Hi! My name is Kelly Daniels, and I am a pediatric physical therapist with 24 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages achieve functional skills and improve their quality of life.

My experience spans a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Trisomy 21, Williams Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Apraxia/Dyspraxia, and various genetic conditions. I have worked with individuals across the spectrum of functional abilities, from children who are medically fragile and significantly impacted by motor challenges to those with mild motor delays needing support to catch up to their peers. I excel at quickly adapting therapy sessions to meet individual sensory needs and effectively managing both verbal and nonverbal behavioral communication. Collaboration with team members, outside providers, and families is integral to my practice, ensuring optimal outcomes for every child.

I have specialized expertise in vestibular rehabilitation, trauma-informed care, developmental coordination disorder, primitive reflex integration, and functional positioning to support participation in children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. My skills also include tone management, implementing programs like the Alert Program and Zones of Regulation, and integrating advanced therapeutic strategies. Additionally, I have extensive experience evaluating, recommending, and justifying adaptive equipment, including standers, gait trainers, wheelchairs, seating systems, patient lifts, bath and toileting equipment, and orthotics (e.g., AFOs, SMOs, and off-the-shelf options).

At First Step, you can find me at the clinic and seeing patients in the water at Snohomish Aquatic Center. Outside of my work, I enjoy cooking, gardening, canning, and sewing/quilting.