Occupational Therapy helps people develop, recover, or maintain the ability to complete daily living and work skills. Our therapists help people who have physical, visual, or cognitive impairments improve their ability to perform tasks such as getting dressed, cooking a meal, driving a car, or going to work. They "give people the skills for the job of living".
Each of our therapists undergoes advanced training in the services we provide.
Karen Hislop
OTR/L, CLT, Director
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I have been practicing occupational therapy for over 25 years. I earned a bachelor of science in Occupational Therapy at the University of North Dakota, and completed my MBA at Troy State University.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I formed Therapy Achievements in 2009 with the goal of providing comprehensive rehabilitation services for people with stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, cancer and lymphatic disorders. I have completed extensive training and am certified as a Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, a Neuro NDT Therapist, a Lymphedema Therapist, a Parkinson’s LSVT BIG Therapist, a SaeboFlex Technology Therapist, a VitalStim Therapist, and a Seating Specialist for Wheelchair fittings. My vision is to create a company where patients and staff can thrive and reach their potential.
Kristen Hudgens Bell
COTA, CLT, CWCA, Clinical Manager
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Associates Degree for Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Brown Mackie College in Birmingham Alabama. I also have an Elementary Special Education degree from UAB and Cosmetology license from Winonahs International School of Cosmetology in Birmingham Alabama. I have been treating patients for over 10 years with experience in outpatient rehab, hospital settings, Pediatric outpatient settings, and mental health settings.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have lymphedema, Wound care needs, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and strokes. I have a certification in Lymphedema (CLT), Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), LSVT Big, Wound Care (CWCA), and Dry Needling (UDN-C). I currently serve as the Clinical Manager for Therapy Achievements and enjoy taking care of patients as well as staff members. I enjoy seeing people succeed in life and reach their goals the most.
Melissa Flowers, COTA, CLT
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Associates Degree in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama. I began my career in a Continuing Care Retirement Community in the Skilled Nursing Facility treating patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions. I also provided outpatient services for the rest of this community and in the Specialty Care Assisted Living for the residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. While at the CCRC I served as the Rehab Director for about 2 years. I then transitioned to focusing on mainly outpatient therapy services for patients with orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions, lymphedema and lipedema.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I am a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), and LSVT Big. I assisted in development of the Lymphedema program at Therapy Achievements, and serve as a lead over the program. I also provide education and determine competensies for our staff concerning lymphedema treatments, and use of modalities.
Lacy Nauck, OTA
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Associates Degree to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Wallace State Community College. Prior to that I attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and University of South Florida, receiving my Bachelors of Arts in Women’s Studies, Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, and Masters of Arts in International Psychology, concentration in Trauma and Group Conflict. I have experience in acute care, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have had Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Low Vision, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injuries, and orthopedics. I currently work a lot with patients that have difficulty with low vision, hand injuries, or patients that require a driving evaluation due to having a stroke, brain injury, etc. I love working with such a diverse group of patients and helping them gain independence.
Brittany Curwen, OTR/L, CLT
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. Before that I attended Jefferson State Community College for Pre-occupational therapy and Samford University for Bachelors Degree in Arts and Science. I have been treating patients for over 10 years. I have experience working in acute care, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient rehab facilities.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have Lymphedema, Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injuries, and orthopedics. I am lymphedema Certified and LSVT Big certified. I currently work a lot with patients that have difficulty with swelling, cognitive deficits, fine motor control, and patients that need wound care. My patient’s independence and quality of life means so much to me!
Heather Van Dyke, OTR/L, CLT
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy at The University of Alabama in Birmingham, located in Birmingham Alabama. I am a patient-centered therapist with over 15 years experience treating patients in acute care, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient rehab centers.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have Lymphedema, Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injuries, and orthopedics. I have my lymphedema certification, LSVT Big certification, and IASTM, certification. I love working with the adult population and addressing their desire for independence, safety, and the highest quality of life.
Kaisey Showers, OTD
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), located in Birmingham Alabama and my Bachelors Degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University. I have experience in inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, mental health facility, and adult orthopedic clinics.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have had Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, orthopedic problems, lymphedema, and patients that require some wound care. As a healthcare professional, my main goal is to help people live their best life and be as indendent as possible.
Darin Gregg, OTA
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Associates of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, Colorado. I have over 8 years of experience in treating patients as a therapist and before that, I was a Correspondence Assistant, Middle School Teacher, and College Recruiter. I have experience working in skilled nursing facilities, Mental Health for Pediatrics facilities, short term rehab facilities, and outpatient rehab facilities.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have had Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, lymphedema, and wounds. I have extensive continuing education training in many different areas such as lymphedema, wound care, and hand treatments. I love helping my patients reach their potential and achieve their goals.
Katie McNichol, OTR/L
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health New Orleans and received my Bachelors Of Science, Education from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa Alabama. I have experience working with adults in outpatient rehab facilities and in the hospital settings.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have lymphedema, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, orthopedic problems, and strokes. I have completed extensive continuing education training in Introduction to Hand Therapy, The Pediatric Brain, and PAM Course. I also have my CFNIP certification, which stands for Certified Functional Nutrition Informed Professional. I enjoy watching my patients improve and reach their potential in therapy.
Kim Litton, OTR/L
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and been treating patients for over 30 years. I have experience working in acute care, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient rehab facilities.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have Lymphedema, Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Injuries, and orthopedics. I am currently certified in LSVT Big and currently working on CBIS, which is Certified Brain Injury Specialist. I am also certified in CEAS, which is Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. My favorite thing about treating patients is helping people reach their goals and improving their lives.
Nikki Gibbs, OTA
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Associates Degree for Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Wallace State Community College in Hanceville Alabama. I have enjoyed working in community based settings, pediatric clinics, the school system, and outpatient settings.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have lymphedema, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, orthopedic problems, and strokes. I enjoy treating a variety of different diagnoses and helping patients learn and re-learn skills that help them be independent in their everyday lives.
Ryan Coody, OTR/L, DRP
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). I also have my Bachelors of Science Degree in Biomedical Science from UAB and work experience as an EMT in Birmingham, AL. I have occupational therapy experience in acute care, adult outpatient, and pediatric outpatient settings.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATIONS
I work primarily with people who have had Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, orthopedic problems, Spinal cord injuries, Brain injuries, and other neurological issues. I provide traditional OT services, as well as specialized treatments such as Driving Evaluations, Functional Capacity Evaluations, Wheelchair Evaluations, and Low Vision Evaluations. I strive to make my patient’s day better one day at a time.