Kids Kick Paralysis

Kids Kick Paralysis The Kosair Charities Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery at the University of Louisville is dedicated to helping “Kids Kick Paralysis.”

The Kosair Charities Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery is a regional, national and international hub for delivering state-of-the-art activity-based therapies for children with paralysis, training rehabilitation clinicians and researchers, and conducting ground-breaking research to guide clinical decision-making.

⭐ Staff Spotlight Friday: Zach Ortmann ⭐Tell us a little about you!My name is Zach! I graduated from the University of M...
11/21/2025

⭐ Staff Spotlight Friday: Zach Ortmann ⭐

Tell us a little about you!
My name is Zach! I graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. I’m engaged to my amazing fiancée, Sophia. I’m passionate about sports—especially football—and I love staying active through exercise.

Where are you from?
I’m from St. Louis, Missouri.

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?
I’ve been working in spinal cord injury for almost 7 months. I just started after moving to Louisville.

What is the best part of working with our kids?
I love making connections with the kids and being a part of their recovery. It’s awesome seeing them excited to come to therapy.

What’s an interesting fact no one knows about you?
I have 15 nieces and nephews! One of them is only a month older than me, so I’ve been an uncle my entire life.

What’s your favorite food?
Spaghetti and meatballs — I could eat it every day.

How long have you been with our program?
I’ve been part of the program since late April, and it has been the most rewarding and fun experience.

If you could have any superpower during a busy clinic day, what would it be?
The ability to multiply myself — so I could be in every session that needs an extra hand and spend more time supporting everyone.

💙 Thank you, Zach, for the heart, energy, and dedication you bring to our kids and families every day. We’re so lucky to have you on our team!

11/19/2025

Max is so lucky to have an amazing PT team. 🩵 The therapists from his Kids Kick Paralysis program at UofL Health - Frazier Rehabilitation Institute came out to support all their kiddos at the Louisville Lightning vs. Sacred Heart scrimmage last night. 🏀⚡️ So thankful for this amazing crew! 💙🙏💛

✨ Staff Spotlight Friday! ✨ Meet Kelly Dougherty, PT, DPT, a dedicated physical therapist with over a decade of experien...
11/14/2025

✨ Staff Spotlight Friday! ✨

Meet Kelly Dougherty, PT, DPT, a dedicated physical therapist with over a decade of experience! 👋

Tell us a little about you?

Hi I’m Kelly! I have been a physical therapist for 11 years. I have always worked with kids, and knew I wanted to be a pediatric physical therapist from my first year in physical therapy school. When I’m not at work, I love travelling, watching sports, and spending time outside.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I lived at the beach for the eight years before I moved to Louisville last August to work in this program.

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?

Eight years! I first met and trained with Dr. Behrman back in late 2017 when we were working to open another outpatient clinic in New York. I have been working in this “world” ever since.

What is the best part of working with our kids?

Seeing them achieve their goals and do things they may not have thought they’d be able to. I feel like this environment is so unique because they can try things that they have little opportunity to try other places. Whether it’s kicking a ball or trying a Tiktok dance, it’s fun to help them explore, try new things, and have fun while they’re on their journey to recovery.

What an interesting fact no one knows about you?

I have been to Ireland three times (and kissed the Blarney Stone each time). It is my favorite place in the world, and I haven’t been back since before Covid. Now I’m thinking it’s time for another trip back.

What is your favorite food?

I love pizza! (it’s the New Yorker in me) BUT my favorite food of all time is Rouladen. It’s a German meal that my family makes, we don’t add the pickles though 🙂.

How long have you been with our program?

I have been here at Frazier for a little over a year

If you weren't a physical therapist, what would you be doing?

Working in women’s sports for sure. I love women’s basketball, and since moving here I have also become a fan of women’s volleyball (Go Cards!)

🧩 Our research team is hard at work!This morning, the team at the Kosair for Kids Pediatric NeuroRecovery Program gather...
11/12/2025

🧩 Our research team is hard at work!
This morning, the team at the Kosair for Kids Pediatric NeuroRecovery Program gathered to learn about exciting new research studies that may soon be coming to our program. Each study helps us take another step forward in advancing recovery and improving outcomes for children with neurological conditions. 💪🧠

Interested in joining a research study? Check out the link below to learn more! 🔗

https://victoryoverparalysis.org/participate-in-research/

11/11/2025

Today our team celebrated one of our own getting married! 🎊
A big congratulations to Parth and Priya on their wedding! 💍
Parth will soon be heading back to India for a five-day celebration with family and friends — we can’t wait to hear all about it when he’s back!

Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness! ❤️

11/10/2025

Motivational Monday 💪
Every step — big or small — is a step forward! Whether it’s on the treadmill, in therapy, or in spirit, we’re moving toward strength, confidence, and possibility.

✨ Staff Spotlight: Izzy Giovanco ✨Meet Izzy — one of the friendly, encouraging faces here at the Kosair for Kids Center ...
11/07/2025

✨ Staff Spotlight: Izzy Giovanco ✨

Meet Izzy — one of the friendly, encouraging faces here at the Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery! 💙

Tell us a little about you:
I graduated from the University of Dayton in 2024 with a major in Exercise Science and minors in Psychology and Disability Studies. When I’m not at work, I love working out and spending time with my friends and family!

Where are you from?
I’m from right here in Louisville! 🏙️

What is the best part of working with our kids?
The best part is building relationships with the kids and their families. It’s so rewarding seeing them achieve new things and celebrating those wins together!

What is an interesting fact no one knows about you?
I ran my first half marathon in April — and I’m already planning to do another this year! 🏃‍♀️✨

Favorite food:
Lasagna… or honestly any kind of pasta. 🍝

How long have you been with the program?
I started at the end of May 2024 — so just about a year and a half!

If you could have any superpower during a busy clinic day, what would it be?
I’d love to have the ability to stop time! ⏱️
Just imagine the efficiency… and snack breaks. 😉

We’re so grateful for the energy, kindness, and heart Izzy brings to our team every day. We are lucky to have her! 💛

⸻

11/06/2025

Our hearts are heavy today. 💛
The devastating crash has shaken our entire city, and we at the Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery are holding the City of Louisville, our neighbors at UPS, and everyone within the IPA ( Independant Pilot Association) family close in our thoughts and prayers.

The IPA has supported our Center for years, hosting an annual fundraiser that directly impacts the children and families we serve. They are not just partners — they are part of our community. And today, we stand with them.

In times like these, we are reminded how deeply connected we are — as coworkers, families, friends, and community. We stand with you. We grieve with you. And we are here to support one another through the days ahead. 💛🕊️

11/05/2025

We take play seriously around here 😉
Shoutout to Ms. Laura for always keeping our sessions creative, engaging, and full of joy! 💙

11/01/2025

Because therapy isn’t the only time our kids shine ✨
Look at all the fun happening at home! 💙

10/31/2025

Time for the BIG REVEAL! 🎉
This year we’re stepping into the Mushroom Kingdom 🍄
Our Halloween theme came straight from one of our very own kids — he gave everyone on our team a Mario character, so we brought his idea to life! ❤️
And of course… we had to surprise him with a special visit during his session 😊

✨ Staff Spotlight Friday: Meet Matt Davis, DPT, PT ✨Today we are excited to shine the spotlight on Matt Davis, one of ou...
10/31/2025

✨ Staff Spotlight Friday: Meet Matt Davis, DPT, PT ✨

Today we are excited to shine the spotlight on Matt Davis, one of our incredible Physical Therapists!

Tell us a little about yourself:

Matt has been married to his wife, Alexis, for 7 amazing years. Together, they have three beautiful children—James (5), Benjamin (3), and Amelia (9 months)—and a very lively Dalmatian named Luna (9)! Matt enjoys sports, the outdoors, hiking, movies, books, and spending time with his family.

Where are you from?

Matt is proud to be from the greatest city in the state—Paducah, KY! Over the years, he and Alexis have lived in Lexington, Hazard, Bowling Green, and even spent time in Waco, TX.

How long have you worked in spinal cord injury?

Matt has worked in pediatrics for 9 years and has been part of our spinal cord injury program for the last 5. During this time, he has grown, learned, and been continuously inspired by the kids and families he works with.

What is the best part of working with our kids?

“These kids bring so much joy. I’ve watched so many of them grow and exceed expectations. They face adversity head-on and continue to amaze us every day—in the clinic and in their lives. It’s a true joy to work with them and their families.”

An interesting fact about you:

Matt once traveled to India on a service trip during PT school!

Favorite food:

Anything breakfast… or lasagna.

If you weren’t a Physical Therapist, what would you be doing?

Probably something outdoors or maybe something in psychology—Matt always knew he wanted to work with kids.

Address

220 Abraham Flexner Way
Louisville, KY
40202

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15025697996

Website

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