Meet Our Physical Therapists
Mollie Merriam, PT DPT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Mollie Merriam has been practicing physical therapy since 2016. Mollie received her Bachelor of Exercise Science degree from Dakota State University in Madison, SD in 2013 followed by her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2016 from University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.
What drew you to the field of Physical Therapy?
My mom has done daycare since I was 3 years old, so growing up around many children made me learn to love them! I started pursuing jobs involving kids when I was in college; coaching softball, t-ball, and volleyball which further grew my passion for working with kids! While in college I started pursuing a degree in teaching but wanted to combine my love for sports and kids; so ultimately decided ph Physical Therapy fully knowing I want to be a Pediatric Physical Therapist!
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What is your favorite part about working with children and families?
My favorite part of working with children and their family is being able to help each child successfully accomplish each motor milestone for them to participate more efficiently with their peers and family.
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What additional trainings or continuing education have your completed that help you better serve children?
I have completed specialized training for treatments of Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Reflex Integration, Pediatric Bowel/Bladder Dysfunctions, Vision in Pediatric Therapy; as well as being Dry Needling Certified.
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Do you have a favorite therapy tool you love using?
My favorite therapy tool is the bosu ball - to work on balance, strengthening, or core stabilization!
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Why are you proud to be part of the T & K team?
I love being a part of the T & K team, because it allows me to work along side various other professionals (SLP, OT, Social Work, Early Intervention) and collaborate therapy plans, approaches, and techniques for sessions to provide that best care to the children I see.
Kenady Waldie, Physical Therapist
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Hi! My name is Kenady Waldie. I have been a licensed physical therapist in North Dakota since November of 2022. I have graduated from the University of Jamestown twice. Go Jimmies! In my 7 years there, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2019 and obtained my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2022.
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​What drew you to the field of Physical Therapy?
I have always loved helping people and have seen people significantly improve their function and pain through physical therapy, as I observed during my undergraduate studies. As I entered physical therapy school, I discovered a passion for working with pediatric patients through acute care. I particularly enjoy working with outpatient pediatrics and providing consulting services to families in Early Intervention.
What is your favorite part about working with children and families?
My favorite part about working with children and families is seeing a child accomplish a new skill they had been working on previously. Whether it is improving their safety on stairs, jumping for the first time, or learning to ride their bike. I love seeing a child proud of their new skill!
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What additional training or continuing education have you completed that helps you better serve children?
I am Pelvic Floor Certified Level I, have taken training on pediatric spine conditions and pediatric sports injuries, reflex integration level I, and most recently took Seeing the Big World: The Role of Vision in Pediatric Therapy.
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Do you have a favorite therapy tool you love using?
I love coming up with new activities to use in the clinic, but I particularly like to challenge balance with balance beams, Bosu balls, rocker boards, you name it!
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Why are you proud to be part of the T & K team?
I love that we are a collaborative team. We have so many people of expertise in all different specialties, and each one of us has their own unique strengths to utilize. I can always go to anyone on the teamif I need a new strategy or a new perspective!
Kelcie Schaff, Physical Therapy Assistant
I went to college at Williston State College and graduated in 2005 with an AAS degree of Physical Therapist Assistant. I have been practicing in pediatric therapy for 20 years.
What drew you to the field you’re in?
What drew me to pediatric physical therapy was the opportunity to combine my love for movement and child development in a way that truly impacts lives. There is something incredibly powerful about using play as a tool for progress and knowing that even small gains can have a huge impact on a child's confidence and independence.
What is your favorite part about working with children and families?
I love my job as a pediatric physical therapist because I get to play a meaningful role in helping children gain independence, confidence and strength.
Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing a child take their first steps,reach for a toy they couldn't before or simply be proud of themselves when they realize what their body can do. Watching them achieve these milestones, no matter how big or small, is incredibly rewarding and it's an honor to walk alongside them and their families to help celebrate.
What additional training or continuing education have your completed that help you better serve children?
I have taken many continuing education courses over the years including autism, pediatric myofascial release,myofascial cupping, school based therapy, contemporary NDT treatment of the baby and young child.
Do you have a favorite therapy tool you love using?
My favorite therapy tool is the balance beam and stepping stones. They are simple but effective for targeting balance, coordination, core strength,motor planning and body awareness. I love how they can be easily adapted and arranged in different patterns to challenge kids at various skill levels while naturally encouraging movement, play and creativity. They make therapy fun while building critical functional skills such as single leg standing balance and weight shifting.
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Why are you proud to be part of the T & K team?
I enjoy being part of the T & K team as each discipline brings a unique perspective and together we are able to support the child's physical, cognitive and communication needs. Being part of this collaborative and creative environment helps me grow as a therapist and provides best possible support for the child and families we serve.