About

Pediatric Therapy of Riverside was founded in 2018 by Bridget Beck, MS CCC-SLP to foster the development of communication skills in children through comprehensive evaluation, individualized treatment, parent education, and coordination with teachers and health care professionals. We believe that consideration of the whole child - their strengths, needs, interests, and activities – allows us to provide the most meaningful treatment possible.

Our Team

 Bridget Beck, MS CCC-SLP earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis in child development from Jacksonville University in 2012. Her time working at a Montessori preschool during college taught her the value of child-centered education. Following graduation, she worked at Vanderbilt University’s Developmental Stuttering Project, which inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric speech-language pathology. She returned to JU to complete her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology in 2016 and has been serving children in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach ever since. Bridget's passion is working thoughtfully with children and families to enhance communication and academic success!

Anna Farrell, MS CCC-SLP received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from Florida Atlantic University in 2016. During her time teaching in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, she discovered her love for working with children that require support for communication. Having grown up in Jacksonville, Anna returned to pursue a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Jacksonville University. Since graduating from JU in 2016, she has worked as a clinician and diagnostician in Duval County Public Schools. She continues to work with adults in the Home Health Care setting. Anna is dedicated to improving speech and language skills for people of all ages using evidence-based practices. Outside of work Anna enjoys serving on the board of the Jacksonville Area Speech Pathology Association, enjoying live music and events in the Jacksonville area, and spending time with her family.

Melissa Holmes, MOT, OTR/L is a graduate of the University of Florida where she received her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees. A Jacksonville native, Melissa has spent her entire career serving the children and families of Jacksonville in a variety of settings including outpatient therapy, public & private schools, mental health, and acute care.  The focus of her career is to nurture physical, emotional, and social development in children. This has led to additional areas of expertise, including becoming a CBIT practitioner (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tic Disorders) as well as a Certified Educator of Infant Massage. As an occupational therapist, Melissa has a passion for helping children and their families break down barriers and achieve fulfillment in all areas of life.  In her free time, Melissa stays busy with her 3 active kids. She enjoys playing softball, DIY projects at home, and watching baseball & football.

Kendra Smart, COTA/L earned her Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant at Keiser University Orlando Campus in 2017, and has been board certified with the NBCOT since 2018. She brings a well-rounded perspective to her treatment, having honed clinical skills in the school, clinic, skilled nursing, and acute care settings. Kendra’s heart has always been in pediatrics - she enjoys designing fun, play-based therapy that engages children while targeting fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and social participation. With her patient, empathetic, and creative approach, Kendra ensures therapy is not only effective but enjoyable for children. Kendra enjoys being out in nature, spending time with family and friends, and working on her health & wellness online business.