Child & Family Development, Inc.
Our Mission
Physical Therapy
meet our staff
 
A pediatric physical therapist is a licensed therapist that has specific training and expertise in child focused interventions. PT's work to help a child develop the strength, balance, endurance, and/or coordination necessary for optimal motor function in the school, home, and community. Rehabilitation efforts focus on developing postural, motor, sensory, and self-care skills to maximize functional independence. Thus, children evaluated and treated may exhibit a wide range of problems, including but not limited to congenital/ genetic disorders, neurological impairments, orthopedic conditions, traumatic injuries, metabolic and endocrine disorders, neuromuscular disorders and sensory or perceptual impairments.
 
Physical Therapy Staff
Gail Fennimore, LPT, received a B.S. degree in physical therapy from the University of Tennessee in 1973. The majority of her career has emphasized pediatrics, specializing in neurological and developmental disorders. Gail completed an 8-week NDT training and has attended the 3-week advanced baby course. She also has training in sensory integrative treatment, casting, and manual therapy related to children. Gail has broad experience in a variety of settings, including home, school, and center-based treatment. She has been on staff since 1987, and has more than 30 years of clinical experience.
Erin Harkins, MPT, graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 2007 with a Masters in Physical Therapy, after completing her final clinical internship at Child and Family Development. She is currently studying part-time through a transitional program through the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy by May 2009. Prior to beginning graduate work in Physical Therapy, Erin graduated with distinction from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Chemistry. Erin participated in a research study evaluating the effectiveness of a “constraint induced movement camp” for children with cerebral palsy at UNC. She has worked in both outpatient and acute care prior to joining the Child and Family Development team. Erin has worked with children with a variety of diagnoses; cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorder.
Julie Wells Koenig, MPT, received a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1998. She went on to receive a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in August 2001. Following completion of her MPT, Julie worked as a school-based pediatric physical therapist in Northern New Jersey for three and a half years. She returned to the Charlotte area in January 2005, and worked in pediatric and adult outpatient rehabilitation services at a local hospital. Julie joined Child and Family Development in November 2005. She has experience treating a variety of pediatric diagnoses including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, and sensory integration dysfunction. Julie has special training in the areas of sensory integration, NDT handling techniques, and Pilates. She also leads the aquatic therapy program.
Amy Sturkey, LPT, received a B.S. degree in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1987, graduating first in her class with Phi Beta Kappa status.  On the C&FD team for more than 20 years,  she began as a student intern here in 1987 and joined in 1988.  Amy completed her NDT Certification in 1999 and her Sensory Integration Treatment Practicum in 2000.  She offers treatment intensives and physical therapy- based music and karate groups.  She is an authorized provider for Interactive Metronome, Vital Links, Therapeutic LIstening, and The Listening Program.  She is actively working on her Relationship Development  Intervention (RDI) Certification to enhance intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders.