About our founder
Â
Vanessa MacKay, M.S., OTR/L
Vanessa started Play + Wellness Collective to provide occupational therapy that feels supportive and person affirming. She has been an occupational therapist for over 15 years working almost exclusively in pediatrics. She has experience working in a variety of pediatric practice settings including school-based practice (public, private, and charter), outpatient pediatrics, and early intervention (home health and early learning centers). She graduated in 2005 from The College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion. In 2008, she graduated from The Medical University of South Carolina with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Vanessa earned a health coaching certificate from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2019. She is certified in Unyte Integrated Listening Systems Safe and Sound Protocol and The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism.Â
Vanessa is a caring and empathetic therapist drawing from her broad clinical experience and a personal and familial history of learning disabilities. She uses a holistic, family-centered, strengths-based approach to intervention. She believes both children and caregivers benefit from seeing themselves in a positive light and constructing their lives around what works rather than what doesn’t work. She is an expert at creating a safe space for curiosity, genuine connection, joy, and growth. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys training for triathlons, yoga, breaking bread with friends and family, watching stand-up comedy, and growing her knowledge about the meaning of life via books and podcasts. Her favorite words to live and teach by are “The only thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” -Neil Gaiman.
Â
Â
Â
Meet the rest of our team
Occupational Therapist
Snellville and Conyers
Occupational Therapist
Dekalb and Fulton
Occupational Therapist
Telehealth
Speech-Language Pathologist
Telehealth
 After growing up on Long Island, New York, Adrea attended New York University for her undergraduate degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders before then completing the master's program at the University of the District of Columbia for her degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Since grad school, Adrea has always had a passion for infant and toddler development. She was thrilled to learn about the coaching model within early intervention and to find her niche within the field of speech pathology, working closely with families and empowering them by creating strategies to help their children's development. She particularly is interested in evaluations and she enjoy being a family's first contact in regards to speech services. Before starting in early intervention in 2020, she had also worked in an after-school program with toddlers and school-age children, as well as, with high schoolers and even the geriatric population in a skilled nursing facility setting.
In addition to early intervention, Adrea has a love for traveling and for writing. As the daughter of a first-generation Italian-American, she has always had an appreciation for the dynamics of language, and returning to Southern Italy is her favorite.
Adrea specializes in serving clients 0-3 years of age.
Occupational Therapist
Dekalb and Fulton
Jodi McClain, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Dekalb and Fulton
Jodi McClain is a licensed occupational therapist with over 18 years of experience supporting children and families across clinic, school, home, and community settings. She specializes in evaluating and treating children from 12 months to 18 years old using an eclectic approach grounded in sensory integration, neurodevelopmental, and developmental theories.Â
Jodi is deeply committed to empowering children with neurodevelopmental differences—including Autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, dyspraxia, and other fine and gross motor coordination difficulties—to thrive in their natural environments. Her practice emphasizes collaboration with families, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to promote meaningful participation in daily routines and learning.Â
Throughout her career, Jodi has worked in diverse settings including schools, child development centers, and early intervention. Her international experience includes developing clinical programs and parent workshops in Singapore.Â
An experienced mentor and supervisor, Jodi provides coaching and support to COTAs, therapy aides, and fieldwork students. She has also developed teacher trainings and parent education programs addressing sensory integration, motor development, and self-regulation frameworks such as Zones of Regulation and The Alert Program.Â
Jodi holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware. She is licensed in both Georgia and California, and nationally certified by the NBCOT.Â
Her continuing professional development includes advanced training in Interactive Metronome, Astronaut Training, Therapeutic Yoga for the Child with Developmental Challenges, Social Thinking Curriculum, Handwriting Without Tears, Bal-A-Vis-X, and S’cool Moves.
Teresa Iatridis, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Telehealth
Teresa Iatridis is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with nine years of experience providing care across pediatric, school-based, telehealth, early intervention, geriatric, and acute care settings. She is passionate about expanding access to telehealth services to support clients and families in areas of need.
Teresa’s expertise includes conducting comprehensive evaluations, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing client and caregiver coaching to promote functional independence. She is skilled in coordinating interventions with multidisciplinary teams, advocating for clients, and utilizing technology to enhance therapy delivery and family engagement.
She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy, graduating with high honors. Teresa is nationally board certified (NBCOT) and licensed in multiple states, bringing a strong foundation in clinical reasoning, intervention planning, and evidence-based practice.
Committed to holistic, client-centered care, Teresa combines her clinical expertise with excellent interpersonal skills to support meaningful outcomes for individuals across the lifespan.
Yilmarie Hall, DPT
Physical Therapist
Telehealth
Yilmarie Hall is a licensed physical therapist with over 14 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children and families across home, clinic, and virtual settings. She specializes in early intervention and pediatric physical therapy, supporting children’s gross motor development and functional independence through family-centered, play-based approaches. Fluent in English and Spanish, Yilmarie is committed to providing culturally sensitive care and fostering clear, meaningful communication with families from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout her career, Yilmarie has partnered closely with families, physicians, service coordinators, and multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized plans of care and measurable outcomes. She is highly experienced in early intervention service delivery models, including IFSP development, transition planning, and family coaching.
Yilmarie’s contributions have included designing clinical tools, mentoring families, and expanding pediatric programming within outpatient and community settings. With a warm, collaborative approach and deep expertise in motor development and early childhood intervention, Yilmarie is committed to helping every child reach their highest potential while supporting families through each stage of growth.
Ashlee Carrandi, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Canton
Ashlee Carrandi is a licensed and registered occupational therapist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children and families. Ashlee brings strong clinical skills, collaborative energy, and a service-driven mindset to her practice—helping each child reach their fullest potential across home, school, and community settings.Ashlee has experience providing pediatric occupational therapy in both clinical, educational, and natural learning environments, with a focus on fine and gross motor development, sensory processing, and functional daily living skills.
Ashlee earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in Norcross, GA, and her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness from Jacksonville State University. She is licensed through the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy, certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, and holds an active American Heart Association BLS/CPR certification.
A member of both the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association (GOTA), Ashlee remains committed to lifelong learning and professional development. She is known by colleagues for her strong communication skills, teamwork, and ability to create meaningful connections with clients and families to promote lasting functional growth.
Tori Oldham, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Woodstock
Tori received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Georgia. She earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2018.
Tori has worked in diverse environments—including inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, schools, and early intervention programs. Her background includes supporting children recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as those with developmental, sensory, and behavioral needs.
Tori is nationally certified by the NBCOT and licensed in Georgia, with additional certification in physical agent modalities (C-PAM). Tori is trained and certified in specialized approaches such as the Learn Play Thrive strengths-based model for autism and Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training and Reflex Integration, Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding, and Management of Visual Deficits in Children. Tori values getting outdoors and loves to incorporate nature-based play into her therapy sessions.
In her free time, Tori enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog, Maple. She enjoys trail running, watching college football, listening to live music, and crafting of all types.
Dr. Brittany D. Lawrence, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Dacula and Lawrenceville
Brittany graduated from Brenau University in 2019 with a Master's in Science of Occupational. She began working in the outpatient pediatric setting, and then transitioned into the school system after giving birth to her daughter. She returned to school a few years later, attending the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where she received her Post Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy in 2024, focusing on how perinatal mood and anxiety disorders impact mothers and their ability to bond with their child.
Along with being a pediatric occupational therapist, providing services to children in the public school system and in the outpatient setting, Brittany is also a maternal occupational therapist. After the birth of her daughter, she noticed a gap in supportive services for women who were navigating through the pre/postpartum phases, and felt the need to help where she could. Therefore, she joined the board of a non-profit organization that provides an array of supportive services to women transitioning through motherhood, and she opened up her own practice where she provides free 1-1 supportive sessions for moms in need.
Brittany is also a certified Mat Pilates Instructor. Pilates really helped her rebuild her core strength and postural control after having her daughter, so she wanted to be able to facilitate classes to like women who could possibly receive the same benefit.
When not working (which seems like never..lol), she likes to enjoy time with her family and travel as much as possible. She just got married in 2024, and she is the mom of a 16 year old athlete and an energetic 3 year old toddler.
Brittany's favorite quote is "Y.O.L.O." (You only live once). She believes that life is meant to be lived, adventures are meant to taken, memories are meant to be made!
McKenzie Dodson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jackson and Telehealth
McKenzie Dodson is a licensed speech-language pathologist with specialized expertise in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. She is passionate about helping children build safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate relationships with food while supporting families in creating mealtime environments that foster confidence and connection.
McKenzie currently provides individualized speech and feeding therapy and enjoys working with children presenting with a range of developmental delays, speech-language disorders, and sensory-based feeding challenges. Her work emphasizes collaboration with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and families to create holistic, interdisciplinary treatment plans that promote meaningful progress across settings.
Her clinical background includes experience in outpatient pediatrics, school-based services, and adult outpatient and acute care settings. She has treated patients across the lifespan with a large range of diagnoses. McKenzie is skilled in interpreting Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS), implementing feeding interventions, and coordinating care with multidisciplinary medical teams including ENT, GI, and radiology professionals.
McKenzie earned both her Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology and Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of West Georgia, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her approach integrates clinical expertise with warmth, creativity, and family partnership to support each child’s growth in communication and feeding.
Ivonne Rodriguez, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Telehealth
Ivonne is a bilingual English-Spanish speech-language pathologist dedicated to providing meaningful and culturally responsive care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Puerto Rico, RĂo Piedras Campus in 2010, and later completed her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Ana G. MĂ©ndez University in Gurabo, Puerto Rico in 2019.
That same year, Ivonne relocated to Georgia, where she began her career serving school-aged children in Henry County Schools. Since the summer of 2021, she has transitioned to early intervention and clinical settings, where she continues to support children and families through individualized, play-based, and functional approaches to communication.
Outside of her professional work, Ivonne enjoys the beach, discovering local coffee shops and restaurants with her husband, and staying active outdoors with her two golden retrievers. She loves road trips, scenic hikes, and finding new adventures along the way.
Naeha Sur, M.S., OTR/L, CLC
Occupational Therapist
Canton, Woodstock, and Telehealth
Naeha received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and an advanced training as a Certified Lactation Counselor from the Healthy Children Project.
For more than a decade, Naeha has dedicated her career to supporting children as they grow, learn, and build the foundations for lifelong development. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings — from outpatient clinics to early‑intervention home health — giving her a deep understanding of how children thrive across different environments. Her clinical work centers on sensory processing, milestone development, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and supporting families through the earliest years of growth. Whether she is helping a toddler build confidence in new motor skills or guiding a parent through a challenging season, Naeha brings a calm, relational approach that helps families feel understood and supported.
Naeha’s practice blends evidence‑based pediatric occupational therapy with specialized training in infant feeding and early motor development. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, she supports families navigating feeding challenges and brings advanced training in tummy‑time facilitation, bodywork approaches, reflex integration, vestibular and oculomotor development, trauma‑informed care, and sensory‑based regulation strategies. She has extensive experience with reflex integration, fascial release,  fine‑motor and visual‑motor development, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. Her background includes years of hands‑on work with children with autism, sensory processing differences, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and genetic conditions. She also provides parent‑coaching and teletherapy support, helping families weave therapeutic strategies naturally into everyday routines.
Outside of her professional life, Naeha is a mom who understands firsthand the joys and challenges of early childhood. She loves exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with her own children — experiences that continually shape her belief in connection, play, and everyday moments as powerful tools for development.
Celina Andrews, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Canton Daycares and Telehealth
Celina holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She has been a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist for over 13 years, bringing a wealth of clinical experience that spans early intervention, pediatric outpatient clinics, telehealth, and school-based settings. Holding active licenses in both Georgia and Florida,Celina is deeply committed to providing individualized and compassionate care to the families she serves.
As an OT dedicated to the early intervention population, Celina is passionate about supporting infants and toddlers during their most critical window of development. She recognizes that a child's first few years lay the foundation for their future, and she thrives on partnering with families to navigate this journey. Celina specializes in early motor development, sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, neuroception, and teaching co-regulation strategies to support early emotional and behavioral milestones. Using a collaborative, coaching-model approach, Celina empowers parents and caregivers by seamlessly integrating practical, play-based therapeutic strategies directly into the family's natural, everyday routines. Her goal is to ensure every child and family feels supported, confident, and equipped with the tools they need to reach their full potential at home and in their community.
Outside of her professional role, Celina loves spending time with her husband, her son, her daughter, and their two dogs, Millie and Theo!Â
Emily Jordan, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
 Woodstock, Canton, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody
Emily Jordan is an Occupational Therapist with a diverse professional background in acute care, orthopedics, and aging in place. After spending several years working in acute care, Emily stepped away from clinical practice to focus on raising her two young children, ages 2 and 5. She is excited to bring her experience and passion for supporting independence into the field of pediatric occupational therapy.
Emily holds an Executive Certificate in Home Modifications and Design (ECHM) through the University of Southern California and is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage through the Klose Method. Her background in functional independence and environmental modifications allows her to take a holistic approach to therapy, considering not only the child’s needs but also the needs of the entire family.
Emily is passionate about working with children and helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to become more independent in their everyday lives. She looks forward to partnering with families to create meaningful, practical strategies that support each child’s growth and participation at home and in the community.
Dr. India Brown, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
 Dekalb
Dr. India Brown was born and raised in South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Gannon University. As an Occupational Therapist, India has experience across the lifespan, including early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, inpatient rehabilitation, and maternal health. Her passion for maternal health also led her to pursue specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, and she holds a Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute Level 1 certification. India’s commitment to evidence-based practice extends beyond the clinical setting. Her doctoral research focused on the effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for children with hemiparesis associated with cerebral palsy. This work resulted in a systematic review being published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), highlighting her continued interest in advancing evidence-based approaches within occupational therapy and pediatric care.Â
Her clinical experience includes working with children with developmental delays and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, supporting fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care skills, motor planning, and overall participation in daily routines. She especially enjoys working with children and families and values creating meaningful experiences that support development and function. Â
Outside of her professional work, India enjoys traveling and has visited 19 countries and counting! She also loves reading, crafting, and discovering new coffee shops in her free time.Â
Jonathan Bullen, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
 Dekalb and Fulton
Jonathan Bullen is a registered and licensed occupational therapist, who serves the Northeast section of Metro-Atlanta. He is certified with the NBCOT and licensed in the state of Georgia.
Jonathan obtained his graduate degree from Brenau University. During that time, he was the Vice-President of the Pi Theta Epsilon Honors Society. He was a recipient of the Sara Brayman Scholarship, and he was a recipient of the Outstanding OT Grad Student Award.
Jonathan has 12 years of experience in pediatrics. He has extensive knowledge of Sensory-Integration and Self-Regulation strategies. He also has extensive experience with evidence-based programs, such as The Zones of Regulation, Brain Gym, and Learning Without Tears.
Jonathan currently works in both the school setting and early intervention, where he helps kids with developmental disabilities achieve independence and functionality in their everyday lives.Â
Kayla DeLoach, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
 South Fulton
Kayla is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with nearly seven years of experience providing occupational therapy services. She brings significant experience working with the pediatric population in an outpatient setting.
Kayla earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Tuskegee University, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class, held leadership positions, and was actively involved in various organizations. Throughout her career, she has gained experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses and developmental needs, including cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and Down syndrome.
Kayla is passionate about providing high-quality, individualized care and believes in continuously learning and developing her skills to better support the children and families she serves. She strives to create a positive, encouraging, and engaging therapeutic environment where each child feels supported in reaching their fullest potential.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her loved ones, dancing, working out, and exploring her creative side through DIY projects and creating new things. She also appreciates the simple joys in life—and a good burger! Her ability to find joy in the little things is one of the qualities that makes her a kid at heart.
Leia Manktelow, MHS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Canton and Woodstock
Leia has been a licensed pediatric occupational therapist since 2010 and holds a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including hospital-based outpatient, school-based, and early intervention settings.
Leia is passionate about helping young children build the skills they need to participate, connect, and thrive in their everyday lives. She has a strong background in early childhood development and developmental delays, sensory processing, and fostering functional daily living skills. Leia takes a playful, relationship-centered approach, partnering with families to support development, independence, and participation in everyday routines.
When she is not working, Leia enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active with her husband and three sons. She loves creative projects of all kinds, cooking, and listening to a good audiobook.
Chelsea Wheeler, CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist
McDonough, Covington, and Telehealth
Insurance and Compliance Manager
Lorena Marie Xu
Therapy Services Coordinator
Lorena is a licensed Physical Therapist in the Philippines and a certified Healthcare Virtual Assistant. She supports patients and families by guiding them through the new patient onboarding process, coordinating with therapists, managing schedules, and handling calls and messages related to therapy services.
Beyond her professional role, Lorena enjoys spending quality moments with her family, friends, and pets. She also appreciates relaxing at home with a good series, discovering new cafes, and exploring new activities. She has a passion for travel, whether through out-of-town getaways or international trips, as it allows her to embrace new experiences and broaden her perspective.
Lorena is dedicated to providing reliable support and seamless coordination to ensure patients and families receive the best care experience possible.
Rika Mae Semblante
Practice Support Specialist
Rika is a dedicated virtual assistant and administrative support team member with a passion for organization, efficiency, and helping teams succeed. A graduate with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Holy Cross College of Davao, Philippines, Rika combines her academic knowledge with strong administrative skills to provide reliable support in daily operations, scheduling, documentation, and communication.
Outside of work, Rika enjoys watching movies and reading electronic books. She is an active person who loves playing sports like volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and often jogs with her siblings or friends. Traveling with her siblings and cousins is one of her favorite things to do, and she loves spending free time with friends. Rika has a deep love for beaches and sunsets, finding peace in the natural beauty they offer.
Sign up our monthly newsletter!Â
Get our favorite activities, strategies, and toys delivered to your inbox every month.
Â
We won't send spam. Unsubscribe at any time.