Fax: 817-423-7359
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/L, CIMI
Founder & Lead Occupational Therapist
Certified Infant Massage Instructor
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.
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Katelyn C., OTR/L, 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.
Tina L., OTR, MOT
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Tina is a pediatric occupational therapist with a heart for helping children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
Since graduating in 2018, she has primarily worked in school-based occupational therapy, where she enjoys supporting children in an environment that plays a central role in their development. Tina is excited to bring that same passion and dedication to the clinic at Thrive n Play.
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"Outside of work, I’m a proud wife and mom of four. My faith is the foundation of my life. I love all things pink, reading, crafting, and practicing handwriting (yes, for fun!)"
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!
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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!
Hannah S.
Therapy Technician
Hannah is currently a graduate student working to complete her clinical doctorate degree of occupational therapy (OT) at Texas Woman’s University. Prior to starting OT school, Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. Since college, she has worked with pediatrics and adults in a day care center and in
outpatient clinics. Her lived experiences as a person with a physical disability and as a former 504 student helps me connect deeply with others navigating similar challenges in accessibility and inclusion. Beyond work, Hannah loves being an aunt to her nephew and dancing at home or within a community of other dancers.
Her favorite thing about working at Thrive n Play is getting to see each child's unique strengths and learning how to promote them through play!
Kayla W.
Therapy Technician
Kayla earned an undergraduate degree in Health Science Rehabilitation from the University of Missouri. While at Mizzou, she was a Division 1 athlete and competed in SEC diving competitions. She is currently a graduate student at Texas Woman’s University, working towards a masters in Child Life. Her professional goal is to become a certified Child Life Specialist and work in a children's hospital setting. In her free time, she loves coaching diving and spending time on the lake. Wake surfing is her favorite! One of her favorite things about Thrive n Play is the close, family-like setting that makes everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk in the door!
Jasmine P.
Therapy Technician
Jasmine graduated with honors (Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University, earning a BA in Psychology and a certification in Healthy Development. She comes to us with previous experience in rehabilitation and pediatric therapy settings. She is passionate about pediatric healthcare and is currently working toward her goal to become an occupational therapist. Her favorite thing about working at Thrive n Play is being able to connect and engage with all of our families and offering support, even if it’s just playing with the kiddos! She is one impressive young woman! We are so thrilled to have her as part of our TnP family!
Melanie G.
Client Journey Coordinator
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!