About Prosper Therapy
Prosper Therapy proudly serves families in Dawsonville and the surrounding communities with our state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 7,000 square feet. Designed to inspire function and engagement, our clinic features a custom sensory gym complete with themed climbing structures, slides, obstacle courses, and a trolly, as well as dedicated swing and physical therapy gyms. Our facility also features private treatment rooms, and a feeding therapy space designed by our SOS feeding specialists that promotes positive therapeutic outcomes. Conveniently located just 20 minutes north of Downtown Cumming, near the Dawsonville outlets off GA-400, our easily accessible location combines innovative therapy spaces with a welcoming atmosphere to provide high-quality care where children can thrive and families feel supported every step of the way.
Meet Our Team
Administrative Team
Therapy Team
Interested in joining our team?
Explore our opportunities page
to learn more!
Leadership Team
Julie Abram, OTR/L, ECHM
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Chief Administrative Officer
Julie has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia State University and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. She is a nationally certified occupational therapist and licensed in the state of Georgia. Julie began her career as an occupational therapist working with adults living with the long-term effects of a brain injury and became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). She provided life skills training and recommended modifications to her client’s living spaces to increase their independence in the home and community. Julie became more interested in environmental modifications as a way of improving people’s lives, so she obtained an Executive Certificate in Home Modifications (ECHM) from the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Soon after earning her certification, Julie decided to pursue her own entrepreneurial endeavor and founded Enabled Living in 2020, which would eventually become Prosper Therapy Services in 2022. She skillfully transitioned from direct patient care to managing vital business related tasks as Prosper’s Chief Administrative Officer, such as insurance coding and billing, scheduling and coordination of services, accounting and bookkeeping, EMR audits and claims, human resources, legal and compliance, and data management, among many other tasks. Julie continues to evolve and grow as a professional and is the essential core and driving force behind Prosper Therapy.
Stephanie Burns, OTR/L
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Chief Clinical Officer
Stephanie has a background in psychology, and she graduated from Brenau University in 2018 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has over 10 years of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing, dyslexia, and other developmental conditions. Stephanie is certified in the S.O.S approach to feeding and is one of only a handful of clinicians in the SouthEast who treats ARFID and other feeding disorders with this technique. She is certified with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and is also a certified Early Intervention Specialist. Stephanie has a unique perspective because her 5-year-old-son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 2. This insight into everyday life with a child who has special needs allows her to help guide parents toward feasible and realistic solutions to support the family dynamics and increase the child’s independence through sensory based play solutions. Stephanie's family training in therapeutic interventions is the key to success, as she works closely with families to increase independence and quality of life for the children. Stephanie has a deep-rooted passion in neurological function and understanding how the nervous system affects behaviors, sensory processing, and how it relates to development and functional participation in activities of daily living. She uses a neurosensorimotor assessment approach to determine the best interventions and recommendations based on a complete understanding of the child’s sensory and neuromuscular function. Stephanie is passionate about advocating and supporting people to be the best version of themselves, and she is able to fearlessly pursue these passions in her roles as Prosper Therapy’s Clinical Director and Chief Clinical Officer.
Dustin Abram, OTR/L, CDRS
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Chief Business Officer
Dustin has a Master of Science of Occupational Therapy from Brenau University, and he is a board certified Occupational Therapist. As a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, Dustin owns and operates Elite Driver Rehab, where he provides specialized driver rehabilitation services for individuals of all driving ages across Georgia. Passionate about learning and self-improvement, Dustin has a unique ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives and develop innovative solutions through creative problem-solving. As a natural entrepreneur and visionary strategist, Dustin has strong business development skills and currently serves as Prosper Therapy’s Chief Business Officer.
West Green, OTR/L
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Chief Services Officer
West holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University (2018) and has a background in public health sciences and professional leadership. With over 17 years of management experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings and more than 13 years of professional experience working with children, West brings extensive expertise to his role. He is a Master Certified Early Intervention Coach and Specialist, an Abnormal Developmental Interventionist, and holds certifications from UNC Chapel Hill, DHHS, the CDC through The Otago Program, and Vital Links as an Astronaut Protocol Interventionist for vestibular habilitation. As Prosper Therapy’s Chief Services Officer, West combines his occupational therapy knowledge with his leadership experience to provide training and operational support to Prosper’s clinical teams and administrative staff.
Administrative Team
Lisa Desrosiers
Office Manager
Lisa is from Northeastern Connecticut, with a strong background in customer service and administration. Lisa has been a proficient office manager for over a decade, and her skills and expertise have been invaluable to the organizations she has worked for. Her exceptional communication skills and ability to empathize with customers made her a top performer in the industry. After several years in customer service, Lisa transitioned into administration, where she continued to excel. Her organizational skills and attention to detail allowed her to effectively manage a variety of tasks, including scheduling, bookkeeping, and customer relations. Lisa’s primary professional goal was to work with clients with unique needs, having a personal stake in therapy as she has a nephew with autism. Lisa was the perfect fit to assume the responsibilities of Prosper’s Office Manager. As such, Lisa has been responsible for overseeing all administrative functions of all aspects of two major sects of Prosper, including managing staff, maintaining records, scheduling, insurance authorizations, coordinating meetings and appointments, and appealing denials for our clients; she fights for each and every one! Her ability to multitask and prioritize has been essential to her success in this role and she embodies compassion, dedication, empathy, and enthusiasm in all aspects of her career. Lisa has remained committed to providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive work environment for her colleagues, which she transfers to each and every family who contacts Prosper. Her professionalism, integrity, and work ethic have earned her the respect and admiration of both her peers and clients. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to serving others makes her a valuable asset to Prosper, and in turn, an enormous asset to our client's communities.
Teresa Byers
Intake Coordinator
With nearly 30 years of administrative experience, Teresa has held diverse roles at two of the largest U.S. companies, including serving as a field auditor in the hospitality industry and as an Executive Administrative Assistant to a Senior VP on a government contract with the CDC. Her career later transitioned into healthcare, where she worked as a lead Medical Assistant in a prominent cardiology practice, combining her administrative expertise with a deep passion for patient care. Teresa has always prioritized making individuals feel valued—whether patients, colleagues, or clients—ensuring they are more than just numbers. Her experience in probate law further reinforced her commitment to empathy and support during life’s most challenging moments. Now at Prosper, Teresa is grateful for the opportunity to continue making a meaningful impact, ensuring children have a safe, nurturing space to grow while providing parents with the support they need.
Pam Abram
Billing Specialist
Pam has over 30 years of experience in medical billing and coding, with a career that began as a medical assistant before she discovered her true passion for administration. Fascinated by the complexities and impact of the medical field, she has dedicated her career to ensuring efficiency and support in healthcare operations. Beyond work, Pam has been happily married for 42 years and takes great joy in her two wonderful sons, four amazing grandchildren, and the time she spends with her family, dogs, and being in nature. She feels truly blessed to be part of an organization that serves as a lifeline for children and their families, making a meaningful difference in their lives every day.
Therapy Team
Taylor Taylor, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Taylor knew at an early age that she wanted to become a pediatric OT, falling in love with the combination of creativity, play, and science. Taylor went on to complete her bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University, and her master’s degree from Augusta University. Taylor has worked in both the geriatric and pediatric populations bringing her knowledge and creativity to both settings to increase independence and overall quality of life in all aspects of daily living. Taylor has experience with a variety of pediatric diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, SPD, ODD, CP, DS, TBI, and a variety of genetic disorders. Taylor loves all the children that she works with but has a special place in her heart for children with behavioral challenges. The key to her success with this population is truly listening to both the family and the child and problem-solving tools and strategies to promote metacognition, self-regulation, and family education.
Amanda Sierra, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Amanda graduated from Brenau University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2016 and then her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in December 2019. Through occupational therapy, she believes that you can help children achieve greater independence and the ability to function at home. school, and out in the community. She feels honored to meet and work alongside each family to help problem-solve and come up with solutions that work best for the family. Amanda has ample experience with children who present with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Feeding/Oral Motor Delays, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and ADHD. She also has experience in equine-assisted therapy, and she and her family are active volunteers with ConnectAbility in Dahlonega. She maintains certification in reflex integration, executive functioning and DIR Floortime. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading a good book, chasing after her son Thiago, and exploring the outdoors.
Kevin Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Kevin is very excited to continue his career at Prosper Therapy Services. His passions include educating people about diversity, implementing programs tailored to the development for the underserved population, and amplifying their stories. With a unique twist on educational experiences, Kevin aka The Singing SLP, provides songs with his own lyrics that promote development, recall, sustained attention, and so much more. In years to come, he expects the speech therapy game to “change” with initiatives he sets forth. Kevin has an extensive background of treating children with apraxia, delayed language milestones, feeding/swallow therapy, sensory integration strategies, sensory haircuts, and music integration, to name a few.
Pamela Schmitt, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Pam is a nationally certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Georgia State University.
Pam is highly experienced with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children (ages birth-21) with a very wide range of speech/language and feeding/swallowing disorders. Pam is a Beckman Oral Motor and Babies Can’t Wait Certified provider. Pam has extensive experience with working with children with linguistically/culturally diverse backgrounds, apraxia (utilizing the DTTC approach), medically fragile children, children with feeding tubes, babies with dysphagia, children on the Autism spectrum, fluency disorders, language disorders, tracheostomy, children with Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, and a vast assortment of syndromes and chromosomal abnormalities, and many more.
Pam worked for Gwinnett County’s Early Childhood Program for 12 years providing speech therapy for preschool-aged children with impairments ranging from mild to profound. Her clinical experience includes not only providing therapy but also mentoring students and clinical fellows across work settings and an administrative role as a Speech-Language Pathologist Supervisor.
Pam finds mentoring and collaborating with other therapists and families to be deeply fulfilling and an essential piece in effective service delivery. Pam knows it “takes a village” meaning teamwork with professionals, partnerships with parents, and FUN and functional research-based and play-based therapy to maximize learning in a natural context to promote carryover of skills.
Deanna Conley, MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Deanna graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology then went on to pursue a graduate degree from Brenau University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Deanna’s passion for working with children with disabilities evolved from a couple of volunteer experiences, where she worked at Forsyth County School's Special Olympics, as well as provided respite for children with special needs through Avita Community Partners. Deanna desires to empower children to be as functional as possible through achieving occupations and daily life skills. As a neurodivergent herself, she is passionate about utilizing each child’s unique interests and strengths in therapy sessions to create meaningful opportunities for growth and success. Deanna has experience in other settings including geriatric acute care, pediatric home care, and outpatient rehabilitation. Deanna possesses comprehensive expertise in employing intervention techniques such as self-regulation, aiding in behavior and emotional growth, sensory integration, and integrating primitive reflexes. In her free time, Deanna enjoys running, hiking, hunting with her husband, and spending time with friends and family.
Jamie Nash, OTR/L, ASDCS
Occupational Therapist
Jamie was born and raised in Roseville, California and moved to Georgia in 2016. She attended Menlo College in Atherton, CA where she completed her B.S in Psychology while playing volleyball. She continued her education at Brenau University for her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, graduating in 2018. She currently resides in Dawsonville, GA with her young daughter Athena. In her spare time, Jamie and Athena enjoy being outside, crafting, playing volleyball, and exploring new places. Jamie wanted to be an occupational therapist since 3rd grade when her Mom was a paraprofessional in an elementary school working with neurodivergent children. She followed her dream of working with children and their families to become more independent in their daily lives. Before school, Jamie worked with children with special needs as well as volunteered at hippotherapy. While in school, she completed fieldwork rotations in outpatient pediatrics, mental health for adults with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, as well as in a hospital setting for Swing Bed, Outpatient, Acute Care, and ICU. Jamie is an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), an ADHD- Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHS-RSP) and Physical Agent Modalities certified. She has expanded knowledge in Sensory Processing (SPD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Feeding Therapy, and Astronaut Training Protocol.
Whitney McCoy, PT, DPT
Lead Physical Therapist
Whitney is from Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and also played volleyball for all 4 years. She then attended Alabama State University where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2015. Whitney initially worked in an outpatient orthopedic clinic and then went on to pursue her passion of working with pediatrics where she has been the past 8 years.
Whitney is passionate about working with children and helping to progress with their developmental skills, improving their independence with daily activities, and improving their overall quality of life. She feels the ability to collaborate with other therapists and disciplines while developing relationships with each family helps to provide the optimal opportunity to enhance the best functional outcomes for each client specific to their needs. Whitney is a Credentialed Clinical Instructor and has helped to mentor and teach many students as they work to pursue their degree in Physical Therapy. She has taken continuing education courses with topics that include Mary Massery’s PNF course, Breathing, and Postural control, NDT and Intensive Handling Techniques, development of gait, torticollis and plagiocephaly, and other neurological, orthopedic, and developmental conditions.
When Whitney is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their daughter, and their Goldendoodle Millie. She enjoys college football (Roll Tide!), trying new restaurants with her family, going on vacations, baking, going on walks, and spending time with family and friends!
Cassondra Greene, M.S.Ed; CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Cassondra is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with a passion for helping children develop their communication skills. With a career rooted in pediatric care, she specializes in a wide range of speech and language disorders, including AAC (Tobii Dynavox, SnapCore, and LAMP software), autism, fluency, apraxia, articulation, selective mutism, Down syndrome, non-verbal communication, and feeding/swallowing. She brings extensive experience from home health, school systems, and private practice. A Valdosta State University graduate, she began as an SLPA before earning her master’s degree in 2022. Cassondra now serves children and families at Prosper Therapy Services and Babies Can’t Wait in Georgia, fostering a supportive, client-centered environment for growth. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Residing in Cleveland, GA, with her husband, twin boys, and goldendoodle, she enjoys Georgia football and relaxing by the water.
Ashley Franklin, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Ashley is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with 10 years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She graduated from Brenau University in 2014 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is state licensed, nationally certified, and has pursued continuing education in a variety of topics to stay current with the latest best practices in the field. Ashley has a passion for helping children and families navigate a variety of diagnoses and challenges, providing individualized therapy that fosters growth, development, and independence. With a holistic, family-centered approach, she believes that collaboration with families is key to success. She works to create a positive and supportive environment where children can build confidence, improve skills, and achieve their unique goals. Whether addressing fine motor development, sensory processing, or daily living skills, Ashley tailors her interventions to meet each child's specific needs. Born and raised in Georgia, Ashley has a strong connection to her community. Outside of her professional life, she is a wife and mother to three children, which gives her an even deeper understanding of the importance of family support in a child's development. Ashley is committed to empowering children and their families, making therapy both effective and enjoyable. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of each child's journey toward success and is honored to contribute to their growth and progress.
Cassie Hernandez, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Cassie graduated from Augusta University in 2017 with a Master's Degree in Health Science in Occupational Therapy. Throughout her career, Cassie has worked in a variety of settings including the hospital, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab gaining experience with individuals ranging from 0 to 100+ years old. With a strong background in working with those with neurological conditions, Cassie's experience spans the full spectrum of care. While she has experience across the lifespan, her true passion lies in pediatrics. She believes deeply in the power of play as a tool to help children build skills, gain independence, and reach their full potential. Outside of her professional life, Cassie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, and daughter, as well as running and embracing the outdoors.
Kelly Kolman, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kelly is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with special interests in caregiver engagement, sensory integration, developmental delays, and assistive technology. With clinical experience spanning outpatient pediatrics, inpatient rehabilitation, to acute care, and a doctorate from the University of Florida in December 2023, Kelly combines evidence-based practice with a passion for inclusive, family-centered care. Partnered with Georgia Technology She was actively involved in research and advocacy focused on caregiver engagement and equitable access to assistive technology. Kelly’s leadership spans student mentorship, research dissemination, and inclusive program development. She actively contributes to professional and philanthropic initiatives supporting children with disabilities and their families. When she’s not in the clinic, Kelly enjoys spending time with family, exploring nature, painting, and learning new hobbies.
Jessica Svenson, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jessica is a nationally certified and state-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for supporting children’s communication and feeding development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia and a Master’s from Saint Louis University, along with her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA. With over six years of experience, Jessica has worked with children from 6 months to 21 years old, as well as adults with developmental disabilities. Her clinical expertise spans early intervention, articulation and phonological disorders, language delays, social communication, feeding and swallowing disorders, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including systems like TD Snap, LAMP, and eye gaze technology.

Jessica takes a collaborative, child-centered, and play-based approach to therapy, involving families and working closely with occupational and physical therapists to support children across home, school, and clinical settings. She is a certified provider with Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait program and has also served as a Clinical Fellow supervisor, mentoring new clinicians. A Dawsonville native, Jessica is proud to serve her local community and enjoys spending time with her husband and son.
Jennifer Staples, MS, PT
Physical Therapist
Jennifer is a licensed Physical Therapist with over two decades of experience specializing in pediatric care. She earned her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Physical Therapy from North Georgia College and State University. Originally from Statesboro, GA, she began her career in outpatient pediatrics and early intervention with Babies Can’t Wait, later spending 18 years serving children in Lumpkin County Schools. In 2024, she joined Prosper Therapy to bring her expertise into the clinic setting. Jennifer is certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment and holds a Level II Hippotherapy Certification, with extensive continuing education in areas such as biomechanics, gait development, torticollis, and neurological and orthopedic conditions. She has also helped launch a therapeutic riding program and volunteered for years in hippotherapy initiatives alongside UNG.

Inspired by her younger brother with Cerebral Palsy, Jennifer is passionate about helping children gain independence and improve their quality of life through collaborative, functional therapy. She values strong relationships with families and interdisciplinary teamwork to support each child’s unique needs. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, visiting her children Will and Sarah, caring for her horses and dogs, skiing, hiking, reading, and actively volunteering through her church and local organizations.
Katie Pittman, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie Pittman is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for helping individuals of all ages achieve effective communication and improved quality of life. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech Communication from Georgia State University and went on to complete her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at North Carolina Central University in 2020.
Katie has diverse experience working in skilled nursing facilities, elementary, middle, and high schools, and pediatric private practice, allowing her to support both children and adults in developing their speech, language, and swallowing abilities. Her compassionate approach and individualized care help her clients reach their fullest potential.
Outside of her professional life, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their two daughters, Joanie and Briar. She values family, connection, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others through her work.
Jenna Wilson, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jenna graduated from the University of West Georgia with her Bachelor’s Degree in 2015 with a degree in Speech Language Pathology and from the University of Montevallo in 2017 with her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Jenna has excelled in her field as a Speech-Language Pathologist for the past 7 years. She has experience in a variety of settings including early intervention, school systems, and private clinics, which helped to build her skills in providing the most comprehensive SLP services in any context. She has provided services with children and teenagers ranging from 0-21 with challenges of all varieties. Jenna has pursued additional training in evidence-based feeding therapy and enjoys helping patients reach their feeding goals effectively. Jenna is married and has a 3 year old daughter named, Olivia, as well as 2 wonderful dogs, Cali and Gunter. She loves being an SLP and helping clients to gain the skills they need to improve their overall communication and language skills essential for daily life.
Keila Pitman, M.S., CF-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Keila Pitman is a bilingual (English/Spanish) speech-language pathologist with a deep love for the wonder, curiosity, and creativity that children bring into the therapy space. With a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, she brings both clinical expertise and a strong understanding of how kids learn, play, and grow. At the heart of Keila’s therapy style is the belief that every child has unique strengths—and therapy should build on those. Sessions are play-based, personalized, and designed to spark joy and confidence, turning communication goals into meaningful, everyday moments. Keila likes to work closely with caregivers, empowering families to be part of the progress every step of the way. Whether it’s a first word, a new sound, or a breakthrough in connection, she celebrates each win—big or small—with genuine joy. Outside the clinic, Keila enjoys hiking scenic trails, cooking and baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and sons, if possible, at the beach.
Kristin McBride, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristin is a speech-language pathologist passionate about helping individuals across the lifespan. Inspired by her grandfather’s experience with laryngeal cancer and a tracheostomy, she shifted her academic path from early childhood education to Communication Sciences and Disorders. Volunteer work at Shepherd Center and Grady Hospital further confirmed her calling in the field. Kristin has a special interest in pediatric feeding and language intervention, combining her expertise in oral motor training with a love for helping children thrive.
She is trained in Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) and Gestalt Language Processing, with additional education in orofacial myofunctional disorders and pediatric feeding, including ARFID.
Outside of work, Kristin enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and daughter.