Our Team

Melissa earned her bachelor's degree in 2005 at Concordia University in Southern California then finished her doctor of physical therapy degree at Boston University in 2009. She moved to Austin, TX where she worked for an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, followed by an out-patient pediatric therapy clinic, then in pediatric home-health. She also started Sunshine Soccer, an adaptive sports kid camp, before moving home to Portland where she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of starting a new outpatient clinic dedicated to helping children with her patient-first, evidenced-based, goal-oriented approach to therapy. In her free time, Melissa enjoys doing triathlons and has even completed a full Ironman. She loves spending time with her nieces and nephew, and has fun learning the piano. 

Emily attained her bachelor's degree in 2012 at University of California - Davis. She then earned her master's in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University in 2012. She initially worked for more than 6 years in subacute/acute care settings with a focus on adults with neurological conditions. She switched gears part way through the pandemic and has now been working in pediatrics since June 2021. She is on a journey to become a neurodiversity affirming therapist, working to shift her mindset as well as others in her circle to the idea that brains falling outside of "typical" are NOT necessarily "disordered". She strives to promote self-efficacy in all of her clients by increasing independence in play skills, self-care tasks, emotional/sensory self regulation skills, and activities needed for learning. She is focused on creating individualized care plans via direct and ongoing collaboration with the children and their families/caregivers. When Emily is not working, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and disc golf, hanging out with her dogs and cat, eating yummy foods, and knitting.

Katie received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of California, Berkeley in 2014 and graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2018. She began her career as a travel physical therapist and has worked in public schools, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient pediatrics. Katie is certified in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Introductory Level B. She has additional training in using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on children with various diagnoses (CP, down syndrome, spina bifida, toe walking), strength and power training principles, Mary Massery’s posture and breathing techniques, using assessments for early detection of cerebral palsy in infants (TIMP, HINE, HNNE), and vision and vestibular impairments. She enjoys teaching and helping grow the PT profession as an APTA Certified Clinical Instructor and the Co-Chair of APTA Pediatrics Resource Document Committee. In her spare time, Katie loves arts & crafts, baking cookies, gardening, and hiking with her dog and partner. 

Lu Ann is the matriarch of the Meyer family. She obtained her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Western Oregon University and a master's in business administration from Willamette University. She taught 4th grade in Adelaide, Australia before pursuing a career in public accounting. She was a partner in a CPA office for twenty years, retiring at the end of 2016. Serving her community has always been a priority. She was on the local school board for 12 years, the hospital foundation board for 6 years, and president of numerous organizations (Chamber, Booster Club, and Rotary Club). She is currently serving as the treasurer of her local Rotary Club. She adores her three grandchildren, loves the Oregon Ducks and enjoys knitting in her spare time. She is excited about the Pace journey and will be assisting in the business management.

Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in 2007 from Life Pacific University in San Dimas, CA. For the past 11 years Amy has been a stay-at-home mom to 4 wild, courageous, energetic, tender-hearted boys. One of her sons was born with a rare genetic disorder that has caused lots of disruption and sent Amy on her own healing journey as she has had to navigate high stress daily. She has known the depths of sorrow as well as exuberant joy that comes with raising a child with special needs. She is well acquainted with the world of pediatric therapy and has spent many hours in various offices while her son worked hard to meet milestones. The journey as a special needs parent can often feel isolating, lonely and difficult.  She is excited to be working at PACE as a welcoming face and presence to all families whether navigating unexpected diagnosis’ or needing support as they navigate how best to care for their kiddo’s needs. When Amy is not working at PACE, she enjoys spending time with her family, being creative through decorating her home in fun yet functional ways, writing, watercolor painting, baking delectable treats, and cooking unique dishes! She loves to cozy up with a good book or poem and explore the beauty of the outdoors here in the PNW!