About Us
Each PT is dedicated to learning. We are very active in continuing education, attending professional conferences and taking part in weekly discussion of current literature. Most of the therapists at EIA have earned a Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification (PCS) recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy. This board certification acknowledges their greater depth of skills, knowledge and clinical expertise in pediatric physical therapy. Our staff works together as a team for problem solving, clinical skills and to collaborate on care.
Tristann Lee PT, DPT, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Tristann is now the Director and Owner of Early Intervention Associates as of October 1, 2022. She has worked at EIA for 5 years and has contributed to the growth of EIA including planning with Rebecca Leonard for the upcoming move to a beautiful new facility in December of 2022.
Tristann received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2013 where she was a proud member of the Gymkana Troupe, an exhibition gymnastics team. Tristann was a gymnast her entire life and uses her expirience as an athlete and coach to help children develop their skills to the maximal possible potential. She has assisted teaching an adapted ballet program at Maryland Youth Ballet called the Music and Motion program.
She was certified as a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2021. In the Fall of 2022, she became an Adjunct Professor at Marymount University co-teaching the pediatric course with Rebecca Leonard.
Tristann is now the Director and Owner of Early Intervention Associates as of October 1, 2022. She has worked at EIA for 5 years and has contributed to the growth of EIA including planning with Rebecca Leonard for the upcoming move to a beautiful new facility in December of 2022.
Tristann received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2013 where she was a proud member of the Gymkana Troupe, an exhibition gymnastics team. Tristann was a gymnast her entire life and uses her expirience as an athlete and coach to help children develop their skills to the maximal possible potential. She has assisted teaching an adapted ballet program at Maryland Youth Ballet called the Music and Motion program.
She was certified as a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2021. In the Fall of 2022, she became an Adjunct Professor at Marymount University co-teaching the pediatric course with Rebecca Leonard.
Rebecca Leonard PT, DPT, MS, PhD, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Rebecca Leonard has enjoyed directing of Early Intervention Associates for 38 years. She will continue with EIA to support the transition of Tristann Lee as Director/Owner of EIA.
Her experience prior to EIA included pediatric settings including Children's Hospital in Boston, the NICU in Cabell-Huntington Hospital in West Virginia, a fellowship at Georgetown Child Development and Early Intervention in PG County.
The children and families at EIA are inspirations for Rebecca in her pursuit of continued learning. She received her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) in 2008, became Pediatric Board certified in 2009 and has been approved in 2017 for recertification in pediatrics by the APTA. She received her PhD in Pediatric Science in 2020 with her dissertation work entitled "Standing Postural Control in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Effects of Distal Stabilization". Her article entitled "Effects of Orthoses on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity in Children with Cerebral Palsy was published in the Pediatric Physical Therapy Journal in July, 2021.
She has enjoyed supporting and working at Maryland Youth Ballet with the Music and Motion, a dance program for children with disabilities for 18 years.
Rebecca is an adjunct professor at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia where she teaches the pediatric section to the graduate physical therapy students.
Rebecca Leonard has enjoyed directing of Early Intervention Associates for 38 years. She will continue with EIA to support the transition of Tristann Lee as Director/Owner of EIA.
Her experience prior to EIA included pediatric settings including Children's Hospital in Boston, the NICU in Cabell-Huntington Hospital in West Virginia, a fellowship at Georgetown Child Development and Early Intervention in PG County.
The children and families at EIA are inspirations for Rebecca in her pursuit of continued learning. She received her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) in 2008, became Pediatric Board certified in 2009 and has been approved in 2017 for recertification in pediatrics by the APTA. She received her PhD in Pediatric Science in 2020 with her dissertation work entitled "Standing Postural Control in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Effects of Distal Stabilization". Her article entitled "Effects of Orthoses on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity in Children with Cerebral Palsy was published in the Pediatric Physical Therapy Journal in July, 2021.
She has enjoyed supporting and working at Maryland Youth Ballet with the Music and Motion, a dance program for children with disabilities for 18 years.
Rebecca is an adjunct professor at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia where she teaches the pediatric section to the graduate physical therapy students.
Marcia Rosenberg PT, DPT, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Marcia has spent her entire physical therapy career working with children. She has enjoyed working with children and their families at EIA for the past 20 years. Her prior pediatric experience was done at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, D.C and in a private pediatric practice in Silver Spring, MD.
She received her initial physical therapy degree from Boston University, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions. Marcia received her certification as a pediatric specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in June, 2010. She received her DPT from Rocky Mountain University in 2015. Marcia has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association for many years.
When not at EIA, Marcia enjoys running and biking. And when she is not running, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Marcia has spent her entire physical therapy career working with children. She has enjoyed working with children and their families at EIA for the past 20 years. Her prior pediatric experience was done at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, D.C and in a private pediatric practice in Silver Spring, MD.
She received her initial physical therapy degree from Boston University, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions. Marcia received her certification as a pediatric specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in June, 2010. She received her DPT from Rocky Mountain University in 2015. Marcia has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association for many years.
When not at EIA, Marcia enjoys running and biking. And when she is not running, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Ashley Petak PT, DPT, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Ashley received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received a Bachelor of Science degree at Miami University (Ohio), where she majored in Exercise Science and was also a member of the women’s varsity swim team. She has a special interest in aquatic therapy and has seen significant benefits from working with children in the pool. She became certified as a pediatric specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy in 2014.
She enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming and has an interest in international service.
Ashley received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received a Bachelor of Science degree at Miami University (Ohio), where she majored in Exercise Science and was also a member of the women’s varsity swim team. She has a special interest in aquatic therapy and has seen significant benefits from working with children in the pool. She became certified as a pediatric specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy in 2014.
She enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming and has an interest in international service.
Paula Caccavalle PT, DPT
Paula received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2012. At Maryland she was the Vice President of Recruitment for her sorority, Sigma Kappa.
In her spare time, Paula enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and relaxing on the beach.
Paula received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2012. At Maryland she was the Vice President of Recruitment for her sorority, Sigma Kappa.
In her spare time, Paula enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and relaxing on the beach.
Gaby Zacuto, PT , DPT
Gaby received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from Oregon State University in 2016 and worked as a Program Manager in which she was responsible for coordinating sport clubs and collegiate intramural sports including adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball and goalball.
In her spare time, Gaby enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Gaby received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from Oregon State University in 2016 and worked as a Program Manager in which she was responsible for coordinating sport clubs and collegiate intramural sports including adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball and goalball.
In her spare time, Gaby enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Alainna Schmidt, PT, DPT
Alainna received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from John Carroll University in 2019. At John Carroll, Alainna competed in the 400 hurdles and 800m on the track and field team.
In her spare time, Alainna enjoys thrifting, photography, sewing, and reading.
Alainna received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from John Carroll University in 2019. At John Carroll, Alainna competed in the 400 hurdles and 800m on the track and field team.
In her spare time, Alainna enjoys thrifting, photography, sewing, and reading.
Kelly Horan, PT, DPT
Kelly received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received her Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from Gettysburg College in 2019 where she worked in the Athletic Training Room, was the Head of Panhellenic Recruitment, and played Varsity Field Hockey.
Kelly was a swim coach for 8 years throughout high school and college and swam competitively growing up. In her free time she enjoys cooking, golfing, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
Kelly received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She received her Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from Gettysburg College in 2019 where she worked in the Athletic Training Room, was the Head of Panhellenic Recruitment, and played Varsity Field Hockey.
Kelly was a swim coach for 8 years throughout high school and college and swam competitively growing up. In her free time she enjoys cooking, golfing, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
Beth Zeiter-Chan PT, MSPT, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Beth graduated from Boston University, receiving her Master of Science in Physical Therapy, in 1991. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University in 1988. Beth initially worked in adult rehabilitation at a Seattle trauma center with people who had sustained traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. Her love of children and interest in their developmental issues eventually brought her to pediatrics at EIA, after her family relocated to the east coast in 2006. She received her Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification in 2014.
Beth enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and everything outdoors.
Beth graduated from Boston University, receiving her Master of Science in Physical Therapy, in 1991. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University in 1988. Beth initially worked in adult rehabilitation at a Seattle trauma center with people who had sustained traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. Her love of children and interest in their developmental issues eventually brought her to pediatrics at EIA, after her family relocated to the east coast in 2006. She received her Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification in 2014.
Beth enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and everything outdoors.
Cara Tommer PT, MS
Cara Tommer has been working part-time at EIA since 1993. She received her initial degree from University of Connecticut, has a Masters degree from Johns Hopkins in Infant and Child Mental Health. She became certified as a Pediatric Certified Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2010.
She enjoys family activities like hiking, bowling, and bike riding, volunteer work and of course working and learning at EIA.
Cara Tommer has been working part-time at EIA since 1993. She received her initial degree from University of Connecticut, has a Masters degree from Johns Hopkins in Infant and Child Mental Health. She became certified as a Pediatric Certified Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2010.
She enjoys family activities like hiking, bowling, and bike riding, volunteer work and of course working and learning at EIA.
Peter Braviak PT, MPT, M.Ed, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Peter has been working part-time at EIA since 1999. He is employed full-time for the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program during the day and can also be found working weekends at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. Peter received his Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Masters in Education from William Paterson College in New Jersey and his Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy. He has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1998. He received his Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification in 2014.
He enjoys athletics and has experience coaching at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. His hobbies include, cross country skiing, mountain biking and physical fitness.
Peter has been working part-time at EIA since 1999. He is employed full-time for the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program during the day and can also be found working weekends at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. Peter received his Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Masters in Education from William Paterson College in New Jersey and his Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy. He has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1998. He received his Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification in 2014.
He enjoys athletics and has experience coaching at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. His hobbies include, cross country skiing, mountain biking and physical fitness.
Charlene Bass
Charlene has been with EIA for over 20 years. Her invaluable assistance is our shining cogwheel to keep the clinic running with attention to details and persistence in helping our families manage insurance claims. Her extreme patience and kindness helps make the clinic a more welcoming environment.
Outside of work her focus is on her lovely daughter and her many activities which Charlene supports.
Charlene has been with EIA for over 20 years. Her invaluable assistance is our shining cogwheel to keep the clinic running with attention to details and persistence in helping our families manage insurance claims. Her extreme patience and kindness helps make the clinic a more welcoming environment.
Outside of work her focus is on her lovely daughter and her many activities which Charlene supports.
