Pediatric Specialty Associates

03/06/2026

This month is about awareness, but even more than that, it’s about understanding, inclusion, and respect.
Developmental disabilities can affect how a child learns, moves, communicates, or interacts with the world. They may be visible. They may not be. But every child deserves the opportunity to participate, connect, and grow in ways that feel meaningful to them.

03/05/2026

This month, we celebrate children with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. But it does not define a child’s personality, intelligence, potential, or worth.
In early intervention, we focus on:
✨ Supporting functional movement and mobility
✨ Promoting independence in daily routines
✨ Encouraging communication in all forms
✨ Helping families feel confident and equipped

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” a child.
It’s about supporting access, participation, and opportunity.

03/02/2026

Kinsley is graduating PT this month! Her PT, Kaitlyn, said, “When I first started working with Kinsley for PT, she was just 12 months old. Today at 21 months, she is walking everywhere, confidently navigating her environment, and exceeding all of her developmental milestones!

Her hard work (and her family’s dedication!) truly paid off.

Great job, Kinsley! I am so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. Keep shining and exploring the world one confident step at a time!”

02/27/2026

Teresa Smith graduated from University of Indianapolis Occupational therapy school in 1995. She worked in long term care for 3 years when graduating and has worked within the First Steps system for the remainder of her career. She started working within the First Steps System in 1998. She has been with PSA since 2011. Her favorite part of her job is meeting families where they are in their journey with their child. She enjoys making connections with families and empowering them to be proactive for their child and instilling confidence in ways to help their child develop in their home environment. Teresa especially enjoys working with feeding challenges, sensorimotor impairments, and children born prematurely and has participated in numerous trainings in these areas.

When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family to include her husband, Dave, her grown children, Chloe and Caitlyn, and their 13 year old rescue dog, Lokie. Her family loves to travel and adventure together. They love to hike National Parks together as well as have a relaxing vacation at the beach. She also enjoys to read and going to church. She loves to walk and has used this passion to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 day, 60 mile walk for the past 7 years. In this walk she has raised $20,000 to fight cancer which is a cause close to her heart.

02/24/2026

Marie Lothamer is a developmental therapist who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs from Purdue University in 2020. She enjoys supporting many families throughout Indianapolis with their children’s developmental needs. Marie has been working with children in First Steps since 2022 and before that worked as a teacher for IPS. Marie has always believed all children deserve a chance to grow and flourish and wants to give families the tools they need to make that a reality. When she is not busy supporting children and their families, Marie likes to spend her time crafting, thrifting, and trying out new board games and tabletop games!

02/23/2026

If you have questions about your child’s milestones, you don’t have to “wait and see.” You can check and see and we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.

02/18/2026

02/17/2026

We love meeting you where you are! Children who work on skills in their natural environments are more likely to be able to start using those skills in their daily lives.

02/13/2026

Julia Murray is a licensed occupational therapist with over a decade of experience supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University in 2013 and has been a dedicated provider with PSA ever since.

Throughout her career, Julia has pursued extensive continuing education to better serve young children with a wide range of needs. Her specialized training includes feeding and oral motor development, sensory processing, reflex integration, brachial plexus injury treatment, motor control and posture, and supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She became certified in the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding in 2014.

Julia served in board and committee roles with the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association for eight years. In her current role as PSA’s Lead Occupational Therapist, she supports the professional growth of her colleagues by facilitating new hire training and coordinating continuing education opportunities for providers.

Julia is passionate about helping families feel supported, empowered, and informed throughout the therapy journey. She strives to create a positive and nurturing experience for every child and caregiver she works with.

Julia lives in Westfield with her husband and their three children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, tackling home improvement projects, and making lasting memories with her family and friends.

02/11/2026

On February 11, 2026 (2/11), communities across Indiana will recognize 211 day, highlighting the vital role of Indiana 211 as a single, trusted connection to essential health and human services. This year’s theme, “One Call. One Click.
One Indiana.”, emphasizes how Hoosiers can access help anytime, anywhere, by phone or online, with just one simple connection.
On 211 Day, Indiana 211 partners and community organizations are encouraged to spread awareness of the service and remind residents that they are not alone.
When challenges arise, help is just one call or one click away.

02/05/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate culture, community, and history together! Here are some great ways families can get involved locally this month. We’re committed to learning, listening, and supporting a future where every child and family feels seen and valued.