Our team is diverse, yet driven by a single focus: the children we serve.
Carol Taylor
MOT OTR/L
Carol is Owner and Clinical Director at PLAYmatters. She founded the clinic in 2001 in Atlanta, GA to consult, support and advocate for children and their families.
Carol tries to strike the ideal balance between Clinician & Compassion. She believes that thoughtful and truly empathetic care can sometimes get lost in traditional occupational therapy practices. Fiercely optimistic, Carol has a heartfelt passion for both the profession and for children and the families Play Matters serves.
"We are a family's biggest cheerleader. We want to instill confidence with parents and teachers and act as a trusted advisor. In the process, we hope to educate families and the school community."
Uncommonly resourceful, Carol continuously finds creative ways to engage children. She is also extremely well connected within the OT community and is known for her ability to make appropriate recommendations to additional resources outside of her practice.
As a pediatric occupational therapist, her areas of expertise include Sensory Integration (SI), visual-motor, ocular motor & visual perceptual development, auditory intervention, as well as being a DIRFloortime Practitioner.
With a degree in Special Education, a Master of Occupational Therapy and experience as a teacher in the public school system, Carol knows the academic environment firsthand. She is an expert in working with teachers and school staff to incorporate sensorimotor activities in the classroom to facilitate learning as well as play development. She continues to consult at many Atlanta area public and private school, child development centers, and preschools and has been featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
She has been a guest lecturer at both local and national conventions and a featured presenter in graduate level courses at several universities. Outside the clinic and school settings, she enjoys spending time with her family and staying current on the needs and challenges of today's families.
Amy Mace
OTR/L
Amy, our Lead Occupational Therapist, comes to us with over 18 years of experience under her belt. Originally from Pennsylvania, by way of South Carolina, Amy has proven to be a perfect fit for our clinic. Due to her easy-going demeanor and quick adaptability, she is able to develop strong, nurturing, and mutually respectful relationships with all her clients.
Amy’s steadfast professionalism is only outmatched by her convivial personality, which is always present and made clear by the laughter that constantly flows from her sessions. She adds creativity and excitement to everything she does, and this makes her a huge hit with her clients and pretty much anyone who crosses her path. Amy has a knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, making even the most boring tasks stimulating and fun.
Amy received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College in 2000. She also spent two years at the University of Southern California as a working professional while she earned her Certification in Sensory Integration. Amy is trained in several protocols, such as DIR/Floortime, AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers, The Size Matters Handwriting Program, and Sensory Regulation in Children with Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Disorders, just to name a few. She also has experience in Handwriting Without Tears and Astronaut Training. Amy also has an incredibly well-rounded occupational therapy background, having treated adults and children in a multitude of practice settings, including schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.
Not only is Amy an outstanding therapist, but she is also an experienced public speaker, having been a guest speaker at several conferences in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Amy’s finely-honed skills and laid-back personality have made her a fan favorite at Play Matters. Her vast knowledge and experience have made her an invaluable resource to our wonderful families, and to us as well. She has been a wonderful mentor to our interns, and is an inspiration to the whole PLAYmatters family.
Hannah Monell
OTR/L
Hannah recently made Atlanta her home in July 2024, relocating from Austin, Texas. Originally from northern Kentucky, she's thrilled to be closer to her family. With a passion for pediatric occupational therapy, Hannah has been dedicated to supporting children since 2019, working across various pediatric settings. She believes in creating a fun, uplifting, and supportive environment that empowers children to be their authentic selves.
Hannah champions neurodiversity, encouraging children to leverage their unique strengths to navigate their world. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Spalding University and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from the University of Louisville. Hannah is trained in the MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) Approach, the Handwriting Without Tears program, The Astronaut Training Protocol, the Therapeutic Listening Program, and holds a DIR-Floortime Basic Certificate.
Allison Peterka
OTR/L
Meet Ally, whose transformative journey with occupational therapy at The Schenck School in Atlanta ignited a deep-seated passion that continues to shape her path today. Inspired by the empowerment she received as a child, Ally is committed to paying it forward to the next generation.
Ally holds a Master’s in Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University, complemented by a bachelor's degree in psychology. Throughout her time in OT school, Ally delved into research, focusing on "The Effect of COVID-19 on Childhood Occupations: A Scoping Review." Her group's insightful findings were presented at the Georgia Occupational Therapy Conference, offering invaluable perspectives to fellow clinicians.
With experience spanning diverse age groups and abilities, Ally has refined her skills in tailoring interventions to suit each child's unique needs. From her involvement in fieldwork across public and independent schools, she has garnered expertise in employing evidence-based techniques such as Handwriting Without Tears. Ally is enthusiastic about joining forces in your child's journey towards confidence, independence, and success.
Dr. Nicole May
OTR/L
Nicole May was born and raised in Atlanta, where her journey into occupational therapy began years ago when she accompanied her brother to his OT sessions. Since then, she always envisioned working in pediatrics and
fulfilling her passion of making a difference in the lives of children. Nicole loves finding fun and playful ways to support her patients to engage in therapy. She also likes coming up with creative and practical ways for families to support their children’s goals.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from University of Alabama and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Georgia State University. Nicole has presented at the Georgia Occupational Therapy Conference on “Kinematic Analysis of Motor Impairments in Stroke Survivors” and has conducted research on “The Development of Sensory and Coregulation Techniques to Improve Self-Regulation for Children Affected by Lockdown During COVID.” Her diverse fieldwork experience includes working in schools, pediatrics, and orthopedics, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of various patient needs.
Maria Torres
COTA/L
Introducing Maria Torres, a dedicated and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) here at PLAYmatters. Maria brings a wealth of experience and commitment to our team, focusing on nurturing the growth and wellness of young minds. With a background in both Occupational Therapy and Psychology, Maria approaches therapy from a holistic perspective, ensuring comprehensive care for every child she works with.
Throughout her career, Maria has showcased an exceptional ability to conduct thorough OT screenings, craft personalized intervention plans, and foster effective collaboration with families, educators, and paraprofessionals to promote academic success and social engagement. Maria's enthusiasm for pediatric occupational therapy shines brightly in her emphasis on developmental and sensory activities, curating engaging and impactful therapy sessions tailored to the diverse needs of children.
In addition to her core competencies, Maria has undergone basic training in reflex integration, the Astronaut Training Program, and DIR FloorTime. These additional certifications bolster her capacity to address each child's unique needs, guaranteeing that therapy sessions are finely tuned to their individual strengths and challenges. With Maria's expertise and nurturing approach, families can feel confident that their children are receiving compassionate and capable care at PLAYmatters.
Rachel Walker
COTA/L
Rachel Walker, COTA, is a dedicated member of the PLAYmatters Therapy team, where she serves as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Rachel also works as an Inclusion Educator at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, bringing her passion for helping children to every aspect of her role.
Rachel earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Kennesaw State University, which laid the foundation for her interest in occupational therapy. She pursued this path to make a meaningful impact on children's lives, graduating from Chattahoochee Technical College in 2020.
In her role at PLAYmatters, Rachel assists therapists with screenings and evaluations, ensuring that each child receives the personalized care they need. She is skilled in modifying treatment sessions to meet the unique needs of each child, always striving to create the "just right challenge" that keeps children engaged and motivated.
Rachel has basic training in reflex integration, the Astronaut Training Program, and DIR FloorTime, which she incorporates into her practice to enhance the effectiveness of her sessions. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment makes her an invaluable asset to both the PLAYmatters team and the children she works with.
Janan Mirza
OFFICE MANAGER
Janan Mirza brings a unique combination of movement expertise, administrative management, and a deep commitment to child development to the PLAYmatters team. Originally from Atlanta, Janan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy from Brenau University, graduating Cum Laude and as a member of the National Honors Dance Society.
Before joining PLAYmatters, Janan was Administrative Assistant at Neighborhood Ballet & Rise City Dance, where she managed complex schedules, coordinated events, and provided high-level customer service. This role honed her organizational and communication skills, making her well-equipped to handle the multifaceted responsibilities of an Office Manager. Her prior experience also includes working as an Enrichment Teacher within the APS school system, where she delivered specialized movement-based programs that supported children’s motor skills, coordination, and overall physical well-being. Additionally, Janan has worked alongside other therapists, further enhancing her ability to address diverse developmental needs. Janan has also taught dance at Studio Go, Neighborhood Ballet, and Moving in the Spirit, enriching her experience in the dance field.
Janan’s passion for helping children thrive, particularly those with unique needs and strengths, drives her work at PLAYmatters. Her expertise in movement, combined with her background in pre-physical therapy, offers a strong foundation for supporting the clinic’s mission.
Outside of work, Janan passionately teaches ballet, modern, and jazz to students and cherishes the time spent with her three younger sisters, being the oldest of four girls. She is also actively developing her own home organization company, showcasing her dedication to personal and professional growth.