Sara Weirich, MS, OTR/L
Co-Owner
Occupational Therapist
Sara Weirich is the co-owner of High Hopes Children’s Therapy. She owns the business with her mother, who shares her passion for helping children. Sara has her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has worked with children of all ages and all diagnosis. Sara is board certified and licensed occupational therapist in the state of GA. She continues to gain expertise in the field of occupational therapy as she continues her post graduate educational courses in the field of pediatrics. Sara is certified in Interactive Metronome (IM), Primitive Reflex Integration, Astronaut Program, and Integrative Listening System. Sara has a fun and outgoing personality that all children enjoy. Children easily learn to trust her guidance in a fun and inviting environment
Miriam Ahmad
Co-Owner
Miriam Ahmad is the co-owner of High Hopes Children’s Therapy. She owns the business with her daughter, who is a pediatric occupational therapist. Miriam is a retired registered nurse who is educated in billing and coding and handles all managerial aspects for High Hopes Children’s Therapy. Miriam has a passion for helping children and enjoys working closely with her daughter who shares her same passion. Together they hope to make a great difference in many children’s lives.
Susan
Chief Operations Officer
Client Services Manager
Marketing Director
Susan joined our practice in November 2022. Susan and her family moved from Upstate New York to Georgia in 2014. Susan has been in the Medical Administrative field for over 20 years. She has worked in many different medical office settings, and has found that she has a passion for working with families with special needs children. In her free time Susan likes to garden and spend time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Beth
Director of Clinical Services
Occupational Therapist
Beth is a graduate from Brenau University where she received a bachelors in Health Science and a Masters of Occupational Therapy. During her time in the OT program she experienced a variety of clinical rotations in multiple practice areas including acute care, community-based programs, and mental health, but her passion has remained in pediatrics. Throughout her time with the company, Beth has worked with children of all ages and conditions including: ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, neurological disorders and developmental delays. Beth is certified in the Interactive Metronome (IM) program. She has 4 years of OT experience in the pediatric setting and is trained in a variety of programs and services offered at High Hopes Children’s Therapy including SOS Feeding Approach, Astronaut Program, Therapeutic Listening, and Primitive Reflex Integration. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her friends and family, travel as much as possible, and watch as many movies as she can!
Rachel
Lead Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Rachel graduated Magna Cum Laude from UGA earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She graduated with Highest Honors from Nova Southeastern University with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. She was inducted into Pi Theta Epsilon - The National Occupational Therapy Honor Society - as well as the Alpha Eta Honor Society - a national scholastic honor society for the allied health professions. Rachel was published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy along with some of her peers for a research study on occupation-centered practice. She has experience in pediatrics, the NICU, and acute care and is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and Therapeutic Listening. Rachel has always been passionate about working with kids and has treated kids of various ages and diagnoses including ASD, Down Syndrome, developmental delays, developmental coordination disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing difficulties. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, arts and crafts, and spending time with family and friends. Rachel is very excited to be a part of the High Hopes Therapy team.
Rebekah
Speech Therapist
Rebekah Ridley, M.S., CF – SLP, earned her Bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University and her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University. She is licensed in Speech-Language Pathology in the State of Georgia. Rebekah is passionate about working with kids and has experience working in both the public schools and pediatric private practice settings. Her areas of interest include articulation/phonological disorders, early intervention, receptive-expressive language disorders, and autism. In her free time, Rebekah enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, watching movies, and traveling.
Darcy
Client Care Coordinator
Darcy is originally from the Bay Area in Northern California, where she graduated from Menlo College with a degree in Business Administration.
She moved to GA in 2000. She has enjoyed working with children and their families in various settings, including therapeutic, medical, and faith-based, for over 11 years. Her heart has always gravitated toward families with special needs children. She is a mother of two, step-mom to three more, and Mimi to four wonderful grandkids. She loves to have fun with her husband and four dogs. Her hobbies include skiing, traveling, cooking, and knitting.
Kristin
Occupational Therapist
Team Engagement Coordinator
Kristin graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University after previously receiving her Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia. After being introduced to the field by a close family friend at a young age, Kristin had determined that not only does occupational therapy give her the opportunity to pursue her passion of working with and helping children, but it also allows her to demonstrate her determination, creativity, and problem-solving, a set of skills imperative to the field. Kristin is a Certified Autism Specialist and has also received training in Handwriting Without Tears. Kristin strives to make a difference in others’ lives and desires to give children and their families hope of accomplishment and the opportunity to follow passions in their own lives. In her free time, Kristin enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen, exploring the area as well as new cities, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her Golden Retriever.
Dustin
Occupational Therapist
Dustin graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor's of Exercise Science and went on to get his master's degree from Brenau University. His pediatric experiences include shadowing outpatient equine-assisted therapy, a clinical rotation in a nonprofit clinic, as well as completing a level two rotation at another private outpatient clinic where he has worked with kids of varying diagnosis. Dustin quickly found a passion working with the pediatric population and enjoys the unique experiences of getting to work with the kids as well as formulating and carrying out fun treatments consisting of games and crafts while getting to know each child and their personality. In his free time, he loves to hike, enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, play video games, listen to music, and cook. Dustin is very excited about being a part of the High Hopes team and gaining more knowledge and skills to become a better therapist and to grow as an individual.
Brooke
Occupational Therapist
Brooke is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College where she received a bachelors in Biology and went on to receive her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Alabama State University. Brooke is from Birmingham, Alabama and has worked in various pediatric settings including a private practice sensory integration clinic as well as the school setting for Pre-K through High School students. She is trained in a variety of programs and services offered at High Hopes Children’s Therapy including Astronaut Program, Primitive Reflex Integration, Sensory Integration, and Interactive Metronome (IM). Brooke lives in Alpharetta with her husband and enjoys being active outdoors by hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Margaret
Occupational Therapist
Margaret graduated from Georgia Southern University where she received her Bachelor’s of Science and Kinesiology. She then moved to St. Augustine, Florida where she graduated with High Honors from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences obtaining a Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She gained experience through clinical rotations in acute care and outpatient pediatrics. She has specialized training in Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflex Integration, The Astronaut Program, and Interactive Metronome (IM). Margaret is super excited to be a part of the High Hopes family. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends.
Lauren
Occupational Therapist
Social Media Coordinator
Lauren graduated Magna Cum Laude and received her Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University (War Eagle!) which gave her a strong foundation to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Lauren graduated Summa Cum Laude and received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Georgia State University. Lauren grew up in Roswell, Ga and has a background in working with Pediatric and Neuro Populations. She has specialized training in Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflex Integration, The Astronaut Program, and Interactive Metronome (IM). Lauren loves working with her High Hope’s kiddos and families! When Lauren is not working she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Melissa
Occupational Therapist
Melissa received her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Northern Illinois University and went on to receive her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. She is from Sycamore, Illinois and has worked with children throughout her life as a nanny, assistant teacher at a preschool, and dance teacher. Melissa has gained experience in a variety of settings including outpatient pediatrics, school-based pediatrics, community-based day programs, outpatient hand therapy, and inpatient services at Emory Rehabilitation. She is trained in a variety of programs and services offered at High Hopes Children’s Therapy including Astronaut Program, Primitive Reflex Integration, and Sensory Integration. Melissa lives in Cumming and enjoys volunteering at her church, attending local farmer’s markets, playing pickleball and golf, and traveling.
Jamie
Occupational Therapist
Jamie earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. Jamie is board certified and a licensed occupational therapist in Georgia. She has worked with children of various ages and diagnoses in settings such as outpatient clinics, school systems, hippotherapy, and aquatics. She is certified in Interactive Metronome (IM). On the weekend, she enjoys being on the lake and hiking with her two dogs.
Erica
Speech Therapist
Reading Specialist
Erica Gutzweiler, M.A., CCC-SLP earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo). She is ASHA certified and licensed in Speech Language Pathology in the State of Georgia. Erica has dedicated her to career working in pediatrics. She specializes in reading disorders and dyslexia and is Orton-Gillingham trained. Other areas of interest include articulation/phonological disorders, receptive-expressive language disorders, apraxia, autism, cleft lip/palate and developmental delays. Erica is also PROMPT trained. In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband and her two daughters.
Destiny
Speech Therapist
Destiny Harchar, M.Ed, CCC-SLP is a Georgia native that obtained both her bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia. She is certified through the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and is licensed in the state of Georgia. The majority of her 11 year career has been spent serving the pediatric population in public school special needs preschool programs throughout the state. She loves working with children and is passionate about helping them grow in their communication skills through speech and language therapy. Outside of life as a speech language pathologist, she is wife to her amazing husband and mom to two wonderful kiddos. She enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, listening to audio books, and traveling.
Megan
Speech Therapist
Megan Unger, M.A. CCC-SLP earned her Bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Cortland State College in New York. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from New York University, is ASHA certified, holds a License in Speech Language Pathology in the State of Georgia, and a teaching certificate in Speech Language Pathology.Megan has many years of experience working in both the school and clinical settings providing speech/language therapy with a concentration on early intervention, articulation/phonological disorders, language disorders, autism,
Down Syndrome, developmental disorders, and social skills. Megan has also participated in PROMPT training through the PROMPT Institute.
Megan resides in Cumming with her husband, three children, two dogs, two cats, and a menagerie of fish.
Delaney
Speech Therapist
Delaney Bloom, M.Ed., CCC-SLP earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University (War Eagle!) and her Master’s degree in Communications Disorders from Valdosta State University. She also minored in Psychology! Delaney is an Alpharetta native and returned to the area after completing her studies. Delaney has always been passionate about working with kids and has enjoyed working in both the public school system and the private speech settings. She has treated kids ages 1 to 19 with a variety of communication needs across several areas such as articulation, phonology, expressive/receptive/pragmatic language, early language, and fluency. Delaney enjoys working with the families at High Hopes Children's Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys making T-Shirts, DIY projects, going to the beach, and spending time with her friends and family.
Shelby
Speech Therapist
Shelby Matlock, M.S., CCC-SLP earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Georgia State University. She is ASHA certified and licensed in Speech Language Pathology in the State of Georgia. Shelby has dedicated her career working in pediatrics in the school setting and clinic setting. Her areas of interest include articulation/phonological disorders, receptive-expressive language disorders, apraxia, autism, and neurodivergent affirming practices. In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and doing yoga.
Shaniqua
Speech Therapist
Shaniqua joined the High Hopes Children’s Therapy family in December of 2023 as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She attended the University of West Georgia where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology. Shaniqua has obtained clinical experience in a variety of settings such as an outpatient clinic, public school, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) where she evaluated, diagnosed, and treated patients with a range of disorders such as articulation/phonological, autism, AAC, receptive and expressive language disorders, fluency, cognitive-communication, and dysphagia (in adults). Recently, Shaniqua has become an NLA-trained clinician due to completing the Meaningful Speech course on Gestalt Language Processing, Echolalia, and Natural Language Acquisition. Shaniqua currently resides in Canton, GA with her fiance and dog. She is naturally a homebody and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Likewise, Shaniqua enjoys attending group fitness classes, hiking/exploring nature trails in the area, binge watching favorite tv shows/movies, and creating vegan meals in her spare time.
Natalia
Speech Therapist
Natalia Croom, M.A. CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist here at High Hopes. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She earned her Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Natalia is ASHA certified, holds a License of Speech-Language Pathology in the State of Virginia and the State of Georgia. Natalia has experience working in both the school and clinical settings providing speech/language therapy for individuals with a variety of communication needs in areas such as: Articulation/Phonological, Language (Receptive-Expressive and Pragmatic Language), Oral Motor, and Fluency. Natalia has a goal to become proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) to promote gestural language for early language learners in hopes of increasing the use of verbal and gestural language skills.
Kristen
Physical Therapist
Kristen is a graduate of University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science. She went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Georgia State University. Kristen has a wide range of experience including: aquatics, pediatrics, inpatient rehabilitation, post brain injury and stroke care, wound care, acute care, geriatrics, home health, orthopedic outpatient, and she was a clinic director for several clinics in assisted living facilities around the Atlanta area. She has certifications in Parkinson's LSVT BIG as well as dry needling. Kristen enjoys working with pediatrics to make every step count. Kristen lives with her husband and daughter and enjoys doing crafts and hobbies of many different types.
Beka
Occupational Therapist
Rebeka graduated from Western Michigan University where she received her Bachelors of Health Science, and Masters in Occupational Therapy. Rebeka grew up in Michigan and has lived in north Atlanta for several years. She has gained experience working in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, short term rehab facilities, and nursing homes. She also worked as an Assistant Program Director for an enrichment program while homeschooling her three children and volunteered on the board of a local support network for families with young children. In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures with her children, hiking, reading, and cooking.
Sarah
Physical Therapist
Sarah graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science emphasis. She then obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Augusta University’s College of Allied Health Sciences. She is a licensed physical therapist from Sugar Hill, Georgia that grew up riding horses competitively in Cumming. She has always loved working with kids and animals, and has volunteered with the Guide Dog Foundation, Great Oak Therapeutic Riding, and Camp Wheeze and Sneeze with Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Her clinical experience includes outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and pediatric sports medicine. She has loved working with kids with autism, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and orthopedic injuries/surgeries. In her free time, she enjoys walking her black lab named Vernon, reading, spending time with friends and family, and watching her favorite TV shows/movies.