Meet the Team

Stephanie Marten, RN
Clinical Nurse Coordinator

Stephanie has four years of pediatric experience on a general medicine floor at St. Louis Children's Hospital. She is currently pursuing her Master's of Science Degree in Nursing.

Stephanie assists Dr. Brunstrom in the Cerebral Palsy clinical setting. Stephanie's role includes the following:

• Phone triage for patients and families followed by the Cerebral Palsy Center.
• Works with insurance companies and Medicaid to obtain necessary equipment, therapy, medications, etc.
• Arrange therapies, lab tests and referrals for patients.
• Advocate for child's educational, accessibility and equipment-related needs for home, school and the community.
• Educates families/caregivers, patients, and schools in the areas of neurological diagnosis, equipment needs, therapies and medications.
• Works as a clinical research nurse and is actively involved in cerebral palsy research.

Helen Race RN, MSN, CPNP
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Helen works primarily with patients followed by Dr. Brunstrom and Dr. Noetzel in the Cerebral Palsy Center. Helen’s role includes the following:

• Evaluate and examine new and established patients affected by cerebral palsy, and develop plans of care specific to their needs.
• Arrange appropriate therapies, lab tests, and referrals for patients.
• Prescribe medication as needed.
• Evaluate patient’s developmental status and educational needs.
• Provide information and support for families regarding diagnosis, treatment and services
• Manage refills and adjustments for Intrathecal Baclofen pump.
• Work with insurance companies and Medicaid to obtain necessary therapy, medications, equipment, etc.
• Advocate for child’s educational, accessibility and equipment- related needs for home, school and the community.
• Develop and present educational programs for primary health care providers caring for children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy.

Kathy Herndon, PT, MHS, PCS
Kathy has practiced pediatric therapy at St. Louis Children’s Hospital since 1991 and has been with the CP center since 1999. She is a board-certified pediatric specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.

Courtney Dunn, PT
Courtney shares her time between the CP center and the Botox clinic with Dr. Racette. Courtney has been treating children since 1995.

Ashley Cavender, MPT
Ashley joined the CP Center staff in January 2007. She divides her time between the CP Center and Washington University, where she works as a research physical therapist with Dr. Brunstrom.

All therapists share the role of evaluation, consultation and treatment in the CP center. Areas which may be addressed by physical therapy include:

• Serial casting for increasing range of motion
• Electrical stimulation
• Taping and compression orthotics
• Lite Gait and treadmill evaluation
• Equipment recommendations
• Orthotic recommendations
• Treatment recommendations to supplement current programming
• School recommendations

Nicole Weckherlin, OTR/L
Nicole is a registered and licensed occupational therapist.  She has experience in providing therapy services in the school setting and has been treating children since 1998.  Nicole evaluates and offers suggestions in regard to:  

• School-based therapy services
• Assistive technology
• Strengthening
• Adaptive equipment selection
• Splinting
• Treatment recommendations to supplement current programming

Jennifer Miros, MPT
Jennifer Miros is a pediatric physical therapist, specializing in adaptive sports and recreation activities for young people with cerebral palsy, at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She is manager of The Carol and Paul Hatfield Cerebral Palsy Sports and Rehabilitation Center. Jennifer sets up many different sports activities, such as tennis clinics, basketball classes, and cycling outings. She also organizes winter and summer sports camps, where kids participate in sports such as ice-skating, dancing, swimming, martial arts, rock climbing, soccer, baseball, and volleyball.

Rob Hails, ATS
Rob, a seating and mobility specialist, works with equipment at the Cerebral Palsy Center. He specializes in evaluating clients for custom-fit wheelchairs to provide both manual and powered mobility. Rob is a valuable resource for questions regarding seating, wheelchair, mobility, walking and standing aides.

In addition to acting as a consultant to patients at the CP Center during their visit, Rob also does home evaluations and equipment demonstrations.

Keith Smith, CO
Keith, an American Board Certified Orthotist, specializes in the design, fabrication and fit of custom bracing. He has a special interest in working with pediatrics and neuromuscular needs. Keith evaluates children in the CP clinic, in the hospital and in his private office.

Keith is active in research and has published numerous scientific articles with the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics. He lectures at meetings and University Hospitals nationwide. Keith was selected as one of six orthotists in the country to develop and implement the use of a clinical standards of practice for the field of orthotics.