Kids Kick Paralysis

03/27/2026

✨ Staff Spotlight Friday: Taylor DeSpain ✨

Tell us a little about you:
I’ve been an Occupational Therapist for 7 years, with most of my experience in pediatrics—which is exactly what I always hoped to do! Since then, I’ve also become a mom of three. Our house is full of animals (and somehow the list keeps growing 🐾). Right now, I’m definitely ready for some warmth and sunshine!

Where are you from?
Right here in Louisville, KY

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?
Just over 3 years—this was my first experience working with SCI.

What is the best part of working with our kids?
Building connections and relationships, and helping them grow their confidence as they learn new skills.

What’s an interesting fact no one knows about you?
I grew up a total tomboy—softball was my life! Then one day in high school I decided to try dance team, and I ended up loving it.

What is your favorite food?
The easier question might be… what are my least favorite foods? 😋

How long have you been with our program?
Just over 3 years

If you weren’t an Occupational Therapist, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a stay-at-home mom, or maybe doing something with home renovations.

03/21/2026

We had such a great time at the former Brain Days at the Kentucky Science Center! 🧠✨

Our team loved connecting with the community through hands-on fun — from testing out the claw, exploring spine and brain puzzles, to letting kids (and adults!) build their very own spine! 🦴

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn, play, and explore with us. Events like this make science exciting and accessible for all! 💙

03/20/2026

Staff Spotlight Friday: Parth Parikh

Tell us a little about you?
Hello, my name is Parth, and I am a biomedical engineer working with the Pediatric NeuroRecovery team. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Louisville and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Computer Engineering on the side. I recently got married to my wife, Priya. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and playing sports—especially cricket!

Where are you from?
I am originally from Ahmedabad, India, and came to the United States for my undergraduate studies. At this point, I’ve lived about a third of my life in Louisville, so you could say it feels like home too.

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?
I started in 2019 as an engineering co-op and transitioned into a full-time role after graduating in 2021.

What is the best part of working with our kids?
Their dedication and effort each day are incredibly inspiring. They bring so much energy and excitement—whether it’s early morning or late in the evening. The bond they build with us is truly special, and every bit of progress they make gives us goosebumps. It’s also hard to call it “work” when you get to play, sing rhymes, and have fun with our kiddos!

What is an interesting fact that no one knows about you?
I’m a big aviation enthusiast!

What is your favorite food?
If I could eat just one thing for the rest of my life, it would be Nestlé Maggi Instant Noodles.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Time manipulation—so I could slow down and fully enjoy moments with loved ones.

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

03/06/2026

🌟Staff Spotlight Friday: Chloe Benkiser🌟

Tell us a little about you!
Hi, I’m Chloe! I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and a minor in Disability and Human Development. I recently married my husband, Joey, and we have two orange kitties named Cheeto and Goose! I love staying active, watching scary movies, and traveling.

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Chicago—about a mile away from Wrigleyville. Go Cubbies!

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?
I started working in spinal cord injury here and have been with the field for three years now.

What is the best part of working with our kids?
One of the most rewarding parts of working with our kids is seeing how much fun they’re having while still actively participating in therapy. When a child says they “don’t want to leave” because they’re enjoying the session so much, it reminds me that we’re creating an environment where therapy doesn’t feel like work. In those moments, I know we’re not only working toward their goals but doing it in a way that keeps them engaged, motivated, and smiling.

What’s an interesting fact that no one knows about you?
I love cooking and baking—it’s my favorite hobby! If anyone has any good recipes, I’d love to try them.

What is your favorite food?
Warm homemade chocolate chip cookies.

How long have you been with our program?
I just celebrated my three-year anniversary with the program last month!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would definitely choose teleportation so I could travel anywhere in the world!

02/27/2026

✨ Spotlight Friday: Steve Gruneisen ✨

Tell us a little about you. Where are you from?
I was born and raised (mostly!) right here in Louisville. I’m married to my wife, Lynn, and we have three children—two out in the world and one still in high school.

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?
10 years. I started in the adult epidural stimulation group back in 2015.

What’s the best part of working with our kids?
Getting to see and truly know their varied personalities.

What’s an interesting fact most people don’t know about you?
I have a private pilot’s license ✈️

What’s your favorite food?
Pretty much any kind of Mexican food 🌮

How long have you been with our program?
6 months.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To always be comfortable—shorts on a cold day or a suit on a hot day, no matter what.

We’re so glad to have Steve as part of our team! 👏

02/24/2026

Big things are happening! 🚀 Who’s excited for our latest update?! Check out this video 👇✨

02/23/2026

02/22/2026

Let’s give it up to our incredible staff, who truly understand how much RMH means to our families. So many of our team members generously donated to help cover the cost of a one-night stay for families in need. We are beyond grateful for their compassion and support.

02/22/2026

Tonight our team came together for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala. For those who may not know, our families stay at RMH while traveling to Louisville for therapy. We are incredibly grateful—not only for the support RMH provides our families, but also for the opportunity to attend and celebrate this amazing mission

02/20/2026

Staff Spotlight: Anthony “aG”

Tell us a little about you? Hi, I’m Anthony “aG” ... I am a hubby, a son, a dad, a big bro, a friend, a human to our dog Nyx ... & a “PawPaw” 😄 ... I am from Southern IN (Jeffersonville) ... I completed my undergrad and graduate school degrees at UofL ... I enjoy sports, music, movies/tv, traveling, learning/growing ...

Where are you from? Indiana (Jeffersonville)

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury? I began working with SCI, in clinical and research settings, in 2006 with Dr Harkema’s adult SCI program

What is the best part of working with our kids? The craziness and resilience. These kids never quit or stop coming. That’s very admirable.

What an interesting fact no one know about you? In another life I fly fighter jets like F35s 😅

What is your favorite food? Chicken wings, pasta, hot cornbread, steak, cheeseburgers, ribs, my wife’s chicken spaghetti, etc etc

How long have you been with our program? I have officially been with Dr. Behrman and her amazing team since Jan. 2005.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation. Skipping bad weather, avoiding traffic, teleport us all somewhere nice ☀️

02/12/2026

✨ APTA CSM Highlights ✨

We were proud to have Dr. Andrea L. Behrman and Laura Leon Machado representing our team at APTA CSM, engaging with colleagues and contributing to important conversations shaping the future of clinical practice.

Last night, Dr. Behrman participated as a panelist in the John H. P. Maley Clinical Impact Lectureship Award panel, Advancing Clinical Practice – Then and Now, reflecting on the evolution of clinical care and the enduring impact of the Maley Lectureship.

Grateful for opportunities to learn, connect, and help advance excellence in physical therapy. 💙

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