Meet the Play with Me OT Team

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Hi, I'm Mary Wilkison!

It was a 4 year old boy who launched my journey of becoming an occupational therapist. It was like we were asking him to eat an elephant! Every solid food his parents, teachers, and I presented to him seemed like a foreign object. But then, after unwavering persistence with feeding interventions, parent coaching, and at-home sensory strategies, it finally clicked! After 4 years of eating purees, he began to find joy in exploring foods and counting down the minutes until family dinners. This is the moment in time that captivated me and began my pursuit of filling my days with more of these moments. My absolute favorite part of my job is not only seeing children find joy in their own pursuits of success, but to turn and see their parents' and caregivers' faces as they light up with pride and empowerment. 

I received my Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy at East Carolina University and was told, upon beginning classes, that I should not have my heart set on working with pediatrics, that I should keep an open mind. I certainly tried to follow that advice, but my intuition always brought me back to my favorite little humans. Since graduating, I have been working in a clinic-based setting building my expertise in play-based sensory integration and feeding interventions while simultaneously providing in-home early intervention. During this time, I have had the great opportunity to learn from some of the masters in the field of pediatric occupational therapy. I am, and always have been, a curious and zealous learner, and am constantly in pursuit of the newest research-based practices, techniques, and ideas to keep my interventions novel, exciting, and effective. 

I am so excited to be back in my hometown, serving the community where I grew up! I bring my passion, excitement, and experience to you and your family to help you grow and find joy in your day-to-day routines. I show up with a bubbly, playful, and engaging energy to each of my sessions, which of course, is necessary when working with children! While I'm climbing over furniture, making silly faces, and singing songs with you and your child, I am constantly assessing and adjusting my techniques as needed to create the "just right challenge" for success. I take a primarily bottom-up approach to treatment as I will work to uncover the root causes of challenges you see and address these for lasting changes in your child's nervous system. 

What a pleasure it is to devote each of my days to foster growth, joy, and connection with those in my community. I cannot wait to meet you and your family! 

Hi, I’m Lizzy Polley! 

I’m originally from South Carolina where I received my Bachelor of Science from Clemson University and my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from The Medical University of South Carolina. I am a military spouse and have moved all over the world. I have two young, adventurous sons who keep me busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We love traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with our friends and family. I’m excited to be back in North Carolina and continue working as an OT.

Favorite Childhood Game: Guess Who!

Hi, I'm Hannah — Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), military spouse, and mom. 

Weaving the magic of occupational therapy with each child's unique nervous system, sensory world, and surrounding environment is at the heart of what I do. Every child deserves the space to grow in their own way, at their own pace, held within the rhythm of their family culture. Whether in a clinic, at home, or out in the community, I love creating spaces where kids feel safe to explore and express themselves, because it all begins with connection.  Interventions I love in the world of occupational therapy are grounded in nervous system safety, sensory processing, visual motor development, reflex integration, and intentional movement.  Outside of work, my family is everything. We love long walks, weekend markets, and adventures in the woods — usually led by a very spirited boy with a pocket full of rocks and a soft spot for frogs. I can't wait to meet you!

Favorite Childhood Game: My siblings and I would stay around the dinner table well past dinner humming melodies of songs from the radio or movies, and the other person would have to guess the tune! 

Hi! I’m Nicole Kemerling, an occupational therapist and the owner of Dynamic Strides OT. 

I earned my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University and have over 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist, working across a variety of settings with both pediatric and diverse clinical populations. 

I chose occupational therapy because of my passion for helping people overcome challenges and experience success in their daily lives. Seeing individuals gain confidence and independence through therapy is what continues to drive my work.  

I am passionate about supporting children’s development through meaningful, movement-based experiences, incorporating animals and outdoor environments to enhance motor, sensory, and social-emotional growth. 

With over 30 years of equestrian experience, I integrate equine movement into occupational therapy sessions to enhance therapeutic outcomes. My services are designed to support regulation, motor development, and functional independence, using a movement-based approach that integrates sensory processing, motor planning, and primitive reflex development into meaningful, real-life experiences.  

I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 training through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) and am currently working toward becoming a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) to further advance safe, evidence-based care.  I live on a farm in Southern Pines with my husband, two children, and a rotating cast of horses, dogs, and foster animals—so life is rarely quiet. 

Outside of work, you can usually find me riding, exploring the Walthour-Moss equestrian trails, or squeezing in a hot yoga class when farm life allows.  I am dedicated to helping children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. If you’re interested in learning more about services at Dynamic Strides OT, I would love to connect.

Favorite Childhood Game/Toy: Anything horse or animal related!

I am a pediatric physical therapist, passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential through play, movement, and family-centered care.

I have experience working in the outpatient pediatric setting and is certified in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Levels A and B, giving specialized tools to support children with a wide range of developmental needs.  

I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Neumann University in Aston, PA, and my Bachelor of Science degree from High Point University in High Point, NC.  

Originally from Philadelphia, I bring warm energy, and a bit of Philly sports pride (Go Birds!) into every session. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and improving my golf game whenever I can! I strive to create a fun, engaging environment while partnering closely with families to ensure therapy is both meaningful and effective. 

Favorite Childhood Game: Skip-It!

 Hi, I’m Jess Lange!

I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Florida. 

My approach centers on safe and supportive spaces that empower children to confidently explore and strengthen the skills they need to navigate daily life and participate meaningfully in their environment. 

In my free time, I enjoy being active, spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and making memories with my family.

Can’t wait to connect and move forward together! 

 I earned my Bachelors degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern Indiana where I was born and raised. 

I moved to North Carolina with my family in the summer of 2025 to be closer to my sweet nephew and oh how sweet it is!   

My passion within the profession lies at the crossroads of occupational therapy, behavioral and mental health, and sensory integration. I value the importance of connection, relationship, and coregulation throughout the treatment process, and focus heavily on building foundational skills through play.  

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy family time, sunshine, and anything outdoors! I look forward to working with you and your child! 

Favorite Childhood Game: Bop It!

 Joan Felton is a native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland but has called North Carolina home for the last 35 years.

She is a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University. She has over 10 years’ experience as an administrative assistant/consultant with pediatric occupational therapy clinics. 

Joan is the mother of two adult children, John Alan and Virginia Gayle, and a beloved four-legged child, her dog Freedom. 

She and her husband currently reside in Durham NC.

Favorite Childhood Game: Playing Teacher!

Virginia Felton, M.Ed. is the Social Media & Marketing Specialist at Play With Me OT, where she helps tell the story of the practice and connect families to the resources and support they need. 

Through creative content, thoughtful storytelling, and strategic social media, Virginia works to highlight the power of play-based pediatric therapy services and the meaningful moments happening every day at Play With Me OT.

Virginia earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing, with minors in Mass Communications and Business Administration, from Methodist University in 2022. She later completed her Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs in 2024, where she developed a strong passion for community building, communication, and helping people feel connected and supported.

Now based in Charleston, South Carolina, Virginia loves blending creativity and strategy to share stories that matter. Whether she’s designing graphics, managing social media, or brainstorming new ways to engage families online, her goal is always the same: to make information approachable, celebrate progress, and help families feel part of the Play With Me OT community.