Rita Gessford, Owner
Certified Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
Certified RMTi Consultant
Therapeutic Listening Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Rita is an Occupational Therapist with 23+ years of clinical experience working with both pediatric and adult populations. She has worked in a multitude of settings to include skilled care, acute care, NICU Level III, in-patient pediatrics, and outpatient. She received her start at a Hospital in Ohio. At that location, she was the sole therapist in the NICU setting and created a standardized level of care for nursing and occupational therapy. To complement this, she developed an initial competency seminar and performed random competency assessments for the nursing staff throughout the year. This led to the opportunity to be one of the principals of a Vermont Oxford study in which she completed the Bailey’s Standardized Test for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants.
In 2005, she became a nationally certified lymphedema therapist through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). At that time, she developed an outpatient lymphedema clinic for the hospital in Ohio. In addition, she also became the therapy representative on the Cancer Committee Board and worked closely with the lead physician in the sentinel node biopsy studies.
In 2010, she moved to Nashville where she worked within the St. Thomas Hospital Network. Pursuing her passion to help children, she returned to pediatric therapy in 2015.
In 2020, she certified as an RMTi (Rhythmic Movement Training International) Consultant, and in 2021, attained her certification as a Therapeutic Listening Therapist. She believes that this additional skill set has and continues to facilitate growth, self-confidence, and amazing success in her clients.
Elizabeth Crouch, Occupational Therapist
Certified Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
Liz is a native of Nashville, TN. She embarked on her journey in the field of Occupational Therapy after a summer in New Zealand. Part of her experience exposed her to the unique and holistic approach of Occupational Therapy, which resonated deeply with her growing passion for assisting individuals in achieving their goals and engaging in meaningful activities.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Tech University and later her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Tennessee State University. Her career has led her through diverse settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and outpatient pediatrics. Her fascination with the holistic aspects of Occupational Therapy led her to explore and delve deeper into the study of primitive reflexes, their profound impact on human development and their relationship with our growth and experiences.
Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys outdoor activities including biking, kayaking, and playing pickleball. She also cherishes quality time with her family.