Patient Successes
Paul
“Paul was born August 19, 2020, 8 weeks premature, but that wasn’t his only hurdle to overcome. Paul has Spina-Bifida. A birth defect where his spine doesn’t fully close while in utero. In May of 2020, I found out that I was a candidate to have open fetal surgery to close Paul’s spine. The surgery was successfully performed June 24, 2020. On July 29, 2020 my water broke and I was placed on hospital bed rest until his arrival in August. Once Paul was able to come home, on October 12 we knew we need to be proactive in advocating for him in the many areas of need that he had; gross motor was at the top of the list.
We worked with Dr. Missy from the beginning. She taught us strategies and positions to assist Paul in learning to hold his head up and eventually sit unassisted. From there we worked with her on core strength to help him crawl and eventually stand! Not only did she support our son, now walking independently, but she supported us, the parents and grandparents, in providing hope through mentally challenging and emotionally draining doctor appointments but also celebrating all the milestones. Due to her hard work, dedication and love for Paul, our son is now walking without the use of additional equipment.”
— Heather
AJ
“AJ began physical therapy at 6 months old; he was diagnosed with Dandy Walker Malformation and Hydrocephalus. During my pregnancy doctors predicted AJ would be a vegetable if he survived birth. AJ was evaluated for physical therapy by Dr. Missy; it was at that time she gave me permission to hope again. Dr. Missy had a glimmer in her eye, she showed eagerness to take on the challenge. We collectively selected goals to work towards. AJ was unable to hold his head up, use his hands functionally, minimal range of motion, unable to sit, roll, or crawl at the start of therapy. Our experience with Dr. Missy was life-changing. A turning point to our journey. The best way to describe her is well-rounded. She was empathetic, compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced, accommodating, and firm. Instead of intimidation due to his failure to thrive status, she met AJ with such joy, respect, and hope.
Missy arrived with realistic activities in mind that I could apply throughout the week. By 1.5 years old, AJ was holding up his head, at 2 years old he sat up with assistance. Dr. Missy accessed a stander for weight bearing, which allowed him to stand up supported. This position was a favorite! AJ advanced as far as he did because he had an equipped therapist that cared. The impact of Playtime Physical therapy is invaluable.”
— Britany
Julian
“In July 2017 our son Julian was born with a rare and severe form of brittle bone disease. For the first year of his life, he laid flat on a pillow or pad, trying to see as much of the world around him. Around 12 months of age, we met Missy and she started to work with Julian. She was not afraid of him and was very encouraging. She did research and found new and inventive ways of treating him. She also helped a set of very hesitant parents learn to become more confident when handling him. She came up with new ways for us to do basic everyday tasks with Julian in the safest ways and to keep him included with our family activities. We knew Julian was in the best hands. Quickly with her work, Julian went from a life living on his back to sitting up on his own. He eventually started to stand and then walk, which was a motor skill no one though he would do. His world quickly opened up for him.
Today, Julian is almost 9 years old, and can walk, run, climb, jump, ride a bike and dance. He loves to wrestle with his brothers, despite our reservations. He goes to school and has friends, birthday parties and sleepovers. He lives a life we feared he would never have, and only uses his wheelchair when he needs to. This would not have been possible without Missy’s skills and dedication in those early years, they were the foundation for his continued progress. We are truly thankful and blessed to have had the absolute pleasure of working with her, and only wish we still lived where she could continue to be an integral part of our lives. We could not recommend her more highly!”
— Jamie
Scotty
“Scotty began physical therapy around 10 months old due to low muscle tone. He was later diagnosed with a global developmental delay and a partial deletion of the AFF4 gene, and he has participated in both PT and Speech therapy.
From the very beginning, working with Missy and her team has been an incredible experience. Scotty has grown and learned so much through therapy. He has gotten stronger every single day, and we are now so close to him completely walking independently. His overall strength, balance, and confidence have improved tremendously.
Missy has always been patient and intentional, not only during sessions but also in teaching us how to continue supporting Scotty at home. She consistently brought new and creative ideas tailored to his needs, which has made such a difference in his progress.
Scotty now communicates so well, and it has been amazing to watch his confidence grow right alongside his physical strength. He truly looks forward to his sessions, and we continue to use the techniques and strategies we’ve learned in our daily routines.
We are so grateful for the impact therapy has had on Scotty’s development and for the support we’ve received along the way.”
— Amanda
Jackson
“Jackson started PT in January 2025 due to Torticollis and Low Muscle Tone. He was 6 months old when he started PT at CHKD and I was introduced to the Chesapeake Early Intervention program in September of 2025. At this time he still wasn’t crawling and he was over a year old.
After the two hour evaluation with Missy I felt like I had gained so much knowledge so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was told she was able to be his physical therapist! In just 10 months working with Missy, Jackson learned how to crawl, pull himself up, stand unassisted and best of all walk on his own! I can honestly say he was only able to make the strides that he did so quickly because of Missy! She truly is amazing at working with kids and families to help navigate the challenges your child may face! She is kind, patient, extremely knowledgable and collaborative. I will be forever grateful for her and she will always be a major part of Jackson’s story! If you get the chance to work with Missy you are extremely lucky! She really is a real life Ms. Rachel as my family would call her! Thank you Missy for helping change Jackson’s life!!”
— Nicole
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