Hayley Blackman, PT, DPT, PCS Physical Therapist, Team Leader

Hayley Blackman graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Prior to attending UT Austin, Hayley danced for a professional ballet company in Philadelphia. While living in Austin as an undergrad, she continued sharing her passion for dance by teaching ballet classes at a local dance studio for children ranging from 5 to 18 years old. She then attended Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She completed her outpatient pediatric clinical rotation at Big Sky Pediatric Therapy and went on to join the team shortly after graduation. Her special areas of interest include working with infants and young children on gross motor development as well as those with neurological and genetic conditions. She has completed continuing education in a wide variety of areas including courses specifically focused on addressing torticollis and plagiocephaly concerns. In 2022, she became board-certified as a clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy awarded by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. During her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outside, and exploring all that Austin has to offer with her family and friends.
 

Specialty Certifications: Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) issued by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2022. 

Lisa Dennis, PT, DPT, PCS Physical Therapist

Lisa graduated from UT Austin and obtained her Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Lisa has worked in a variety of settings in her 23 years practicing physical therapy, starting her career at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in Houston. There she was able to treat a wide variety of children in both inpatient/post-surgical rehab as well as outpatient specialty clinics for cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, spina bifida, and various other orthopedic impairments. Special areas of interest include the treatment of torticollis and infant gross motor development. Passionate about celebrating the gifts and capabilities all children have to offer, Lisa helped create and served on the executive board of Vandegrift High School’s Special Education Department Booster Club and taught an adapted dance class for youth and young adults with disabilities in her community for ten years. In 2022 Lisa earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in Pediatric Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals. Along with her husband, Joe, and three children, Lisa has called Austin home since 2009.
 

Specialty Certifications: Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) issued by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2012, recertified through 2032 

Michele Brown, PT, M.S. Physical Therapist

Michele received her BA in English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and her Masters of Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1995. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including the University of Virginia Children's Hospital inpatient units and outpatient clinic, as well as specialty clinics such as Spina Bifida clinic, hemophilia clinic, neurodevelopmental clinic, preemie clinic, and Cerebral Palsy clinic. She has experience evaluating for and determining appropriate wheelchair seating and assistive equipment, as well as recommending appropriate orthotics when indicated. Michele has also worked in the public schools and early intervention setting and currently also sees children in the home health setting. She loves working with each child to make progress toward improving his ability to play and interact with friends and family. Michele and her husband, Chris, have three daughters and enjoy hiking, exploring new places, and playing games together.

Ruchi Bagrodia, PT, DPT, PCS Physical Therapist

Ruchi is a native Austinite and graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Following graduation, she dedicated 1 year to community service, helping students in a low socio-economic school in Seattle. Ruchi went on to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in Denver. Her clinical rotation at Children’s Hospital Colorado led her to pursue a career in pediatrics. Since then, Ruchi has gained experience in a multiple pediatric settings including inpatient acute care, outpatient rehab and specialty hospital clinics. She spent over 5 years at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Southern California, where she had the opportunity to work with kids of all ages and a wide variety of medical diagnoses and health conditions. She developed a special interest in the treatment of scoliosis which led her to obtain advanced training in the Schroth Method for conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). In 2020, she received board-certification as a clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy awarded by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Ruchi is excited to be back in Austin and live closer to family, friends and breakfast tacos!

Specialty Certifications: Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS), Schroth Method C1, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1

Victoria Austin, PTA

Victoria graduated from South University in Savannah, Georgia with an Associates of applied science from the Physical Therapist Assistant program. While in Georgia she gained experience in acute and outpatient care facilities. While working as a certified Registered Behavior Technician, helping children with Autism, her passion for working in pediatrics grew. Her favorite part of being a therapist is helping patients live their best live. Victoria and her husband Sean are native Austinites who recently moved back and are looking forward to raising their daughter here. In her spare time, you can find her hiking with her family, eating Mexican food, and lounging at the greenbelt.