About Us

We believe in working closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive and effective treatment plans for each child.

WHO WE ARE

The care your child deserves

What distinguishes us at Strive Pediatrics is our commitment to achieving real, measurable results through a compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic approach. Seeing your baby and child as a whole child, we consider factors beyond specific concerns, delving into whole-body movement patterns, oral function, feeding and sleep routines, and overall health.

Why families love Strive Pediatrics

OUR VALUES

Care

We offer expert, compassionate care tailored to their child's individual needs. Our holistic approach focuses on addressing concerns early, ensuring optimal development and growth.

Support

We demystify the journey of infant development through childhood, providing parents with the support, validation, and insights they need to navigate with confidence.

Excellence

With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of pediatric care, Strive Pediatrics is the trusted partner parents can rely on for their child's well-being and future success.

What makes Strive Pediatrics different…

The child comes first

Our guiding principle is to answer the question: "What is best for the child?" We approach each treatment session as if your child were our own.

A modern approach

The “wait-and-see” method is antiquated and outdated. Knowledge is power and early intervention makes a difference in the wellbeing of your child.

Focused on results

We are serious about maximizing function and reaching positive outcomes with an evidence based approach. We assess, measure, and rigorously drive toward results. Together we will achieve the objectives outlined in the treatment plan.

Meet the Team

Strive Pediatrics has a growing team of therapists with different backgrounds and specialties allowing us to treat your child’s specific needs with a whole body approach. All our therapists are well versed in all areas of development. 

Dr. Katie Kennedy

FOUNDER

 PT, DPT, PCS, NTMTC, CEIM

Infant & Pediatric Physical Therapy, CFT, Wellness 

Welcome to Strive Pediatrics, As a mother and Infant and Pediatric Physical Therapist, I understand firsthand the overwhelming challenges that come with motherhood, especially when our little ones struggle to eat, sleep, and feel comfortable in their body. That's why I founded Strive Pediatrics—to provide compassionate support and expert care from the very beginning.At Strive Pediatrics, we empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to support their baby's growth and well-being at every stage.

  • I have specialized in pediatrics since my last clinical rotation at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). My clinical expertise ranges from treating children in the outpatient, acute care, homehealth and aquatic therapy settings. I further specialized in infants while spending 5 years working in the nation leading IV NICU and CICU setting with the opportunity to follow these babies after discharge. With my wide range of specialized pediatric physical therapy experience I recognized the gaps for both healthy and medically complex kids and understand the importance of specializing and individualized care that is always asking “How can I better support this child and their family”.. That's why Strive Pediatrics offers Infant Physical Therapy and Pediatric Physical Therapy as separate services while also providing Wellness to meet your child's unique needs.

    • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University

    • Board Certified Clinical Pediatric Specialist, American Physical Therapy Association

    • Gillespie Approach - Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Certification (CFT)

    • TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Trained

    • Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Infant Massage USA

    • Neonatal Touch & Massage Certification, Neonatal Certification

Dr. Kayla Robins

 PT, DPT

Physical Therapist and Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)

Welcome to Strive Pediatrics! My name is Dr. Kayla Robins. I am a mother and a Physical Therapist with a diverse background of personal and professional experience that has led me to specialize in my passion; supporting pediatric patients and their families in their journeys to achieve their gross motor goals! 

  • I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University in 2016 and my Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Texas State University in 2021. My clinical experience includes inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedics, geriatrics, and pediatrics. After the birth of my first child, and firsthand experience with the challenges of oral motor dysfunction and torticollis, I developed a personal interest in further specializing in pediatrics and joined the team at Strive. In my practice, I strive to embody a holistic and integrative approach to Physical Therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness while prioritizing continuing education to maintain excellence in treatment and outcomes.

    • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Texas State University

    • Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Texas State University

    • Gillespie Approach - Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)

    • TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Trained

    • Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR) Certified

    • American Physical Therapy Association Member

Lauren Parcell

PTA, Level B DMI

Pediatric Physical Therapy, DMI, Theratogs & Wellness

Hi y’all, my name is Lauren Parcell! I am a Texas Longhorn alumni who has been providing physical therapy to the pediatric population for the past 10 years addressing the concerns and impairments amongst a wide variety of diagnoses. I truly feel like I am a kid stuck in a 36 year-old body making my charismatic energy and silly personality a match made in heaven for all ages! I am very driven to keep up with what’s trending in the pediatric therapy space while always looking for new ways to maximize the potential for every patient.

  • I specialize in a variety of techniques and modalities such as DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention), NMES, TheraTogs, Whole Body Vibration plate and comes with a wide knowledge on orthotics/footwear. During my free time I love catching live music with my husband, going on hikes with our dog Willie Nelson and crocheting while watching HGTV.

    • Bachelor of Science, Human Development & Family Sciences, The University of Texas

    • Associates in Physical Therapy, HCC

    • Introductory Level B Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Certified

    • Certified TheraTogs Fitter

Tracy Moss

PT, DPT, CBS

Pediatric Physical Therapy, DMI, Theratogs & Wellness

Hi! I'm Tracy Moss, a mom to two boys and a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, primarily in pediatrics. I love working with infants and children in all stages of development and my passion lies in helping babies and their families during those cherished beginning stages of life. As a mom and a PT, I consider it a privilege to offer positive support, education, and guidance to help families reach their goals with their little one.

  • I specialize in infant and pediatric development with extensive post-graduate continuing education in pediatrics. I am particularly passionate about helping babies who struggle with feeling good in their body due to colic, gas, and overall body tension. My training includes manual techniques for addressing muscular, fascial, joint, and oral motor restrictions, such as infant massage, myofascial and trigger point release, and craniosacral fascial therapy. Additionally, in my journey to assist families with breastfeeding challenges, I became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, which is helpful in providing continuum of care and collaborating with other lactation providers involved in the baby’s care while using my lens from a PT perspective. 

    • Doctor of Physical Therapy, UTMB Galveston 

    • Master of Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

    • Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Texas A&M University 

    • Post-Professional Certificate in Pediatric Physical Therapy, UTMB

    • Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) - Gillespie Approach

    • Certified Breastfeeding Specialist 

    • American Physical Therapy Association Member

    • APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Member

Dr. Marisa Milavetz

 OTD, OTR, CLC

Occupational Therapist and Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)

Hi everyone, my name is Dr. Marisa Milavetz! I am an Occupational Therapist and a dog mom to my labrador retriever, Bodhi. My fiancé and I moved to Austin in 2024 and couldn't be more excited to be here! My doctoral capstone focused on gaining insight into Occupational Therapy’s role in helping infants with tongue ties who struggle with breastfeeding, and it involved becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). After my capstone, I developed a passion and interest in specializing in the infant and pediatric population. 

  • I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology and minors in Psychology and Human Relations before getting my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Drake University. I have gained experience in a wide range of settings including adult inpatient neurology, outpatient pediatrics, and ultimately a specialization in infant care. My doctoral capstone focused on gaining insight into the role that Occupational Therapy can play in helping infants with tongue ties who are struggling with breastfeeding, and it involved becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). After my capstone, I developed a passion and interest in further specializing in the infant and pediatric population. 

    • Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Drake University 

    • Bachelor of Arts, Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa

    • Gillespie Approach - Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) 

    • Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) 

    • Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Certified (MNRI Method) 

    • American Occupational Therapy Association Member

Michelle Armstrong

Growth and Community Engagement Coordinator

Hi! My name is Michelle Armstrong. I graduated from Monmouth University in the spring of 2021 with a double major in Communication and Psychology. After earning my bachelor's degree, I launched my career in sales in Austin, Texas. I have helped companies generate over $2.5 million dollars in sales using my craft and skills. I have over 7 years of experience in Sales and Marketing. 

I am very excited to enhance brand engagement and fostering strong community partnerships for Strive! I will be developing strategic marketing initiatives, putting together marketing campaigns, cultivating local partnerships, and enjoying engaging in community events

    • Bachelor in Communications, Monmouth University 

    • Bachelor in  Psychology, Monmouth University

Zachary Kennedy 

Business Operations, Administration, & Marketing

After almost a decade in the military, Zach discovered an interest in business and entrepreneurship.  He was inspired to help make Strive Pediatrics a reality after observing his wife’s talent and passion for improving the lives of children. Zach supports the staff and patients with all non-clinical business activities to enable Dr. Katie to focus solely on patient care.

    • Bachelor of Science, United States Military Academy

    • Master of Business Administration, Cornell University

    • Master of Business Administration, Queens University

    • United States Army Veteran

CAREERS

Join Our Team!

Are you a compassionate and driven therapist looking to join a team who values clinical excellence and takes a modern, holistic and whole body approach to therapy.

Connecting with Strive Pediatrics

THREE STEPS

Book a free consultation

You’’ll be asked a few questions to help us tailor our suggestions. We’ll share who from our team is the best fit for your needs and preferences

Personalize your treatment.

Schedule an initial session. Together we’ll customize a treatment plan, determine frequency and partner with you to meet your family’s unique goal. 

Partner with Strive Pediatrics

Watch your child reach their goals and gain confidence while improving independence and function. 

Ready for expert care at Strive Pediatrics? 

WORK WITH US