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Richard Brown
President/CEO
Occupational Therapist
Prior to moving to Asheville in 2005, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lehigh University. Upon graduating, I began working with adults with traumatic brain injuries, where I became fascinated with occupational therapy. I graduated with my Master’s degree in OT from Thomas Jefferson University in 2000 and have been specializing exclusively in pediatrics ever since. We opened Higher Ground Pediatric Therapy out of our home in November of 2010. Since then we have been blessed with continued growth, offering a greater range of services and, more importantly, having a greater impact on children’s lives in our community. After 3 years at home, “HGPT” outgrew the space and eventually settled into our South Asheville location, where we look forward to providing the highest quality care for years to come. When not at work, you might find my wife and I, along with our 4 kids, enjoying the outdoors and playing every sport under the sun!
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Angie Bell
Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
I was born and raised in North Carolina and graduated from NCSU’s School of Design with a degree in Product Design. After living in New England and the Florida Keys, my husband and I moved to Western North Carolina to be near the rich arts and crafts scene and the beautiful mountains. We started a business designing and building furniture and showed in galleries across the country. After the birth of two daughters, I stayed home with my children for several years before returning to work in Buncombe County Schools as first a volunteer and then a teaching assistant. I particularly enjoyed working with exceptional children which lead to designing and building a school garden for Fairview Elementary that could be used to enhance the curriculum for the children of the school. Seeing how children learn and develop through experiences and play motivated me to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. I love working with children and problem solving with their families to address their needs. Play is the work of children and I feel very lucky to be helping my clients develop through meaningful activities. In my free time, I love to: travel, read, cycle, watch all the critters that visit my mountain home, and spend time with my family. Higher Ground is a great place to work among people who are passionate about helping children live happy, healthy lives!
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Karli Toothman
Speech-Language Pathologist / Team Lead
Hello! My name is Karli Toothman and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist. I am originally from the small town of Ripley, West Virginia. I received both my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from West Virginia University (Let’s gooo, Mountaineers!). My husband and I moved to Asheville, NC in 2018. While I have worked with patients across the lifespan, my heart lies with pediatrics. I love the energy children bring to the therapy room and incorporating play into treatment sessions. I have served patients in various settings, including inpatient rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, schools, and in outpatient clinics. My journey as a speech therapist has allowed me the opportunity to serve patients presenting with various disabilities, including articulation delays/disorders, language delays/disorders, hearing impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, cleft lip and palate, Rett’s Syndrome, Aphasia, fluency disorders, and voice disorders. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and helping my husband with woodworking projects.
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Tammy Griffin
Communications Coordinator
My name is Tammy Griffin and I was born and raised in Weaverville, NC. I graduated high school with my CNA and I have been blessed to work in the medical field for the past 28 + years doing all sorts of jobs. I especially love helping others and being around children. When I'm not in the office, I'm spending time on our farm with my husband, 2 dogs and our grandbabies, we love to be outdoors and travel . We love to "work hard and play hard" as they say!
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Chloe Hudock
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi! My name is Chloe, and I am a speech-language pathologist. I graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2022 where I earned my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, and I moved from Raleigh to Asheville two weeks later to begin an amazing adventure with Higher Ground Pediatric Therapy! I have a special interest in speech sound disorders and school-age language, and I have experience working with various pediatric populations including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and those with traumatic brain injury or hearing loss. My goal as a speech-language pathologist is to help children find their voice, whether it be through verbal communication, sign language, or even AAC.
In my free time, I love listening to music, reading books, and enjoying the outdoors with my cat Piper. I am loving every little bit of Asheville and I am thankful for the Higher Ground community helping welcome me to my new home.
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Erin Botto
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant / Team Lead
Hello everyone! I grew up right here in the mountains of Asheville. I graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee in 2018 (Go Vols!). After graduating from UT, I immediately came back to Asheville to receive my Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from AB-Tech. Following graduation, I moved to Texas where I spent time working in a Skilled Nursing Facility and an outpatient pediatric clinic. Eventually the mountains called me home and the HGPT family welcomed me. In my free time I like to hike, go to the dog park with my dog Josh, row, cook, and bake.
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Karen Tlanepantla
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hello! Hola! My name is Karen and I am so excited to be a new member of the Higher Ground team! I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2023 where I obtained my Master's in Speech-Language Pathology. My passion is supporting children of all ages and serving the Spanish-speaking population. During graduate school, I had the opportunity to support children in the areas of language, AAC, and swallowing to name a few. I grew up in the Asheville area and am glad to be back home! In my free time, you can find me reading, painting, hiking, and spending time with my family.
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Lauren Bollen
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi! My name is Lauren Bollen and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist. I am from Augusta, Georgia and graduated with my masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Valdosta State University in 2014. I have loved calling WNC my home since 2018. My career has allowed me to work in the public school system working with preschool and school-age children in various areas including receptive/expressive language, articulation, ASD, and stuttering. I’ve also worked with patients in the rehabilitation setting treating swallowing disorders and cognitive communication skills. I am happy to be joining the Higher Ground team working with pediatrics again! My favorite things to do are being outside, dreaming up my next DIY project and spending time with my husband and our 3 children.
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Brennah Fulton
Occupational Therapist
Hello! My name is Brennah Fulton and I am an Occupational Therapist. I am originally from Wausau, Wisconsin (Go Pack Go!) and received both my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Following graduation, I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient pediatric settings in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses and have helped kids with sensory processing needs, developmental delays, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other genetic disorders. Working with kids has always been my passion; I love the imagination, creativity, and energy they bring to every session. My goal is to collaborate with my kids and their families, so we can work together as a team to help them reach their goals. I strive to incorporate kid’s interests and passions into our sessions, to increase their motivation and participation. I believe therapy should be fun! I have recently relocated to Asheville, and I’m excited for all of the exploring to come. I’ve finally escaped the Midwest winters, and will be spending all of my time outdoors hiking, biking, hammocking, and camping. I also enjoy playing pickleball, reading, and listening to live music. I’m excited to start my journey with the Higher Ground Team!
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Cheri Bailey
Physical Therapist Assistant
Hi there! My name is Cheri and I’m a Physical Therapist Assistant. Prior to moving to Asheville in 2018 I earned my PTA degree while living in Southern Utah. Upon graduating I have worked in multiple settings including neurological, orthopedic, pediatric and memory care, but I’m so thrilled to be back working with the kiddos! When not at work you’ll find me hiking in the mountains, swimming in the rivers and enjoying live music.
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Michele Roberts
Physical Therapist
Hi, I’m Michele Roberts. I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. I’ve worked exclusively in pediatrics for 15 years in outpatient and school based positions. I enjoy giving kids and families ideas and encouragement for success. Outside the clinic I homeschool our two girls, dig around in our garden, teach kiddos at our church, thrift shop, read books and drink excessive amounts of black coffee.
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Miranda Karlen
Occupational Therapist
My name is Miranda Karlen and I am an Occupational Therapist! I am originally from Southern Wisconsin but received my undergraduate degrees from Northern Illinois University in the winter of 2021 and my Masters in Occupational Therapy from Tennessee Wesleyan University in the fall of 2024. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in pediatrics someday. I have a younger brother with Down Syndrome and even as a little girl I always loved getting to meet and interact with his therapists (particularly the OT’s!) and watch how they were able to help him learn and grow. This has shaped me into the person and therapist I am today. I am super excited to get settled into this new community and begin my working career here at Higher Ground!
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Michelle Wintering
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi, My name is Michelle I have spent my speech pathology career in a wide variety of settings working with infants through adults. My passion lies in pediatrics - working alongside children and their families to help them achieve their speech, language, and feeding goals. I studied psychology and public relations at the University of Dayton, and then attended graduate school at Ohio University to become a Speech Language Pathologist. I started my career at a school for the deaf and the blind and continue to work with that population whenever I have the opportunity. Due to moves as a military family, I have served families in: Ohio, Colorado, Texas, Kentucky, & Kansas. My family moved here in fall 2023 and is happy to call Asheville home! I love incorporating hands-on, real-life elements, and literacy into therapy sessions and especially enjoy working with early language and feeding patients. You'll often find me on a hiking trail with my family, playing volleyball, reading, or trying a new recipe! My husband and I have 2 small children.
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Jennifer Loizzo
Billing/Finance Director
I am from the great state of Minnesota. My family moved to Asheville in 2002. I have been part of the Higher Ground Team since 2018 and love serving our families in my current role as Director of Billing/Finance. In my free time I love to travel, read books and spend time with family and friends.
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Lauren Bernier
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bio coming soon...
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Lexi Hodge
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hello, my name is Lexi, and I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP)! I graduated from Western Carolina University, where I earned both my bachelors and masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am originally from Gastonia, North Carolina and I moved to Cullowhee in 2019. My passion for helping individuals find and use their voice led me to Higher Ground Pediatric Therapy! There are a plethora of areas that interest me as an SLP, however, augmentative and alternative communication, dialectical differences, and speech sound disorders are a few of my favorite areas. I have experience working with all ages and I have had the honor to serve a variety of populations including individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Angelman Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Oppositional Defiance Disorder/Disruptive Behavior Disorder.
Outside of being an SLP, I am a cat mom to three lovely furballs, Pinto, Frida, and Tofu! I enjoy spending time with my partner, baking, going on hikes, and trying out new coffee shops! I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work at Higher Ground and look forward to serving the families of Asheville and surrounding areas.
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Emma Sherer
Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Emma, and I’m an occupational therapist! I’ve lived in WNC since I was six years old. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Gardner-Webb University and graduated from Lenior-Rhyne University with my Master's in Occupational Therapy in 2024. I’ve always known I had a passion for to working with children, even before I learned what OT is! I love being able to help both little and big kids grow and thrive while also having lots of fun, and I’m so excited to be a part of the HGPT team. When I’m not hanging out with my kiddos, you can find me playing with my cats, scrapbooking, crocheting, watching Clemson football, going to concerts, or listening to BTS!
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Maria Karkos-Ford
Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Maria and I am an Occupational Therapist. My passion for working with children began when I was 16 and transitioned from being a gymnast to a gymnastics coach. I was able to play a role in and experience the excitement and sense of pride a child would feel when they performed a skill they had worked so long and hard to achieve. I knew that feeling was something I wanted to continue to be a part of. I started my OT career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2010 working on the skilled nursing and acute care units at a local hospital
in upstate New York while waiting for an opportunity to transition to pediatrics. That opportunity came 2 years later and I haven’t looked back since! After a few years in the field, I decided to return to school and received my Master’s Degree from New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island. Throughout my years as an OT, I have gained experience working with children with various needs within their homes, school and clinical settings. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, working out, and woodworking, however with 2 young children and a high energy dog, I spend most of my time running around our yard and getting snacks 🙂
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Wendy Sherwood
Front Desk
Hi, I’m Wendy and I am originally from Weaverville, NC. I love working at Higher Ground because we have the best team and the overall "family" feel. I enjoy getting to know the families we serve and greeting my many friends when they arrive for their appointments. I especially love seeing the progress they make each week! When not working, I enjoy reading, watching crime documentaries and spending time with my family and our pets!
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Carrie Knapp
Occupational Therapist
HI! I'm Carrie Knapp. As an air force kid, my hometown changed frequently, but when my dad retired, we called Arizona home. When I was a teenager, my aunt, a speech therapist, allowed me to observe at her clinic. It was then I knew I wanted to become an occupational therapist and help people do the things they love. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Arizona, I went to Colorado State University where I earned a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
My family and I have called Asheville home since 2003. Before joining the Higher Ground Team, I worked in long-term and acute care, but took a break from the therapy world to help raise our five kids. In my free time, I love helping and working with kids. Whether camping with them in scouts, doing science experiments with homeschool kids, helping teach at my church or raising our own, I enjoy watching children grow.
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Christine Schwab
Speech-Language Pathologist
My Name is Christine Schwab and I wanted to share a little about myself. I am a proud graduate of Western Carolina University where I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech Language Pathology. I have been so fortunate to have worked as a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist for the last 36 years. Over the course of my career I have had the honor of working in both the clinic setting and public schools in NC and NY as well as Private programs for children from Birth through 22 years with different needs and their families. I have developed a passion for working with people presenting on the Autism Spectrum and Developmental Apraxia and other speech sound disorders. I have worked in professions throughout my life which are focused on serving people in supporting their growth, progress and achieving their goals. I am so excited and fortunate to be a part of the Higher Ground Pediatric Therapy team!
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Anna Ellis
Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
Well hi there! My name is Anna and I’m a graduate from AB-Tech with an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. I have been working with kids of all ages since high school and my passion to help them thrive only increases. My goal as a provider at HGPT is to meet kids at their level and create a plan that fits their needs. I want to make sure the kids I get to work time with live a fulfilling childhood too! In my free time I like to volunteer at my church, craft
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Angela Duzinski
Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Angie Dudzinski. I was born and grew up on the farm lands of northeastern Iowa. In middle school, I discovered the world of therapy and started exploring. Quickly, I found that OT was going to be a “just right fit” for me. I attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa getting my BA in Psychology and Masters of Occupational Therapy. I started my career in behavioral health in the Milwaukee area. Life brought us to North Carolina in 2005 and we haven’t looked back. We have lived in all of the regions of NC discovering that we like the mountains the best. Since moving to NC, I have had the opportunity to work exclusively in pediatrics including early intervention, preschool inclusive services, and school based therapy. Over the years, I have found that I truly enjoy spending time with kids and their families. Each kiddo is unique. Each kiddo is special. Each kiddo is reaching out asking for what they need in their lives. I am always honored when they trust me enough to share their needs. Together we can work to set up a world that is unique for them so they are able to shine.
