The Thrive n Play Difference
Get to Know Us
Our people and how we approach therapeutic care make all the difference at Thrive n Play. The level of impact, care, and connection is a visceral experience, truly best described by our families.
Read on to learn a little bit about what goes into making the special moments that happen while we Thrive n Play.
Meet The Team!
Jessica Johnson, OTR, CIMI
Founder & Lead Occupational Therapist
Jessica received her Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Texas Woman’s University and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of North Texas. She began her career in private practice alongside talented therapists with strong backgrounds in sensory integration and child development. After a couple years, she transitioned into working with more medically complex infants and children within the Children’s Health system in Dallas. Jessica spent 7 years at Children’s working in the acute hospital setting, inpatient feeding and pulmonary programs, and intensive outpatient feeding program. As a senior level clinician, she served as a subject matter expert in pediatric feeding disorders. As a feeding specialist, she has mentored local clinicians, presented at state and national conferences, and hosted clinical interns from around the country. Jessica has been invited to guest lecture at TWU, UNT, St. Augustine, LSU, Texas Tech University, and the Dominican Republic. In 2022, she became a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) through the International Loving Touch Foundation.
Katelyn C., OTR, BCP
Board Certified in Pediatrics
Senior Occupational Therapist
Originally from Central Florida, Katelyn pursued her passion for healthcare at the University of Florida, earning both a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy. After completing her education, Katelyn began her career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she spent four years working in a large hospital system, expanding access to pediatric care in an underserved region. In 2023, Katelyn earned her Board Certification in Pediatrics from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In 2024, she relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with her husband, Liam, and their dog, Macy. Katelyn is thrilled to bring her skills and knowledge to serve the families in her new community. She has experience working with children across a wide range of diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, and sensory processing disorders. Katelyn is passionate about family-centered, child-led care, believing it leads to the best therapeutic outcomes.
Hannah K., OTR, OTD
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Hannah earned a Bachelors of Science in Allied Health from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman's University. She has strong clinical experience practicing in several settings, including Frisco ISD, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient pediatrics. Her clinical strengths and interests include sensory processing, general motor development, primitive reflex integration, emotional regulation, and fostering independence in daily activities. Hannah is a devoted wife, mother of a toddler, and very active in her church community. She is a part-time special needs coordinator for St. Ann's Catholic Church in Coppell. In her free time, Hannah enjoys riding bikes with her family, grabbing coffee with a friend and going on walks. Her favorite thing about Thrive n Play is how inviting and open the space is for collaboration with families.
Autumn S.
Therapy Technician
Autumn recently earned a bachelors degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. She has been accepted into the Occupational Therapy program at Texas Woman’s University, where she will work toward her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy! She aspires to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Autumn has also had experience as an academic tutor, for both children with autism and dyslexia.
Katie Z.
Therapy Technician
Katie received her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Texas Woman's University. Since her graduation, she works both as a therapy technician and private music instructor. Prior to these professional pursuits, she spent a summer serving the Treasured Vessels Foundation which seeks to provide safe communities to the young survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. All of these experiences have exposed her to serving families and individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are proud to announce that Katie was recently accepted into the Occupational Therapy program at Texas Woman's University!
Her favorite thing about working at Thrive n Play is being able to interact and connect with the special families that come to learn and play!
Kalynn W.
Therapy Technician
Kalynn is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of North Texas and plans to attend Occupational Therapy school to become a pediatric occupational therapist. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, reach milestones, and achieve small victories that can lead to life-changing progress!
Outside of school and work, Kalynn is an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and enjoys volunteering at her church. In her free time, she loves working out, reading, golfing, spending time at the lake, and hanging out with her cat, Nico.
Her favorite part about working at Thrive n Play is the endless opportunities to build connections with children and families while also gaining experience in the field she loves.
Melanie G.
Client Journey Coordinator
As Thrive n Play’s Client Care Coordinator, Melanie is often the first warm and welcoming voice families hear. A devoted mother of three, grandmother of four, and lifelong special-needs parent and caregiver, she brings a depth of compassion and understanding that cannot be learned from a textbook.
She currently helps care for her adult grandson with special needs and understands firsthand the joys, challenges, and emotional weight that can come with navigating services and advocating for someone you love. Her personal experience has made her incredibly knowledgeable, resourceful, and deeply committed to helping every family feel heard, supported, and at home.
Known around Thrive n Play as a “warm hug in human form,” Melanie has a special gift for making people feel comfortable from the very first conversation. She is proud to help families take their first steps toward care and to remind them that they do not have to navigate the journey alone.
From Our Family To Yours
Jessica resides in Flower Mound with her husband, Nick and son, DJ. She is well connected to local providers and educational programs throughout the metroplex. As a mom and healthcare professional, Jessica understands that family time is precious.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your family time!