About Us
Jennifer Leigh M.S., CCC-SLP is the Director and one of the Speech Therapists in Kids In Balance, Inc. Jennifer graduated from University of South Florida and for the past nine years has practiced therapy in the East Tampa area. She specializes in pediatrics but has worked with all ages. Jennifer is a mother of two toddlers that receive Occupational therapy and understands the importance of parents having a hands on roll in their child's therapy. She has worked for many companies and organizations but her most rewarding work is with groups like the Florida Elks Therapy Services and Tampa General Hospital, which sought her specialized skills for their Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) center. There she helps equip patients with augmentative communication devices, she advises patients on which computerized communication device best meets their needs, and how with their limited abilities they will be able to access the device to communicate.As a member of the community Jennifer is excited to be able to offer therapeutic programs to families that would not otherwise have access to such professionally led classes.
Mayra Rodriguez-Leavitt M.S., CCC-SLP attended the University of South Florida and graduated with a B.A. degree in Communication and Hearing Disorders. She continued her education at USF to obtain her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. During her graduate training she was able to get real life experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant. She is both licensed and nationally certified, and is able to speak and write in Spanish. Mayra has been able to participate in continuing education courses focusing on a variety of topics, such as sensory integration therapy techniques, infant and pediatric feeding, improving muscular and skeletal function for breathing and other communication/oral motor/language courses. She lives in Gibsonton with her Lieutenant/EMT/firefighter husband, Michael; they recently had a beautiful little girl. She is very excited to be able to work with the community and meet their communication needs in a fun, supportive setting.
Kimberly Benyon, M.S. CCC-SLP recently graduated from the University of South Florida with her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. While attending graduate school, Kimberly worked as a Speech Pathology Assistant at Tampa General Hospital. She worked for FAAST, teaching and training patients and staff on the use of assistive technology. She has joined us to host the AAC Club meetings, joining users of speech generatng devices. Encouraging them to learn to use their their devices in the community and to see how others are communicating.
Tracy Farrar B.A., SLPA attended California State University where she received a Bachelors of Arts in Communicative Disorders. Tracy graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006. She has worked for Fresno Unified School District as a speech as both a substitute teacher and a speech para educator. She also worked for the School District of Hillsborough County as a teacher's assistant for children with Autism. She is currently applying to Nova Southeastern University to earn her Master's degree in Speech Pathology while gaining hands on knowledge as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant.
Whitney Howard M.P.T. Whitney has been working as a pediatric physical therapist for years. She has extensive training in Sensory Processing Disorder. She joined us this summer when she teamed up with a local dance instructor to offer a Creative Movement class for our summer program.
Joann Hardwick worked for nine years as a teacher's assistant in a physically impaired classroom in Hillsborough county. She began attending Mommy and Me classes at KIB three years ago. Joann then began working with us both in the classes, assisting the therapists in summer camps and weekly classes as well as working in the office.
Debbie Hinman has been working with children for many years. First, as a teacher's assistant for students with special needs in Hillsborough County, then as a preschool teacher for various daycare centers in the area. She completed her education to be a certified preschool teacher. Debbie offers a calm and warmth to our young children, who have benefited throughout the year from her knowledge and experience.
Laurel Leigh, A.S. completed her associates degree at Hillsborough Community College and is currently attending school to become an occupational therapy assistant. She joined us in 2009 to assist the teachers and therapists during summer camp.
Location:
10022 WATER WORKS LANE
RIVERVIEW, FL 33578-5301
813-677-8450
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM
Sat: call for class schedule
Sun: Closed
