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10 Years
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Pediatric Therapy Services in Southwest Missouri
Dynamic Strides Therapy (DST) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pediatric therapy clinic founded in 2016 in Southwest Missouri. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children and families by providing access to high-quality, personalized therapy services tailored to individual needs. We specialize in occupational, physical, and speech therapy, complemented by innovative approaches like hippotherapy, aquatic therapy, and a fully equipped sensory gym. Our team of certified therapists delivers compassionate care to children from birth through 21 years, focusing on improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. DST accepts Medicaid and most major insurance plans, offering flexible scheduling and financial assistance options to ensure accessibility.

Since launching operations in 2018, we have expanded our 80-acre facility in Republic, Missouri, to include a climate-controlled indoor arena, private treatment rooms, and specialized therapy spaces. Our values emphasize integrity, perseverance, and community support, creating a welcoming environment where families feel empowered and children thrive. We collaborate with donors and volunteers to extend our impact across the Ozarks region, ensuring every child receives the care they deserve.
Services
Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Hippotherapy Aquatic Therapy Intensive Programs Reflex Integration Feeding Therapy
Details
  • Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
  • We offer specialized pediatric therapy with certified professionals in occupational, physical, and speech therapy.
  • Our unique treatment facilities include a sensory gym, indoor arena, and aquatic therapy programs.
  • We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans with flexible payment options available.
  • Our nonprofit mission prioritizes community support and accessibility for families in need.
  • Therapists collaborate with families to create personalized care plans focused on individual progress.
Associations and certifications
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
What people say
Best care Incredible experience Abundance of care Improvement in daily routine Like family
Services
Occupational Therapy
Our pediatric occupational therapists help children develop skills for daily life, including self-care, play, education, and social participation. We address sensory challenges, motor coordination, and self-regulation through personalized treatment plans. Our sensory gym and hippotherapy programs enhance engagement and skill retention.
Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on gross motor development, balance, and coordination. Using play-based interventions, we help children improve mobility and independence at home, school, and in the community. Our services address developmental delays and conditions like cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders, including articulation, language, and social skills. We offer AAC evaluations and feeding therapy to address oral motor challenges. Personalized plans empower children to communicate effectively in diverse settings with family and peers.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy uses equine movement to improve sensory processing, balance, and motor skills. Specially trained therapists guide sessions in our indoor arena, leveraging horseback riding to achieve therapeutic goals for children with physical and developmental challenges.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy utilizes water's buoyancy to enhance mobility and reduce joint stress. This approach improves strength, coordination, and confidence for children with physical disabilities. Sessions occur in our climate-controlled facility with trained therapists.
People
Toby Cross
Program Director - OTR, CTRI - AHCB Credentialed Therapist
Toby Cross leads occupational therapy programs at DST, combining expertise in trauma recovery and hippotherapy. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in sensory integration and developmental interventions for children with complex needs.
Amanda Parsons
PT, DPT
Dr. Amanda Parsons directs physical therapy services, focusing on developmental milestones and mobility enhancement. Her evidence-based approach integrates hippotherapy and aquatic therapy to maximize functional outcomes for children with motor delays.
Paige Esry
MS, CCC-SLP
Paige Esry specializes in pediatric speech-language pathology, conducting AAC evaluations and treating communication disorders. She develops individualized plans to improve articulation, social skills, and feeding abilities for children with diverse needs.
Questions
What ages do you serve?
We provide therapy services for children from birth through 21 years of age.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans with flexible payment options available.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
Bring medical records, medication lists, insurance information, and any relevant documentation of developmental concerns.
Are parents involved in therapy sessions?
Yes, we encourage parental participation and observation to support carryover of skills at home.
How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on the child's needs and tolerance level.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we rely on volunteers for therapy support, facility maintenance, and special events.
Reviews (5)
Bridgette Molina
Mar 20, 2021 Report
My son has been with Chelsea for the last few months. I love that my son waits for it all week. Using the horse as a tool while having OT is a fun and brilliant idea. Thank you for having the best program out there for OT Highly Recommend!
Della Croft
Jan 28, 2020 Report
What a beautiful facility! There is an obvious passion, care and commitment to strengthening families. The Founder, PT's, OT's, Equine professionals and volunteers all present an air of graceful authority and knowledge of equine-assisted activities and therapies.
Grant Martin
Sep 03, 2019 Report
We love Dynamic Strides! It is such a blessing. Ms. Brenda cares about my son and is focused on his progress. She listens to us and is so good about adapting to meet his needs. I cannot say enough good things about this place! All the therapists are wonderful!
Sandra Damon
Jan 04, 2019 Report
The staff at Dynamic Strides is the best in town. Truly a magical experience for my son. He doesn't even think he's at a medical facility! And his improvement since he's been here brings tears to my eyes.
Marc Falmer
Dec 25, 2018 Report
This is the greatest therapy center in the Springfield area. We love the new facility and the fact that our kids can receive their therapy on a horse or in a more traditional clinical setting. The staff, volunteers, and therapists are great to work with and it's obvious they have a genuine love for the kids. My son has received therapy with dynamic strides for 8 yeard and will be here for many more. It has truly been life changing for him.