About Kids First Therapy Center
Empowering Children Through Comprehensive Therapy Services
Welcome to Kids First Therapy Center, Inc., a leading private practice located in Kissimmee, FL, dedicated to providing high-quality therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in speech, occupational, and physical therapy, empowering children to reach their full potential in communication, motor skills, and daily activities.
Our team comprises highly skilled professionals, including licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Physical Therapists (PTs). Additionally, we have a dedicated support staff of Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), all working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our young clients.
At Kids First Therapy Center, we are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children and families feel valued and respected. Through our comprehensive approach, we strive to empower children to overcome challenges, build confidence, and thrive in all areas of their lives.
Speech Therapy
Yvette Kirkland-Jenkins, SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Yvette received her Bachelors of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology, followed by her Masters of Science in Recreational Therapy from Lehman College CUNY, as well as certificates in Advanced Graduate Studies and School Building Leadership from College of Saint Rose, Albany. She holds licensure as a Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped/Speech Therapist in New York and as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Florida. Yvette joined the KFTC Team in January 2023.
Gretchen Morales, SLPA
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Gretchen was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Speech Therapy. She has years of experience as an SLPA in Puerto Rico working with children in Early Intervention and educational settings, and gained additional experience as a Teacher and SLPA upon moving to Florida in 2016. Gretchen has been a part of the KFTC Team since 2020.
Laura Santiago, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Laura was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy in 2008 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Carlos Albizu University in 2012. Since relocating to the United States in 2013, she has accumulated years of experience in the medical and pediatric fields, working with bilingual patients and supporting families. Her expertise included early intervention, bilingual phenomena, cognitive communication disorders, feeding and swallowing. She joined KFTC in 2021.
Meet the Rest of our Speech Therapy Team
Yudenia Leyva Mayan, SLPA
Laramid Padilla, SLPA
Idelma Pedroso, SLPA
Amledys Socarras, SLPA
Heily Delgado Medina, SLPA
Sandra Junco, SLPA
Occupational Therapy
Gabriella Cabrera
M.S., OTR/L Occupational Therapist
Gabriella is a board certified Occupational Therapist who began practicing in 2014, though her fieldwork began in 2013. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida, then moved on to her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University. Gabi’s experience ranges from pediatric to geriatric, with settings including schools, hospitals, and private practices. She believes in a neuro-affirming approach to therapy. Gabi is also fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Outside of work, Gabi enjoys time with her husband and daughters.
Jessica Brach
COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jessica began her career as a COTA after graduating from Keiser University in 2022. She enjoys working with pediatric patients most, though she also has experience treating adults. She has worked with Kids First Therapy Center, for also two years now. In her free time, Jessica loves going to the gym, cuddling with her dog, and spending time with her friends and family.
Yonaiky Osorio, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Julia Evans, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Meet the Rest of our Occupational Therapy Team
Jessica Avila, M.S., OTR
Heather McMurdy, COTA
Monica Daza, COTA
Jennifer Koskela, COTA
Yissel Wolffe Martinez, COTA
Physical Therapy
Nicole Tucker
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Nicole is a board-certified Physical Therapist who began practicing in 2010. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences from Slippery Rock University, PA and obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010. Nicole has extensive experience in a variety of settings from outpatient private practice to hospital and rehabilitation facilities treating patients with orthopedic, post-surgical, pediatric, neurological and cardiopulmonary conditions. Nicole is passionate about treating young children and helping them reach their full potential. Nicole enjoys spending time at the beach and traveling with her husband and three children.
Ahmad Manna – PTA
Meet the Rest of our Physical Therapy Team
Laymi Cardenas, PTA
Jean Merissaint, PTA
Ahmad Manna, PTA
Administrative Team
Martha Hinojosa
Office Manager
I am originally from Colombia and have a background in Business Administration. I have been part of Kids First Therapy Center since 2019, gaining experience in customer service, intakes, authorizations, and office management. I now serve as Operations Coordinator. Passionate about helping others with kindness and professionalism, I am dedicated to supporting families and growing with Kids First Therapy for years to come.
Melissa Pulido
Office Coordinator, Orlando Office
Melissa began her career in Venezuela, earning degrees in International Commerce and Fashion Design. Over time, she built expertise in administration, excelling in organization, coordination, and project management. Outside of work, she continues to pursue her passion for fashion design, balancing creativity with structure. She thrives in roles that allow her to combine discipline, innovation, and collaboration.
Maria Victoria Marquez
Scheduler Specialist
Known as “Vicky,” she was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she completed her academic studies and earned her law degree from the Universidad Rafael Urdaneta. I has been a valuable member of our team since July 2023, currently serving as a Scheduler Specialist. What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to help families in need of our services. My dedication to providing support and guidance is truly at the heart of her work. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and indulging in visits to her favorite restaurants.
Discover a world of possibilities
Our dedicated team is here to support your child’s development and growth through personalized occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy programs. With a child-centered approach, we focus on creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Kids First Therapy Center
Locations
Kissimmee Office
814 North Main St.
Kissimmee, FL, 34744
(407) 931-1014
info@kidsfirsttc.com
Orlando Office
13574 Village Park Dr.
Suite 200
Orlando, FL, 32837
(407) 930-1000
info.orlando@kidsfirsttc.com
Davenport Office
49671 US-27 Suite B (located in same building as CubeSmart)
Davenport Fl, 33897
(863) 424-5703
info@kidsfirsttc.com
Kids First Therapy Center 