Physical Therapist & Director of Therapy
Dr. Brett Baer is a physical therapist in The Woodlands, Texas, and also serves as the Director of Therapy for several practices in the Houston area. Known for his infectious smile and warm, approachable personality, Dr. Baer is dedicated to helping his patients restore mobility, manage pain, and return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Originally from Brandon, Mississippi, Dr. Baer followed his love of football to Louisiana, where he met his wife, Lauren. After a brief stint with the St. Louis Rams in the NFL, he transitioned to physical therapy, earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in 2016. Dr. Baer and his family later settled in Texas, where he focuses on providing high-quality care to help patients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Dr. Baer specializes in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from extremity injuries to back pain, with a particular focus on manual therapy. He is also certified in functional dry needling for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
When he is not practicing physical therapy, Dr. Baer enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Lauren, and their two wonderful daughters, Britton and Leighton. Dr. Baer remains an avid fan of any and all sporting events, especially University of Louisiana football games, weight lifting, and golfing.
Kandis is an experienced and dedicated pediatric physical therapist with over 20 years of expertise in treating children with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University before pursuing her Master’s in Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. Further advancing her knowledge, Kandis completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, with a focus on pediatric care.
Kandis has specialized training in several advanced therapeutic techniques, including Cranial Sacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Total Motion Release (TMR TOTs), NISE-stim for surface spinal stimulation, and TASES (Task Specific Electrical Stimulation), enabling her to provide comprehensive care tailored to each child’s unique needs. She has also volunteered with various organizations supporting children and adults with special needs, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Outside of her professional life, Kandis enjoys traveling with her husband and spending quality time with her three children. Her passion for both her work and her family reflects her dedication to improving the lives of others, whether through therapy or simply by being present with those she loves.
Savanna earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University in 2018, followed by her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2021. Inspired by her two nephews with special needs, Savanna developed a passion for pediatric physical therapy, which deepened during a clinical rotation at Children’s of Mississippi Hospital in Jackson, MS. Since relocating to the Houston area with her husband in the fall of 2021, Savanna has been dedicated to serving children as a pediatric physical therapist.
She has experience treating a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as gross motor delays. Outside of work, Savanna enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, writing, traveling, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Cecilia is one of our physical therapists based in The Woodlands, Tx. Originally from Mexico, Cecilia spent the past few years enjoying the Hill Country before relocating to Houston in May 2025. She brings a well-rounded background in orthopedic and pediatric care, with a special passion for working with infants experiencing torticollis and developmental delays. Cecilia is certified in Dry Needling level 1, has experience with Total Motion Release TOTs, and is fluent in both english and spanish.
Cecilia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hardin-Simmons University. Patients and coworkers alike appreciate her warm energy, love of coffee, and unapologetic Taylor Swift fandom. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her reading, running, catching a game, or spending quality time with her family.
Karina Montelongo graduated from HCC Coleman in 2016 as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She has been working for Center for Pediatric Therapy since 2016 and specializes in working with children in a clinic and home health setting. Karina has volunteered with various programs for children with special needs such as the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, Autism Speaks and Easterseals.
She has experience working with children with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders and working with infants with torticollis and gross motor delays. Karina is fluent in Spanish. She lives in Houston with her husband and enjoys traveling and reading.
Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She obtained her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Lone Star College Montgomery in 2020. She has been with the Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy since 2021. Jennifer is a member of Lone Star College Montgomery Physical Therapist Assistant Program Advisory Committee. She has experience in working with children with gross motor delay, Torticollis, and neuromuscular disorders.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends fishing, boating, and playing games.
Jared is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with a passion for helping children reach their fullest potential. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology–Exercise Science from the University of Houston and went on to graduate from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Lone Star College–Montgomery. In addition to his clinical background, Jared is a certified personal trainer and strength coach through the NCSF. He primarily works with pediatric patients with orthopedic needs and gait challenges such as toe walking. Outside of the clinic, Jared enjoys sports, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
Giselle was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and earned her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Lone Star College–Tomball in May 2022. She has been with Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy since July 2022. She is passionate about supporting children with a wide range of diagnoses and helping them overcome challenges related to sensory processing, picky eating, handwriting, fine and gross motor development, and emotional regulation.
She is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to effectively serve and communicate with diverse families. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with her husband and family. These experiences inspire her and reinforce her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Makayla, COTA/L is a dedicated Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Pima Medical Institute. She is passionate about supporting children as they develop the skills they need to grow, gain independence, and thrive in their everyday lives. Makayla enjoys using play-based, engaging activities to help children build fine motor skills, strengthen sensory processing abilities, and increase confidence in daily tasks. She values creating a positive and encouraging environment where each child feels supported and celebrated.
Makayla believes in working closely with families and the therapy team to help every child reach their unique goals. Her goal is to make therapy fun, engaging, and empowering while helping each child feel capable and confident. Outside of the clinic, Makayla loves spending time with her miniature Dachshund, playing sports, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Fellow
Shannon Grimm is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow with a strong foundation in early childhood education and a passion for helping individuals reach their fullest potential. She began her professional journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Stephen F. Austin State University, followed by seven impactful years as a kindergarten teacher. During that time, her collaboration with the school’s speech-language pathologist sparked a deep interest in the field, ultimately leading her to pursue a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University.
Shannon is passionate about building meaningful therapeutic relationships and creating engaging, supportive environments that involve families and caregivers every step of the way.
She takes a holistic, person-centered approach that focuses on individual strengths, needs, and goals, empowering clients to make measurable progress in their communication abilities. During her graduate studies, Shannon completed a geriatric internship where she helped a patient with cognitive-linguistic impairments understand the purpose and value of speech therapy. By establishing trust and providing personalized education and care, she witnessed firsthand how meaningful connection and collaboration can lead to transformative outcomes—a moment that reinforced her commitment to the field.
Her motivation comes from witnessing her patients’ growth, building strong caregiver relationships, and working as part of a collaborative and supportive team. Outside of the clinic, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their six children, reading, solving jigsaw puzzles, and crafting.
Shannon Grimm was trained through Lactation Education Resources, to provide personalized, evidence-based lactation support to thoroughly assess latch, milk supply, pumping concerns, and common feeding challenges while creating individualized care plans tailored to each family’s goals. The assessment does include a breast exam if breast/chest feeding. Collaborating with healthcare providers and lactation consultants credentialed through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Shannon offers compassionate guidance in a welcoming, inclusive environment—supporting families of all backgrounds, structures—including single parents, LGBTQ+ families, adoptive parents, surrogacy situations, and multigenerational households, and feeding journeys.
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Connection and compassion are at the heart of Lindsay McCain’s approach to speech therapy. Inspired by her family, particularly her little cousin with a phonological processing disorder, Lindsay developed a deep passion for helping children find their voice and build confidence through communication.
Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Stephen F. Austin State University. As a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant, she is dedicated to supporting children in their speech and language development using a “connection over compliance” approach, focusing on building trust and meaningful relationships with each child she serves.
Lindsay is especially passionate about giving back to her community and making a positive impact in the lives of children and their families. She strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment where kids feel empowered to grow and succeed.
Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys playing her drum kit and expressing herself through music. She also loves spending time outdoors, especially taking her dogs on walks and enjoying nature.
As a dedicated wife and proud mother of three, Lydia Laws has worked at The Houston Center for Pediatric Therapy since 2023. Married since 2000 to her husband Stephen, who served as a Marine and now works in the oil field, Lydia balances her family life with her professional endeavors seamlessly. With a focus on patient care, Lydia is devoted to helping parents navigate their child's therapy journey, ensuring each child reaches their fullest potential. Her compassionate approach extends to providing valuable insurance information, making the process as smooth and supportive as possible. A true people person with a great love for the children she serves, Lydia loves to lend a helping hand and make a positive impact in patient care.
