Let’s Get to Know Each Other
Pediatric therapists. Results driven. Compassionate. Round head enthusiasts.
Each one of us, no matter the role, has a commitment to our patients to make the road to a round head and normal development as easy as possible. This starts with the initial process of referring a baby, figuring out the insurance game and then starting treatment as quickly as possible. We pride ourselves on formulating home programs that cater to a family’s individual lifestyle and schedule. We have proven that modifying day to day activities can have huge impacts on a baby and their overall well-being.
we know our stuff!
Baby Begin has treated over 6000 babies worldwide since 2008 and we are just getting started!
After working for the leading helmet provider for 8 years, Jennifer saw there was a clear gap in education for new parents regarding plagiocephaly and torticollis. They just were not getting essential information about conservative treatment for these conditions and their babies were ending up with significant skull deformities. Her goal of ending plagiocephaly started then and now her mission is to eradicate flat head syndrome – worldwide.
She has become an expert on treating torticollis and correcting flat heads without a helmet and trains passionate therapists all over the world to do the same.
the team
Jennifer Barnard
Occupational Therapist/Founder
Occupational Therapist/Founder
Jennifer has been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 20 years and really, just loves babies. Always has. She is married, has three daughters, 2 dogs and 8 turtles. She loves a good bike ride, walks with the pups and connecting with friends over a cool margarita.
She thrives on making a small but significant difference in families’ lives and seeing the improvements in head shapes STILL makes her giddy. She loves to teach other professionals and is ready to build her army of therapists worldwide to change the way plagiocephaly is treated.
fun facts
Jennifer Barnard
Occupational Therapist/Founder
Occupational Therapist/Founder
Jennifer has been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 20 years and really, just loves babies. Always has. She is married, has three daughters, 2 dogs and 8 turtles. She loves a good bike ride, walks with the pups and connecting with friends over a cool margarita.
She thrives on making a small but significant difference in families’ lives and seeing the improvements in head shapes STILL makes her giddy. She loves to teach other professionals and is ready to build her army of therapists worldwide to change the way plagiocephaly is treated.
fun facts
Barnard
Leah Marshall
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Leah grew up in Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana State University where she majored in Kinesiology and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center where she majored in Occupational Therapy. She has 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist, with the majority of those years in the pediatric setting. She and her husband have three active boys.
Her favorite thing about her job is seeing amazing outcomes when parents are given the tools to help their babies. She loves the reaction every day when a parent sees their baby comfortable with tummy time.
fun facts
Leah Marshall
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Leah grew up in Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana State University where she majored in Kinesiology and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center where she majored in Occupational Therapy. She has 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist, with the majority of those years in the pediatric setting. She and her husband have three active boys.
Her favorite thing about her job is seeing amazing outcomes when parents are given the tools to help their babies. She loves the reaction every day when a parent sees their baby comfortable with tummy time.
fun facts
Marshall
Jana Graber
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Jana has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 26 years. Being a mother has been the joy of her life. She has raised two boys and is blessed to be a grandmother to her 7 year old grandson.
Jana loves working for Baby Begin because she loves seeing the progress in the babies and showing parents how to help their little ones.
fun facts
Jana Graber
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Jana has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 26 years. Being a mother has been the joy of her life. She has raised two boys and is blessed to be a grandmother to her 7 year old grandson.
Jana loves working for Baby Begin because she loves seeing the progress in the babies and showing parents how to help their little ones.
fun facts
Graber
Kerri Covington
Parent Educator/Newborn Care Specialist
parent educator/newborn care specialist
Kerri received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and has a vast range of work experience over the years while she primarily stayed home to raise her own 4 babies. Now that her kids are older, she is excited to join forces with Baby Begin again as a Parent Educator/Newborn Care Specialist. She enjoys sharing her expertise with babies as well as what she has learned from working with Jennifer. Her favorite thing about this job is helping parents feel empowered to confidently and positively care for their babies' development and then see the amazing outcomes we can help them achieve.
In her free time, Kerri loves to read, go on long walks or bike rides with her kids, sit and talk with friends, create things, and travel.
fun facts
Kerri Covington
Parent Educator/Newborn Care Specialist
parent educator/newborn care specialist
Kerri received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and has a vast range of work experience over the years while she primarily stayed home to raise her own 4 babies. Now that her kids are older, she is excited to join forces with Baby Begin again as a Parent Educator/Newborn Care Specialist. She enjoys sharing her expertise with babies as well as what she has learned from working with Jennifer. Her favorite thing about this job is helping parents feel empowered to confidently and positively care for their babies' development and then see the amazing outcomes we can help them achieve.
In her free time, Kerri loves to read, go on long walks or bike rides with her kids, sit and talk with friends, create things, and travel.
fun facts
Covington
Katie Winston
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Katie grew up in Midland, Texas and graduated from The University of Texas with a BA in Biochemistry and Texas Woman’s University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has 8 years of experience as a physical therapist in a range of settings within pediatrics, including outpatient, acute care, intensive care, and her favorite, NICU. In all settings, she has seen first hand the effects of deliberate repositioning and purposeful play, and is thrilled to help support and empower parents and caregivers to help their babies progress. Nothing beats helping babies learn and grow! When not working, she can be found chasing her 2 active kids with her husband, in a Pilates studio, playing tennis, or painting.
fun facts
Katie Winston
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Katie grew up in Midland, Texas and graduated from The University of Texas with a BA in Biochemistry and Texas Woman’s University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has 8 years of experience as a physical therapist in a range of settings within pediatrics, including outpatient, acute care, intensive care, and her favorite, NICU. In all settings, she has seen first hand the effects of deliberate repositioning and purposeful play, and is thrilled to help support and empower parents and caregivers to help their babies progress. Nothing beats helping babies learn and grow! When not working, she can be found chasing her 2 active kids with her husband, in a Pilates studio, playing tennis, or painting.
fun facts
Winston
Ellen Enright
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Ellen loves helping parents help their babies have a great start to meeting their developmental milestones. Ellen enjoys meeting wonderful people and most of all, loving on lots of sweet babies! She’s always worked with children.
fun facts
Ellen Enright
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Ellen loves helping parents help their babies have a great start to meeting their developmental milestones. Ellen enjoys meeting wonderful people and most of all, loving on lots of sweet babies! She’s always worked with children.
fun facts
Enright
Jackie Rollier
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Jackie’s favorite part of her job is helping parents help their babies...and also have FUN with their babies! She loves it when a parent “checks in” with her just to brag on something awesome their baby did.
fun facts
Jackie Rollier
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Jackie’s favorite part of her job is helping parents help their babies...and also have FUN with their babies! She loves it when a parent “checks in” with her just to brag on something awesome their baby did.
fun facts
Rollier
Rachel Harris
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Rachel is passionate about helping families to ensure their little one has the best start at life possible. She is dedicated to our mission to eradicate plagiocephaly and loves working with parents to support their baby’s overall development.
Rachel’s favorite part of her job is supporting parents and baby’s development! With Baby Begin she loves working with families in their home environment and fitting into their life/schedule. She thinks that is part of the secret of why Baby Begin is more successful than typical outpatient!
fun facts
Rachel Harris
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Rachel is passionate about helping families to ensure their little one has the best start at life possible. She is dedicated to our mission to eradicate plagiocephaly and loves working with parents to support their baby’s overall development.
Rachel’s favorite part of her job is supporting parents and baby’s development! With Baby Begin she loves working with families in their home environment and fitting into their life/schedule. She thinks that is part of the secret of why Baby Begin is more successful than typical outpatient!
fun facts
Harris
Victoria Coats
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Victoria received her BA in Psychology from Baylor University and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Stephen F Austin University. After experiencing the challenges of having a child with disabilities, Victoria decided to shift into a more personally rewarding career helping parents and children. She returned to school and graduated with a MA in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. The majority of her experience has been in the NICU and early intervention.
As a parent of a child who had torticollis and plagiocephaly, Victoria has a passion for supporting caregivers throughout this journey.
fun facts
Victoria Coats
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Victoria received her BA in Psychology from Baylor University and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Stephen F Austin University. After experiencing the challenges of having a child with disabilities, Victoria decided to shift into a more personally rewarding career helping parents and children. She returned to school and graduated with a MA in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. The majority of her experience has been in the NICU and early intervention.
As a parent of a child who had torticollis and plagiocephaly, Victoria has a passion for supporting caregivers throughout this journey.
fun facts
Coats
Lauren Spelman
Director of Sales
Director of Sales
After many years in supply chain management in corporate America, Lauren fell in love with sales and leaped into taking Baby Begin to the next level! She has loved growing referral sources, managing the Instagram page, and working for a small business. Her favorite part about her job is seeing how happy our patients are when we can keep them out of helmets. In her spare time, you can find her on the tennis court (@catchusonthecourt) and spending time with her husband, Joseph, and puppy dog, Charlie.
fun facts
Lauren Spelman
Director of Sales
Director of Sales
After many years in supply chain management in corporate America, Lauren fell in love with sales and leaped into taking Baby Begin to the next level! She has loved growing referral sources, managing the Instagram page, and working for a small business. Her favorite part about her job is seeing how happy our patients are when we can keep them out of helmets. In her spare time, you can find her on the tennis court (@catchusonthecourt) and spending time with her husband, Joseph, and puppy dog, Charlie.
fun facts
Spelman
Elise Makalous
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Elise grew up in Dallas and graduated from The University of Texas where she majored in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood. She then completed her DPT at UTMB in Galveston. She has 10 years of experience as a physical therapist, the majority in pediatric acute care, in addition to several years of pediatric home health experience. She and her husband have three active boys. When she is not chasing them, she enjoys playing tennis, riding the Peloton and hosting dinner parties with friends!
Her favorite thing about her job is empowering parents in caring for their children, each according to their own unique situations, needs and resources.
fun facts
Elise Makalous
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Elise grew up in Dallas and graduated from The University of Texas where she majored in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood. She then completed her DPT at UTMB in Galveston. She has 10 years of experience as a physical therapist, the majority in pediatric acute care, in addition to several years of pediatric home health experience. She and her husband have three active boys. When she is not chasing them, she enjoys playing tennis, riding the Peloton and hosting dinner parties with friends!
Her favorite thing about her job is empowering parents in caring for their children, each according to their own unique situations, needs and resources.
fun facts
Makalous
Karilyn Todd
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Karilyn has enjoyed watching Baby Begin grow from an idea to a thriving business, helping families all over the world. She is the proud mother of Jennifer and enjoys helping with Baby Begin operations wherever she can.
She is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court, and loves to travel and spend time with her family.
fun facts
Karilyn Todd
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Karilyn has enjoyed watching Baby Begin grow from an idea to a thriving business, helping families all over the world. She is the proud mother of Jennifer and enjoys helping with Baby Begin operations wherever she can.
She is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court, and loves to travel and spend time with her family.
fun facts
Todd
Ann Griffith
Insurance Coordinator
Insurance Coordinator
Ann comes from a background in finance, ministry and healthcare. She loves working with parents and helping them understand their benefits for the new members of their families. "Life goes quickly, so if I can answer these questions so they can enjoy the important stuff, it's a win."
She shares her life with her husband, David, and two teenagers, Grace and Josiah. In her spare time, she knits, runs, and reads.
fun facts
Ann Griffith
Insurance Coordinator
Insurance Coordinator
Ann comes from a background in finance, ministry and healthcare. She loves working with parents and helping them understand their benefits for the new members of their families. "Life goes quickly, so if I can answer these questions so they can enjoy the important stuff, it's a win."
She shares her life with her husband, David, and two teenagers, Grace and Josiah. In her spare time, she knits, runs, and reads.
fun facts
Griffith
Jodie Thompson
Patient Coordinator
Patient Coordinator
Jodie’s favorite part of her job is getting to see all the amazing improvements in before and after photos on a daily basis. She is still in awe of how Baby Begin's repositioning techniques have such incredible results. She also enjoys the flexibility to work at home around her family's schedule.
fun facts
Jodie Thompson
Patient Coordinator
Patient Coordinator
Jodie’s favorite part of her job is getting to see all the amazing improvements in before and after photos on a daily basis. She is still in awe of how Baby Begin's repositioning techniques have such incredible results. She also enjoys the flexibility to work at home around her family's schedule.
fun facts
Thompson
Jenn Diedrich
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Jenn is a native Texan who graduated from Southern Methodist University with a dual major in Psychology and Biological Sciences. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Hardin-Simmons University and has been serving the pediatric population ever since! Jenn and her husband’s lives are filled with joy, and ruled, by two spunky girls. Jenn is a true problem solver and adores helping caregivers find solutions to make everyday a good day. She is most excited to be a positive change in every family and baby's life.
fun facts
Jenn Diedrich
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Jenn is a native Texan who graduated from Southern Methodist University with a dual major in Psychology and Biological Sciences. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Hardin-Simmons University and has been serving the pediatric population ever since! Jenn and her husband’s lives are filled with joy, and ruled, by two spunky girls. Jenn is a true problem solver and adores helping caregivers find solutions to make everyday a good day. She is most excited to be a positive change in every family and baby's life.
fun facts
Diedrich
Vanesa Sierra
Physical Therapist
physical therapist
Vanesa grew up in Houston, TX and graduated from the University of Houston where she majored in Kinesiology and minored in Nutrition sciences. She attended Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has several years of clinical experience with the majority of these years in the pediatric setting. She is also bilingual in both English and Spanish. She and her husband are proud dog parents of their sweet Pitbull and Doberman.
Her favorite thing about her job is the connection she is able to make with families on both a personal and professional level. She finds great satisfaction when she is able to assist a child in achieving their goals and empowering parents with knowledge and confidence.
fun facts
Vanesa Sierra
Physical Therapist
physical therapist
Vanesa grew up in Houston, TX and graduated from the University of Houston where she majored in Kinesiology and minored in Nutrition sciences. She attended Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has several years of clinical experience with the majority of these years in the pediatric setting. She is also bilingual in both English and Spanish. She and her husband are proud dog parents of their sweet Pitbull and Doberman.
Her favorite thing about her job is the connection she is able to make with families on both a personal and professional level. She finds great satisfaction when she is able to assist a child in achieving their goals and empowering parents with knowledge and confidence.
fun facts
Sierra
Beth Gist
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Beth was born and raised in Central Texas. She graduated from The University of North Texas with a BA in Psychology (thinking she would hunt down criminals) but oh how life changes! After realizing she was more of a helper than a hunter, she pursued an MS degree in occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis. Beth has 22 years experience as an OT and 16 of those years working with children and their families.
Her favorite thing about her job is empowering parents! Teaching parents how to feel comfortable with hands on strategies and that their baby ALWAYS responds best to them is why I love being a pediatric OT!
fun facts
Beth Gist
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Beth was born and raised in Central Texas. She graduated from The University of North Texas with a BA in Psychology (thinking she would hunt down criminals) but oh how life changes! After realizing she was more of a helper than a hunter, she pursued an MS degree in occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis. Beth has 22 years experience as an OT and 16 of those years working with children and their families.
Her favorite thing about her job is empowering parents! Teaching parents how to feel comfortable with hands on strategies and that their baby ALWAYS responds best to them is why I love being a pediatric OT!
fun facts
Gist
Callie Cantrell
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Callie grew up in Austin, Texas and attended Baylor University where she majored in Medical Humanities and went on to get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She has almost 2 years of experience as a physical therapist both of which are in the pediatric setting. In her spare time you can find her spending time with her husband, Kyle, going to Pilates, or reading a book!
Her favorite part of her job is empowering parents with the tools and skills needed for them to confidently care for their little ones. She is excited to bring a positive and peaceful environment into the homes with her.
fun facts
Callie Cantrell
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Callie grew up in Austin, Texas and attended Baylor University where she majored in Medical Humanities and went on to get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She has almost 2 years of experience as a physical therapist both of which are in the pediatric setting. In her spare time you can find her spending time with her husband, Kyle, going to Pilates, or reading a book!
Her favorite part of her job is empowering parents with the tools and skills needed for them to confidently care for their little ones. She is excited to bring a positive and peaceful environment into the homes with her.
fun facts
Cantrell
Amy Vargas
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Amy has enjoyed working with babies over 20 years with specialized care in the treatment of torticollis and plagiocephaly, including five years with helmet therapy. Her passion is empowering families! She loves spending time with her own family and three children.
fun facts
Amy Vargas
Occupational Therapist
occupational therapist
Amy has enjoyed working with babies over 20 years with specialized care in the treatment of torticollis and plagiocephaly, including five years with helmet therapy. Her passion is empowering families! She loves spending time with her own family and three children.
fun facts
Vargas
Lori Boyd
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Lori grew up in the state of Maine and graduated from the University of New England with a B.S. in Physical Therapy. She later attained her Clinical Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University. She has 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and the past 14 years has specialized in the pediatric setting. She is a proud mom of 3 grown boys, including twins! Her favorite part about her job is working with babies and their families to achieve their goals by being both a professional PT and a mom who has been in their shoes. She loves to help families by providing them with knowledge and tools and then cheering on each success alongside them.
fun facts
Lori Boyd
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist
Lori grew up in the state of Maine and graduated from the University of New England with a B.S. in Physical Therapy. She later attained her Clinical Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University. She has 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and the past 14 years has specialized in the pediatric setting. She is a proud mom of 3 grown boys, including twins! Her favorite part about her job is working with babies and their families to achieve their goals by being both a professional PT and a mom who has been in their shoes. She loves to help families by providing them with knowledge and tools and then cheering on each success alongside them.
fun facts
Boyd