Who We Are

Amy Kuhl, MSOT, OTR/L
Owner & Founder

Amy has been working with children as an Occupational Therapist since 2014.  She received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College in 2013.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire.  She has since pursued advanced training and specialization in feeding therapy.  Amy has also pursued training in holistic approaches to treatment including aromatherapy, mediation, nutrition, and craniosacral therapy.  

Amy has experience in private practice, early intervention, and in schools.  She has a deep passion for out-patient private practice and a strong belief in individualization for each child.  She has observed the benefits of working closely with the family to achieve the most carryover from private sessions in the clinic into the home environment. Experience has taught her that this approach provides the best opportunity for the child to progress more quickly. Amy has had her own struggles in life and perceives that those experiences have brought an extraordinarily deeper perspective on life, broadening her skills and allowing for a profound understanding and empathy for the kids and families that she works with.

Amy chose to start Kuhl Therapies in 2018 because she wanted to develop a place where a unique and holistic approach is welcomed. Kuhl Therapies was founded to provide an environment for children and families that enriches the innate intelligence of each child, and supports those who care for them.

Kuhl Therapies is a place where each family member is heard and treated individually. Amy enjoys partnering with caregivers, and forming a team to empower the whole family. In this way, the child and family enter into a trusting relationship that forms a community of support.

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Shannon Wade, 
Speech-Language Pathologist 

​Shannon is a nationally certified Speech-Language Pathologist who is licensed in Florida and Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Art degrees from the University of Central Florida. 

Shannon has experience assessing and treating children and adults with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism, Down Syndrome, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Fluency, Language, Hearing Loss, and Cognitive Impairment. She has experience working with the individuals in outpatient, inpatient rehab, early intervention, and school settings. 

Although Shannon has worked with individuals of all ages, her passion lies in pediatrics. She truly believes in a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and whole-person approach to therapy. She draws great satisfaction from watching her clients become more confident and effective communicators. She believes that this growth blossoms when children feel safe and loved. These ideals are foundational to Kuhl Therapies, and Shannon is beyond excited to join a team of like-minded therapists working to support children and their families.

Shannon has recently relocated from Central Florida to Maryland. She has a family of two teenagers, a husband, and two chihuahuas. They are looking forward to enjoying the seasonal changes and exploring the beautiful outdoors!

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Elise  Coggins
​Occupational Therapist 

​I became an occupational therapist because of my love for helping others.  I have always found great joy being around children and am so excited that this career allows me to spend my days doing just that. Throughout OT school and fieldworks I have seen the awesome changes that over sessions/ time.  These changes whether big or small, Motivated me to become a better therapist and gives me great joy. I am Ecstatic to be a pediatric OT at Kuhl Therapies!!

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Stephaine Conley
Physical Therapist

Stephanie is a new transplant to Maryland, but not to pediatric physical therapy.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Pittsburgh in Rehabilitation Science with a concentration in Athletic Training.  She went on to graduate from Duke University as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Since graduating in 2010, Stephanie has worked as a physical therapist in several different states at various pediatric facilities including a large pediatric hospital system, small private outpatient clinics, in the home, and in the school setting.  She has interacted with patients with a variety of diagnoses. Most importantly, Stephanie understands the value of family in a child’s treatment. As a parent herself, she recognizes the need for flexibility and integration of therapeutic activities into the family’s daily life so that everyone feels successful. 

Stephanie is a military spouse and mother of two boys.  Her family has lived in several places, but as east coast natives, they are looking forward to staying in Maryland for the foreseeable future.  In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, doing arts, crafts, or LEGO with her kids, cooking, sewing, and reading. 

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Ashley  Merola
Occupational Therapist 

​​Ashley Merola is one of our Occupational Therapists on staff. Ashley graduated from the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Health Sciences, Psychology minor, and Human Development Concentration, followed by a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. Ashley has been working in pediatrics since February 2017, working in school-based, community-based, and clinic-based settings with children ages 2 years to 21 years. Ashley values the use of a child-led approach in therapy and believes that all children have a unique skill set, which it is the role of Occupational Therapy to nourish and grow. Outside of work-life, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and has a strong passion for fitness and overall health. She looks forward to working with you and your child to reach their OT goals!
Ashley Merola is one of our Occupational Therapists on staff. Ashley graduated from the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Health Sciences, Psychology minor, and Human Development Concentration, followed by a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. Ashley has been working in pediatrics since February 2017, working in school-based, community-based, and clinic-based settings with children ages 2 years to 21 years. Ashley values the use of a child-led approach in therapy and believes that all children have a unique skill set, which it is the role of Occupational Therapy to nourish and grow. Outside of work-life, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and has a strong passion for fitness and overall health. She looks forward to working with you and your child to reach their OT goals!

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Patricia Soltys (Pat)
Occupational Therapist

Jessica Roth
Speech-Language Pathologist 

Jessica is a certified speech-language pathologist licensed in Maryland and New Hampshire. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island and her Master of Science from Nazareth College of Rochester, NY. Jess enjoys a child-led approach to therapy to find each child's effective style of communication. She believes that collaborating with family is the greatest way to ensure carryover of skills.  Outside of work, Jess enjoys exploring her new home of DC, going to museums, reading, and trying new restaurants. She is from Plymouth, MA (America's Hometown!) and loves visiting family and friends. Jess is looking forward to supporting families to meet their children's communication goals!

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