MEET THE TEAM

Kate is a licensed Physical Therapist, board-certified as a Pediatric Certified Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association as well as a Neurology residency graduate.  Kate is passionate about early childhood development, torticollis, head misshaping, balance, and caregiver empowerment.  In addition to treating exclusively pediatrics since 2011, Kate has mentored pediatric physical therapy residents and trained postgraduate professionals in the areas of development of play skills and treating torticollis and head shape conditions.  Kate obtained her bachelors in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Florida (2006) and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Florida (2010).  As a Navy brat and Jacksonville native since 1999, Kate enjoys travel, shark tooth hunting, home decorating and gardening, and spending time with her family.  Kate and her husband of 16 years are raising a son and a daughter, are parents of a NICU graduate, and foster/adoptive parents.

Kate DeValerio, PT, DPT, PCS

Amanda is a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), the only OT in the state of Florida to hold her Specialty Certification in Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES). She is also a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS). Amanda obtained her bachelors in Health Science from the University of Florida (2009) and her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University (2011). Amanda is passionate about empowering families during the critical moments in a child’s first years with both feeding and development. Amanda specializes in the pre/post-rehab of tethered oral tissue (tongue and lip ties) and helps families with both breast and bottle feeding from birth.  With almost 10 years of experience as an outpatient therapist, Amanda has helped children achieve independence and confidence with fine motor skills, self-care skills and handwriting. Originally from South Florida, Amanda has called Jacksonville home for the last 9 years. At home, she enjoys being with her husband and busy two-year-old daughter and spending as much time at the beach as possible.

Amanda Vargas, MOT, OTR/L, SCFES, CBS