Our Story
All For Kids Pediatric Therapy, LLC is the vision of two friends and therapists, Erin Cowell (an occupational therapist) and Tracey Keaton (a speech therapist). It was born from the desire to simplify the lives of families, especially those with children receiving more than one service, and is founded on the principle that whatever is best for the child should be the most important consideration. Together, Erin and Tracey launched the company in September of 2005.
The owners have carefully recruited therapists and staff members who demonstrate an innate ability to work effectively with children, from infancy to adolescence. Growing steadily since 2005, All For Kids has developed a reputation for responsiveness and professionalism and strives to coordinate efforts in order to provide cohesive services.
Both Erin and Tracey are mothers, so there is a true appreciation for the juggling act that parents of children with special needs face day-to-day. The clinic tries to be as flexible and accommodating to parents as possible. All For Kids, from the beginning, has been a Medicaid Provider and makes every effort to work with families to assist them in getting the financial assistance they need.
Today, All For Kids staff is continually adding new training and techniques, such as It Takes Two to Talk® Hanen programs, aquatic therapy, DIR®/Floortime™, Integrated Listening Systems (iLS), SOS Approach to Feeding, and Craniosacral Therapy. All For Kids is dedicated to creating a well-rounded team with a variety of backgrounds and treatment styles to fit every child.
Meet Our Team
Owners
Erin Cowell
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Occupational Therapist/Owner
Erin graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She has a special interest in sensory integration therapy and early intervention. Erin moved to Alaska in 2002 with her husband and three daughters. She loves doing anything and everything with her family and they have taken her on many great adventures, including camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, skiing, and all things outdoors. She also enjoys game nights, traveling and reading.
Tracey Keaton
Speech-Language Pathologist/ Owner
Tracey graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Fort Hays State University. She loves working with children and has a special interest in early intervention. Tracey originally planned to move and enjoy the adventures of Alaska for a year. Then, to her parents' dismay, she has made a wonderful life for herself here in Alaska. She has three wonderful children, two boys and a girl, that keep her on her toes. In her spare time, Tracey enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and watching her children play sports.
Occupational Therapists
Marie Laskos
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Occupational Therapist
mlaskos@allforkidsalaska.com
Marie received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She relocated from Michigan to Anchorage in September 2007 when she joined the AFK family. She has loved exploring Alaska and embracing all it has to offer! Marie enjoys running, taking classes at the gym, celebrating birthdays, fun socks, and all things pink. Marie also loves cooking and experimenting with healthy, fun foods.
Janelle Lugar
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
jlugar@allforkidsalaska.com
Janelle graduated from Pima Medical Institute in Tucson, Arizona with an Associate’s Degree in occupational science. She grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas and has had the pleasure of living in so many wonderful places as a military spouse. After years of moving around, she is excited to be moving back to Anchorage to settle down and call Alaska home. She is passionate about all aspects of occupational therapy and has pursued education in reflex integration and eye movement disorders. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband and their dogs and enjoys trying new restaurants with friends and family.
Amy Godfrey
Occupational Therapist
Amy was born and raised in Anchorage and after spending over a decade in the lower 48, she is thrilled to be returning to her hometown. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Carolina University and has a passion for working with children with Autism and sensory processing differences. Amy comes to All For Kids with a background in teaching Montessori, and continues to employ the approach of meeting the children she works with exactly where they are to promote independence and self-efficacy. Amy is looking forward to being back alongside her childhood friends, hosting amazing dinner parties, growing the biggest flowers under the long summer sun, and shivering instead of melting, once again.
Jessica Harthun
Occupational Therapist
jharthun@allforkidsalaska.com
Jessica was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Following her passion for dance, she moved to California to pursue her dream to become a professional dancer. Her interest in body mechanics and creative expression led her to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at San Francisco State University, and later her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She previously worked at an outpatient clinic in Michigan, where she enjoyed working with individuals across the developmental lifespan. In her free time, Jessica likes to travel, all things outdoors, spend time with her family and two pups.
Melissa Barahona
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Occupational Therapist
mbarahona@allforkidsalaska.com
Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in exercise science at The College of Charleston in South Carolina. Shortly after graduating, she returned to Alaska and completed her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree with Creighton University. Melissa has always loved kids and enjoyed working with them. She has two little ones and being a Mom is one of Melissa's favorite roles in life! When she is not at work, you can find her at the nearest park, bookstore, or coffee shop with her family enjoying time together. In the summer, you will find her out on the trails or in the mountains with her family.
Nolan Wandersee
Occupational Therapist
Nolan, originally from Kodiak Island, brings a strong foundation of resilience and a passion for working with children, especially those with ASD and mental health needs. He earned his Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain College and completed his Level II fieldwork right here at AFK, gaining valuable hands-on pediatric experience. Outside the clinic, Nolan enjoys walking his dog, watching movies, playing video games, reading comics, and training in combat sports. He also shares his love for wrestling by coaching at Southside Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Jeanette Silver
Occupational Therapist
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Jeanette earned her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree in Durban, South Africa, and began her journey as a traveling OT in the United States, where she discovered her love for working with children. After becoming a U.S. citizen, she and her husband settled in North Carolina, where they raised their three children. During her 20 years there, Jeanette worked in the homes in Early Intervention and in pediatric clinics, serving as a staff or lead occupational therapist. She later returned to South Africa for four years to be closer to her aging parents and took on the role of Academic Head at a local nonprofit school for children with severe disabilities. Recently, she and her husband chose to return to the U.S., drawn to the heart and mission of All For Kids Pediatric Therapy. Jeanette is excited to put down roots here and partner with families to help children find more freedom, joy and independence. She has a special passion for supporting children with feeding, sensory, and physical challenges.
Delanie Vitosh
Occupational Therapist
Delanie was born and raised in a small town in Nebraska. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, she received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota in Casper, Wyoming. She loves traveling, exploring the outdoors, finding new hobbies, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She has always enjoyed kids and look forward to continuing making a positive impact on their lives! She is excited to return to Alaska and enjoy all it has to offer!
Speech-Language Pathologists
Christine Williams
​Christine was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics. After college, she completed her Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. She returned home to Alaska after completing her education. Christine enjoys spending time with her husband, young daughters, and family. In her free time, you might find her gardening, playing piano, completing a home improvement project, enjoying the Alaskan outdoors, or playing Wordle. Christine's professional interests include early intervention, reading/writing intervention, and alternative augmentative communication.
Leah Maenius
Speech-Language Pathologist
After Leah received her Master's Degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2008, she and her husband, Jordaun, moved to the Anchorage area to pursue adventure! She enjoys dancing, going to the movies, playing in the outdoors, and spending time with her family (including her two daughters). Her particular work "passion" includes providing therapy on horseback ("hippotherapy"). She looks forward to working with your kiddos!
Vonda Kay Goodman
Speech-Language Pathologist
Vonda Kay graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She loves working with children and specializes in phonological and language disorders, early intervention, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and working with children with autism and apraxia. Vonda Kay has lived in Alaska for many years and has worked at All For Kids since 2008. She enjoys the mountains, hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, church, and spending time with her family. Vonda Kay and her husband, Mark, have three children (Kate, Max, and Sam)
Randi Wood
Speech-Language Pathologist
Randi was born in Dover, Delaware, but traveled around due to being a part of a military family. She moved back to Alaska in 2018 to finish her degree. She received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. Her interests are Augmentative Communication, working with children with autism, and language disorders. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, walking her two dogs, crafting, and outdoor adventures.
Samantha Hatfield
Speech-Language Pathologist
Samantha was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska. She attended Eastern Washington University where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After graduating, she headed back to her home state and joined the team at All for Kids. She is looking forward to pursuing her interests in feeding therapy, phonological and language disorders, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Sam enjoys spending time with her family, reading, fishing, four-wheeling, and going for walks in her spare time. She is very excited to be a part of the team at All for Kids!
Reece Blagoue
Speech-Language Pathologist
Reece was born and raised in Minnesota. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Master's of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. He enjoys hunting, fishing, sports, house plants, video games, and traveling. He chose to move to Anchorage for a job opportunity with All For Kids and is excited to explore Alaska. He looks forward to helping your children grow in their skills!
Nick DeRose
Speech-Language Pathologist
Nick was born and raised in Northern California. He graduated from California State University, Chico with a Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders in 2022. Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, two dogs, and playing his guitar.
Brittany James
Speech-Language Pathologist
Brittany was born and raised on the Central Coast of California. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Brittany then completed her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University. Her professional interests include early language development and infant feeding. Brittany enjoys reading, hiking, fishing, and exploring the Alaskan outdoors with her family.
Paige Abernathy
Speech-Language Pathologist
Paige graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She has a special interest in neurodiversity affirming care, Augmented Alternative Communication, and discovering more about the field of Speech Language Pathology! Paige grew up in Anchorage, where she recently returned to after grad school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She enjoys finding new hobbies, going on adventures with her dog, and reading a good book. She is passionate about providing culturally sensitive care and loves to connect with her clients and their families.
Physical Therapists
Sara Montgomery
Sara graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Abilene Christian University and her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. She moved to Alaska from Searcy, Arkansas, in 2013. Sara is passionate about working with kids and has a special place in her heart for hippotherapy. She spends her free time snowboarding, cross country skiing, backpacking, and traveling.
Lauren Cass
Physical Therapist
​Lauren was born and raised in Loretto, Minnesota. She attended the University of South Dakota and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She then went to the University of Iowa where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Lauren has had a long time passion of working with kids, including being a summer camp counselor before completing her degrees. She chose to move to Anchorage for a job opportunity with All for Kids and is enjoying every minute with kids as well as friends and co-workers! In her free time, she takes time to explore all the beautiful Alaskan outdoors has to offer with her friends, family, and dog including hiking, snow shoeing, and camping.
Joy Sandman
Physical Therapist
Joy grew up in Canton, IL. She graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO with her Bachelor's of Science in Health Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has had a longtime interest in pediatrics - lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, substitute teaching, and volunteering with kids. After visiting Alaska on a family vacation and completing a clinical internship at All for Kids, Joy knew she wanted to return. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, weightlifting, baking, biking, crafting, and hiking. Joy adores her pet fish and takes pride in her houseplants. She is excited to work at All for Kids!
Khyati Parmar
Physical Therapist
Khyati was born and raised in India, where she graduated from PT school and completed additional training in pediatric physical therapy. After gaining two years of experience in various settings, she decided to further her education in the United States. She earned her Master’s in Exercise and Sports Science from Brooklyn College. Her and her husband’s love for adventure brought them to Alaska, where they now enjoy life with their adorable puppy, and their one-year-old son. This experience has reignited her passion for pediatric PT. Outside of work, she loves traveling, discovering new places and cuisines, hiking, and biking. In the winter, she enjoys cross-country skiing and is currently honing in on her skate skiing skills.
Emily Noone
Physical Therapist
Emily grew up in Seattle, Washington and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia for Undergrad and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in Miami, Florida. In her free time, she loves to go on long walks, attend concerts with friends, sing karaoke with her family, watch documentaries, and play soccer. She is so excited to meet the kids at All For Kids and work with the staff to accomplish their goals and have fun while doing it!
Part Time Providers
Sarah Sherman, OT
Emily Atton, SLP
Jeff Clift, OT
Lauren Nelson, SLP
Madison Seymour, PT
Nate Busbee, OT
Administrative Team
Kirsten Berg
Office Manager
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Kirsten was born in Ogden, Utah, where she was very active and adventurous. She was always on the go playing soccer, going to gymnastics, and backpacking. Looking for a new adventure, she moved to Alaska in 2004 and now calls it her home. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, biking and traveling. She spends her days chasing her two little boys, Grayson and Beckham, working with the youth in her church, baking sweet concoctions, and spending time with her husband, Jesse.
Jennifer McDermott
Billing Specialist
Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Management from the University of South Florida. She then moved to Busan, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan, before relocating in 2007 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she practiced until moving to Alaska in 2017. She loves traveling, exploring new places, reading, cooking, and hiking with her husband and dogs.
Karen Hudson
Billing Specialist
Karen has been in Alaska since 1977, when her step-dad was transferred from San Angelo, Texas, to Elmendorf AFB. She graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1991 with a BA in Economics. She has been in the medical billing field since 1991 and became a Certified Professional Coder in 2008. Karen enjoys hiking with her husband, Lee, and dogs, Benelli and Maevis; hanging out with their kids (son Jared and daughter Jordan); playing volleyball; and watching football. Her favorite place to be is at a beach with WARM water.
Paige Sewell
Office Administrator
Paige was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but grew up in Colorado and Texas. She enjoys reading (especially about history), drawing, hiking, baking/cooking, and spending time with friends and her three pets, Nia, Styx, and Dante. She looks forward to attending school for archaeology soon.
Samantha Lonser
Office Administrator
Samantha was born and raised in Alaska, with a short stint in Nebraska during her childhood. She has always had a big soft spot for children and truly enjoys being around them. Ensuring that kids feel happy and supported is something that means a great deal to her.
Outside of work, Samantha loves spontaneous adventures, reading a good book, hiking or enjoying outdoor sports, and spending time with her two pets—Venus, her black cat from Mexico, and Nova, her energetic Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix. They can usually be found chasing fresh air, scenic views, and the occasional street food cart.