Our Mission is Simple Provide State of the Art Therapeutic Services in a Convenient, Effective and Fun Environment
Making Evidence-Based Therapy Fun
All of our therapists are board certified and work diligently to make lasting changes in not only our client’s loves, but their family’s as well.
Melanie Morone OTR/L
Founder of Star Therapy, Inc
Licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist
SIPT certified
iLs Pro Practitioner
Melanie has worked as an Occupational Therapist for over twenty-one years and has unique expertise and passion for working with children. Melanie also is the creator and designer of the first ever OT Bus!
Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Medical College of Georgia in 1997, Melanie began practicing as an occupational therapist at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Melanie remained in Savannah for six years and became the Pediatric Coordinator and was instrumental in the development of Children’s Place Pediatric Therapy for St. Joseph’s/Candler. In 2003, Melanie relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked as a traveling occupational therapist for TOTs, Inc. and as a clinic based occupational therapist for SPS, Inc. In 2004, Melanie began working solely for SPS, providing highly specialized pediatric care for children in the private care setting.
While working in the private care setting providing wonderful advantages (e.g., direct client care using therapy equipment and advanced intervention techniques), Melanie often saw a disconnect between what was happening in the therapy gym and what was happening in the child’s natural environment (e.g., classroom and home). Meaning, found she lacked a clear understanding of the child’s needs, in their entirety, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with the classroom teacher. And without this understanding and ability to support the child in the classroom, she didn’t feel she was able to fully assist the children and families she served.
In December of 2010, Melanie relocated to Cumming and established Star Therapy, Inc. With the establishment of her own company, MeIanie had the opportunity to think “outside of the box’’ and work to solve the disconnect between the private clinic and the child’s natural environment. So, she asked herself, “How can I better serve the children I treat, without sacrificing the use of the invaluable therapy equipment and therapeutic intervention techniques?” That is when she came up with the idea of converting a school bus into a state of the art, mobile, therapy gym that travels to schools and homes in my community.
Her vision became reality in September 2014 and “The OT Bus” was born! The OT Bus has far exceeded even her own expectations. The children Star Therapy, Inc serves absolutely love the bus and their teachers are equally grateful to have support in the classroom. The parents, of the clients Star Therapy, Inc treat, appreciate the comprehensive approach we are able to provide and enjoy seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of their child as he/she boards the “The OT Bus.”
Melanie has received extensive training in the treatment of children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and is certified in the administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) for the evaluation and diagnosis of children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). She is also a certified Pro Practitioner with use of Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) and The S.OS. (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding.
Melanie lives in Forsyth County with her husband, Jay, her daughter Vivi Kate, two stepchildren, Kasey and Johnny and their newest addition, Beau (Goldendoodle).
Meredith Palmer, OTR/L
Licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist
iLs Pro Practitioner
When Meredith isn't crawling around on the floor and building obstacle courses, she is spending time with her husband, Nick and their two young boys, Cash and Braxton along with their two Goldendoodles, Millie and Otter. Meredith is originally from Buford, Georgia, but currently resides in Cleveland, Georgia with her family.
Meredith has such a passion for working with children, interacting with people, and having fun when working that her pursuit in pediatric occupational therapy wasn't a surprise to anyone. Meredith makes each child feel special and important which is why the children are so eager and excited about coming to therapy. Meredith comes to work with a smile and a "ready to go" attitude. Meredith's favorite part about being an occupational therapist is watching a child light up when he or she successfully accomplishes a new task.
When Meredith isn't crawling around on the floor and building obstacle courses, she is spending time with her husband and 1 1/2 year old son. Meredith is originally from Buford, Georgia, but currently resides in Cleveland, Georgia with her husband and son.
Tiffany West, OTR/L
Tiffany West earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in 1998. She began her Occupational Therapy career in Royston, Georgia where she worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and outpatient pediatrics. It was there that Tiffany realized her love for pediatrics and went on to work at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. At Scottish Rite, she worked with children with a wide variety of needs and diagnoses. She also gained valuable experience working in the Fulton County school system where she served preschool and elementary school students. For the past 15years, Tiffany has come to love the private practice setting as it allows for more detailed interaction with both her clients and their families, and allows her to share in their successful journeys.
Tiffany’s extensive training and experience in the area of sensory processing disorders allow her to identify sensory and/or motor weaknesses, which may limit children from reaching their potential both socially and academically. She is also educated in various handwriting programs for remediating handwriting deficits.
Tiffany is passionate about building a child’s self esteem and greatly enjoys using her creativity and clinical reasoning to find the “just right” challenge that makes therapy fun and rewarding. Tiffany currently lives in East Cobb with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys reading, outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with her family.
A Message From Our Founder
Everyone asks, “How did you come up with the idea for the OT Bus?”
Simple. I treated in a private clinic setting for over 15 years and saw a disconnection in what was happening in the confines of the therapy gym and was happening in the child’s natural environment: school and home. I sought to bridge the gap between the two without sacrificing quality of care. And, The OT Bus™ was born!
Testimonials
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