Meet the experts

Theresa Bartolotta, PhD, CCC-SLP has been a speech-language pathologist for over thirty years. She specializes in working with children with complex communication needs, including autism, Down syndrome, and Rett syndrome. She holds a PhD in Health Sciences from Seton Hall University, an MA in Speech-Language Pathology from Queens College of the City University of New York, and a BS in Speech from Mercy College. Theresa holds the CCC in speech-language pathology from ASHA and is a licensed speech-language pathologist in New Jersey and Georgia. Theresa serves as Consultant to the Program for Research and Support for Rett Syndrome at Monmouth University, is on the clinical staff of Tender Ones Therapy Services in Dacula, Georgia, and teaches graduate courses as an adjunct professor. She is part of an international group of grant-funded researchers who developed consensus guidelines for the management of communication in Rett syndrome and now serves as consultant on communication to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (Rettsyndrome.org).

Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP is an occupational therapist and Rehabilitation Clinical Manager at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She has more than 29 years of experience in seating and positioning and Adult Neuro Rehabilitation. Theresa has been certified by RESNA as an assistive technology professional (ATP). She is responsible for the Assistive Technology Center and the Adaptive Sports Institute. She is also a clinical instructor at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Ohio State and oversees the OT Neurologic Fellowship Program. Theresa is a Clinician Task Force member and was recently appointed to the United Spinal Board of Directors. Theresa has participated in presentations across the country at many national and international conferences. Theresa received the 2016 Academy of Spinal Cord Injury TLC Distinguished Clinical Award and the 2017 OSU Medical Center Values in Action Award. She received the 2022 RESNA Samuel McFarland Memorial Mentor Award.

Danielle Morris, PT, DPT, PCS, CPST, is a pediatric physical therapist who is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician with training in providing transportation for children with special health care needs. Danielle serves as a Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Task Force Coordinator and is also a Certified Instructor for the National Curriculum: "Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs." Danielle provides ongoing local and national level education on safe transportation for individuals with special needs, to include travel in adaptive transportation systems and in wheelchairs.