 certified therapists in the state. She has experience working with kids with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, Asperger’s, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delays, and a wide range of other diagnoses. Andrea has an 8 year old daughter which she spends most of her free time with. Any other time outside of her family is spent running, bicycling, at church activities, or spending time with friends and family. Andrea works at the Jonesboro facility.

Physical Therapists

Casey Charlebois

Casey graduated in 2005 from Arkansas State University with a Master’s of Science degree in Exercise Science and in 2007 with a Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy.  Casey has been a successful physical therapist in both pediatric and outpatient facilities.  Casey has a passion for health & wellness and has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, including school based fitness programs for children. Casey works at the Batesville facility.

Megan Hamilton

Megan is a pediatric physical therapist from Jonesboro, AR. She graduated from Arkansas State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2006 and Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2008.  Since graduation, she has worked with varying pediatric diagnosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, Muscular Dystrophy, and has had the most experience with children with Asberger’s and children with Autism.  Megan loves serving the pediatric population, has great passion for the field, and enjoys being part of the “team” approach that gives the children the opportunity to reach their goals.  In her free time she enjoys biking, running, and spending time with her husband. Megan works at the Jonesboro facility.

Caleb Harris

Caleb graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arkansas State University in 2009 and with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012. Caleb lives in Jonesboro with Kari, his amazing wife of three years.  He enjoys playing music, wood working, building computers and spending time with his five nieces and nephews.  Caleb works at the Jonesboro location.

Katherine McCuiston

Katherine graduated from Arkansas State University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology, and also in 2000 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy.  Since graduation she has worked with children from birth to 21 in home health settings, outpatient settings, day cares and school.  Katherine has treated a variety of diagnosis including Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, Autism, and orthopedic problems.  Katherine has been married for eleven years to Justin and they have two beautiful young boys. Katherine works at the Batesville facility.

Shanda Rogers

Shanda has been a practicing physical therapist since 1999 and has worked in acute care, outpatient, schools and pediatric day facilities seeing a variety of patients with several differential diagnoses. Since completing physical therapy school at the University of Central Arkansas, Shanda has lived in Jonesboro with her husband and two children. She enjoys running, bible study, and traveling to baseball and tennis tournaments with her family. Shanda works at the Jonesboro location.

Wendi Speer

Wendi graduated from Arkansas State University with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy in 2007. Since graduation, she has worked with children in a variety of settings which include day treatment centers, day cares, schools, homes and outpatient clinics. She has treated multiple diagnoses including developmental delay, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, spinal muscular atrophy, Muscular Dystrophy, Autism, Spina Bifida and Torticollis.  She has attended sensory integration and aquatic therapy courses over the past several years.  She loves the reward of working with children and their families.  She is married and has two awesome little boys that she loves making memories with. Wendi works at the Jonesboro facility.

Physical Therapy Assistants

Whitney Callis

Whitney graduated from Arkansas State University in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and in 2012 with an Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy. Whitney has had previous experience in working with children with special needs. She was employed as a Teacher’s Assistant at MKSA prior to becoming a therapist. Whitney has practiced in acute care, long-term acute care, inpatient, and outpatient rehab facilities. She works at the Jonesboro clinic.

Angela Griffin

Angela received her degree from Arkansas State University for Physical Therapist Assistant in May of 2011. She has been working as a PTA at MKSA since graduation. She has previous experience working with children as a teacher in a preschool setting, and has been exposed to other clinical settings including hospital, outpatient, and rehab facilities. She has two children of her own. Angela works at the Batesville facility.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Brooke Foster

Brooke is a wife, mother of a smart and talented daughter, and a speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor’s degree in 1996 and Master’s degree in 1998, both from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. She has worked in her home town at Hillcrest School District for the past 14 years while contracting with MKSA during breaks in the school calendar for the past two years. She has found her home and loves working with the MKSA staff and children. She now works at the Batesville facility full-time.

Amanda Glover

Amanda has been working with children for over 10 years and loves seeing them progress and develop new skills. She received her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Spencer and Sophie Rose. Amanda works at the Jonesboro facility.

Laura Keller

Laura received her Bachelor’s degree from Harding University and her Master’s degree from Arkansas State University. She has worked in the pediatric field since 2008. She loves the special relationships that she has established with the children and their families. She has a passion for the work that she does, and feels like every child should have the opportunity to be provided with the tools necessary to be successful. She has been married to her husband, Rusty, for five years. They have a one-year-old daughter and are expecting a son in June, 2012. Laura works at the Jonesboro facility.

Megan Martin

Megan is married and has 2 handsome boys.  She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. She has worked in the pediatric field since 2006. As a mother of 2 premature babies, she understands that her job as a speech therapist is a very important one. She finds early intervention therapy to be very rewarding and feels blessed to be a part of each child and their families’ lives. Megan works at the Batesville facility.

Shelley Pfitzner

Shelley Pfitzner has been a practicing pediatric speech-language pathologist for ten years with employment in a variety of pediatric settings and with a variety of disorders and severity.  Shelley’s range of work experience includes children’s day treatment, early intervention, early childhood and public school.  She graduated from Arkansas State University with a Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders in December 2001 and a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders in May 2000.  Shelley obtained notable trainings and experience in a variety of areas in speech-language pathology.  Specifically, trainings in the areas of autism spectrum disorders include the advanced SCERTS Model assessment and implementation, the picture exchange communication system (PECS), and feeding aversion.  Additionally, Shelley received training and experience in the areas of pediatric dysphagia, complex pediatric feeding and oral motor completing the Beckman Oral Motor course.  Other areas of continued professional development and experience include alternative-augmentative communication (AAC), hearing impairment and assistive technology, literacy and oral language, childhood apraxia, articulation/phonological, fluency and special education due process and public law 94-142.  Shelley may be contacted by emailing her at shelleypfitzner@mymiraclekids.com or calling her at (870) 793-3200. Shelley works at the Batesville facility.

Laura Riley

Laura is a wife, mother of one and a speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Arkansas State University. She has worked in the pediatric field since 2004. She really enjoys working with children and their families. She enjoys seeing her children make progress and have fun during therapy. Laura works at the Jonesboro facility.

Suzanne Roach

Suzanne Roach is a wife, mother of one and a speech language pathologist. She received my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Arkansas State University. She has worked in the pediatric field since 2001. She truly enjoys working with children. She believes early intervention makes a difference in their lives. Suzanee works at the Jonesboro facilitiy.

Stacy Sample

Stacy has been blessed to work with children who have special needs for 12 years, primarily working in the area of early intervention and education. She received her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Arkansas State University in 1999. Each and every kiddo that she has the opportunity to work with adds a dose of happy to her life. She has three rowdy children at home that keep her very busy, but in her rare spare time she enjoys reading, scrapbooking and gardening. Stacy works at the Jonesboro facility.

Ashley Vaughn

Ashley Vaughan received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Central Arkansas. She is a recent graduate and has started her career working in the pediatric setting. She has an undeniable passion for her job and loves working with children.  She has worked with children from birth to 16 years of age with a wide range of severity. She has treated a variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to, autism, dysphagia, articulation disorders, hearing deficits and developmental delays. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her wonderful family and friends. She looks forward to her experience at Miracle Kids and learning new methods of treatment. Ashley works at the Jonesboro facility.

Alyssa Watson

Alyssa graduated from Missouri State University with a Master’s of Science in Communication Disorders in 2010. Since graduation, she has worked with children birth to 10 years of age in school and preschool settings as well as adults in acute care and rehabilitation settings. She has treated a variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to, developmental delay, autism, dysphagia, and articulation disorders. Alyssa enjoys working with a variety of disorders and learning new methods of treatment. Alyssa works at the Jonesboro facility.

Brandi Wilson

Brandi is a wife, mother of two beautiful children, and a speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in 2005 and Master’s degree in 2006, both from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR.  She knew early on in her education that pediatric therapy was her passion. She enjoys working with young children and making a difference in their lives. After having children of her own, she has grown as a person and has become a more compassionate therapist. She believes strongly that it takes a big heart to shape little minds. Brandi works at the Batesville facility.