Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Services

Stephanie Piatt has been an integral part of Shining Hope Farms since day one, serving as our first-ever therapist in 2006. As the Lead Occupational Therapist, she brings unparalleled expertise in sensory processing, handwriting development, attention support, and learning readiness, helping children develop the skills they need to thrive.

She is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol, a specialized listening program designed to improve self-regulation and emotional resilience, as well as NeuroNet Step Up to Learn, which integrates balance, auditory, and visual processing to enhance learning outcomes for school-aged children.

With nearly two decades of experience, Stephanie is known for her play-driven, movement-based approach to therapy, ensuring that children build essential skills in a way that feels natural and fun. She is deeply committed to helping kids gain confidence, focus, and independence through engaging, individualized interventions.

Stephanie has witnessed firsthand how Shining Hope Farms’ nature-based and equine-assisted environment transforms therapy outcomes. She is proud to have played a role in shaping this unique and impactful program from the very beginning.

Alexis Bellacera is a Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) at Shining Hope Farms. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from AdventHealth University, following a Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida. Alexis brings diverse pediatric experience to our team, having previously worked in pediatric outpatient therapy at Peak Performance Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy. Her foundational training also includes specialized clinical rotations in the NICU and at a Conductive Education Center for children with Cerebral Palsy.

Alexis loves working with children and specializes in supporting youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.

Her Approach & Expertise
Alexis uses a deeply client-centered and holistic approach, focusing on helping children build the vital skills they need to play, learn, and grow. Her specialized clinical toolkit includes:

• Sensory Integration & Sensory Regulation
• Emotional Regulation & Interoception
• Executive Functioning
• Fine Motor & Visual Motor Skill Development
• Integrating Primitive Reflexes & Sensory-Based Feeding Therapy

“My love for occupational therapy stems from the primary philosophy that people have the innate right to participate in meaningful activities,” Alexis shares. “Treating individuals with a holistic approach allows me to support a variety of needs and ultimately help clients improve their quality of life. My passion for the therapeutic benefits of nature-based and equine therapy makes me so excited to contribute to the mission of Shining Hope Farms.”

Outside the Clinic
True to her passion for hands-on, creative development, when Alexis isn’t helping her clients reach new milestones on the farm, you can find her diving into her favorite hobby: arts and crafts!

Kristin Crawford is a Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) who brings an extraordinary 22 years of pediatric practice to Shining Hope Farms. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne College. Over her distinguished career, she has supported children across every environment—including pediatric outpatient clinics, home-based care, community settings, and school systems—while also serving in departmental leadership, policy development, and clinical mentorship roles.

Kristin’s heart belongs to pediatric care. She has dedicated her career to helping children achieve key developmental milestones, specializing in Sensory Integration Therapy, advanced motor interventions, and child development.

Her Approach & Expertise
Kristin’s passion for occupational therapy began at age 13 when she first witnessed OTs changing lives. Today, she combines decades of clinical expertise with advanced specialized training, including:

• SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests)

• SOS Approach to Feeding (Sequential Oral Sensory)

• NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment)

• Beckman Oral Motor Protocol

• Individualized, Patient-Centered Treatment Plans

“My core philosophy is patient-centered and patient-driven—using our expertise to ensure each child is empowered to do all they can and be all they can in every setting,” Kristin shares. “I have a deep drive to see real gains, to foster change, and to help each child realize they are so much more than a diagnosis. Nature is so profoundly healing, and I am thrilled to combine therapy with nature and horses here at Shining Hope Farms to help our kids reach high!”

Outside the Clinic
Kristin is a proud mom of four who loves swimming, reading, and spending time outdoors. She is a die-hard UCF fan (go Knights!), a football season ticket holder, and an avid Disney fan who visits the parks with her family every chance she gets!

Kristin is accepting new patients at our Conover location!

Dr. Abby Williams is a Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) who holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD). Abby earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Sciences from The College of William and Mary, followed by her Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Boston University. She brings years of diverse, hands-on clinical practice to Shining Hope Farms, most recently serving as a Float Occupational Therapist for Novant Health across both hospital and outpatient pediatric settings.

Abby welcomes a wide variety of diagnoses and thrives on the diversity of her caseload. She holds a special passion for working with children navigating ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome, as well as adults recovering from brain injuries and strokes.

Her Approach and Expertise
Abby is a dedicated, neuro-affirming therapist who believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of meaningful progress. Her clinical toolkit is extensive, featuring advanced certifications and holistic, child-led approaches. Her areas of expertise include:

• Self-Regulation & Sensory Processing

• Functional Vision Rehabilitation (Certified Specialist)

• Brain Injury Rehabilitation (Certified Brain Injury Specialist)

• ICDL DIR Floortime Training

• Reflex Testing and Integration & Neuromuscular Support

• Fine Motor Skills & Handwriting

“Having worked in both hospital and outpatient pediatric settings, I’ve seen firsthand how limiting indoor spaces can be for therapy,” Abby notes. “Nature offers endless opportunities for regulation, sensory input, and motivation. I focus on a holistic approach to ensure that clients and families feel supported across all environments, and I am so excited to spend more time out in nature here at Shining Hope Farms.”

Outside the Clinic
Abby knows a thing or two about teamwork, dedication, and the great outdoors—she was a competitive rower during her college years! When she isn’t on the farm, she carries that same high energy and passion into everything she does.

A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant – Central Piedmont Community College

Nicole Landry is a dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) who brings creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for helping children realize their full potential. She has a special interest in feeding, handwriting development, and assistive technology, and she loves finding innovative ways to support kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, and neurological disorders.

Nicole is ConTiGO-certified and follows the FIPP Coaching and Modeling Approach, working closely with families to ensure therapy strategies carry over into daily life. She has also completed continuing education training through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).

She also works in early intervention, and her clinical experience includes rotations with Catawba County Schools and UNC Chapel Hill’s Acute Inpatient Rehab Center. Nicole’s therapeutic approach is rooted in play-based learning in a natural setting, helping children build skills in a way that feels fun, empowering, and engaging.

For Nicole, working at Shining Hope Farms is the perfect blend of her lifelong belief that nature and animals have properties that can help individuals heal, now backed by science and clinical expertise!

Fun fact: Nicole grew up in a family business centered around greenhouses, making her love for the outdoors and nature-based therapy a natural fit!

Looking for an occupational therapy assistant who makes learning fun and functional? Nicole is accepting new patients!

A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assisting

Julie Barnette is a Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant who brings years of experience, creativity, and compassion to her therapy sessions. She specializes in using purposeful play to help children build motor skills, regulate emotions, and make meaningful progress—all while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Julie has undergone the Hippotherapy Treatment Principles – Part II course through the American Hippotherapy Association and completes a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education every year to stay current with best practices. She has extensive experience working with children and adults in both home health and outpatient settings, and has a special interest in supporting clients with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other orthopedic or neurological conditions.

Before joining Shining Hope Farms full time, Julie worked with Atrium Health’s home health program. Her therapeutic philosophy centers on meeting each client where they are with empathy, building on their personal strengths to help them grow in confidence and independence.

At Shining Hope Farms, Julie is grateful to combine her love for animals and deep commitment to her clients in one incredible setting. She uses therapeutic play, the natural environment, and the support of their amazing therapy horses and farm animals to create a powerful and joyful therapy experience.

Julie lives on a horse farm in Huntersville, NC with her beloved dog Charlie, two horses, one goat, and a chicken—and counts her three children as her best friends. With over 40 years of horse experience, she brings both heart and expertise to every session.

Delane Clark is the Lead Physical Therapist at Shining Hope Farms and a cornerstone of our therapy program, having been with us almost as long as we have been offering therapy services. With an exceptional 31 years of practice dedicated entirely to pediatrics, Delane brings an unmatched depth of clinical expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge to our team.

Delane began her educational journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University. Driven by a passion for deeper clinical understanding, she went on to earn both her Master of Science in Human Movement Science and her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her Approach and Expertise
Delane is highly specialized in pediatric physical therapy and the integration of equine movement into clinical practice, having completed intensive continuing education in Hippotherapy Treatment Principles (Parts I and II). Her clinical philosophy centers on the transformative power of purposeful motion and joyful exploration:

“I believe that exploration and active movement — even the smallest movements — are essential building blocks for motor learning and motor development,” Delane says. “I love getting to work with children at Shining Hope Farms and having the freedom to choose whether our PT sessions are indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both.”

Outside the Clinic
Delane’s passion for growth, nurturing, and the outdoors doesn’t stop when she leaves the farm. In her free time, she channels her love for nature into running her own small flower and produce farm!

B.S., M.S., & Doctorate of Physical Therapy – Ithaca College

With over many years of pediatric physical therapy experience, Kelly Coney Pacious brings expertise, passion, and a whole lot of fun to her therapy sessions. She has a strong background in infant development, torticollis treatment, kinesiotaping, and adaptive equipment management, and she holds specialized certifications as a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist and ConTiGo Certified Therapist.

Kelly has worked in both clinical and home health early intervention settings, helping children with neurological impairments develop strength, mobility, and confidence. She firmly believes in making therapy fun and engaging, ensuring that kids and their families feel empowered and invested in the process. By including family members in sessions whenever possible, she maximizes carryover at home, leading to even greater progress.

At Shining Hope Farms, Kelly loves blending her clinical expertise with a holistic, nature-based approach that kids and families truly enjoy. Plus, she’s surrounded by a team that shares her passion for making a difference.

You may notice that Kelly is often training a service dog, as she has already successfully trained almost 20. Five of her former patients have even received service dogs from the very organization she volunteers with.

Doctorate of Physical Therapy – High Point University

Jessica Meadows is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist with a passion for helping her patients gain confidence and independence in their daily lives. With a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from High Point University and multiple specialized certifications—including Hippotherapy Treatment Level 1, Pelvic Floor, Women’s Health, Dry Needling, and Spinal Manipulation—Jessica brings a well-rounded skill set to Shining Hope Farms.

Jessica believes that therapy doesn’t stop when the session ends. She prioritizes educating patients and their families so they can continue making progress at home and in their everyday routines. She has seen firsthand how incorporating equine movement and nature-based therapy into treatment can lead to profound functional improvements beyond what traditional clinic settings often achieve.

When she’s not making a difference in the lives of her patients, you might find Jessica enjoying her favorite treat—eating ice cream for breakfast!

M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology – San Diego State University
B.A. in Communication Disorders – Colorado State University

With three decades of experience helping children find their voices, Kathy Warner brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and creativity to her speech-language therapy sessions. She is an AHCB Hippotherapy Certified Therapist, with specialized training in Oral Placement Therapy, Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for pediatrics, the Sensory-Motor Approach to Apraxia, extensive pediatric feeding coursework, and the Kaufman Phonological Approach.

Kathy has worked across private pediatric clinics and outpatient rehabilitation centers, supporting children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Apraxia, articulation and phonological delays, speech and language disorders, and oral phase feeding concerns. She believes that every child is a gift and deserves a therapy experience filled with kindness, play, and collaboration. By working closely with families, she ensures that communication skills are not only developed in therapy but carried over into daily life.

For Kathy, combining her love of horses with speech-language therapy has been life-changing—for both her and the children she works with. The dynamic nature of therapy at Shining Hope Farms brings new adventures every day, making communication development more engaging, functional, and fun.

Outside the Clinic
When she’s not helping kids build confidence in their communication skills, you can find Kathy spending time at the barn with her own horse, dog, and cat—or indulging in her favorite treat, cake.