Joanna M. Cantrell Kelley, MEd, BSE

Developmental Therapist

Mrs. Joanna M. Cantrell Kelley is a Developmental Therapist in Newport, AR with special training and skill in identifying and treatment of developmental disorers in toddlers and young children. As a Developmental Therapist, Joanna M. Cantrell Kelley, MEd, BSE performs play activities designed to help the child learn new skills and overcome their challenges. Developmental Therapy is a discipline that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders in children between the ages of 0-5 years old. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Developmental Therapists include speech delays, decreased attention skills, autism, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, poor social skills, sensory issues, and hearing impairments. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Developmental Therapists include conducting evaluations and interventions, providing parenting strategies, facilitating social skills, and providing play therapy.

A Developmental Therapist is a person qualified by completion of an approved program in Developmental Therapy and where applicable credentialed by the state and practicing within the scope of the credential, or credentialed by completion of education experiences as approved by the state and practicing within the scope of that credential or, where state credentialing does not exist, certified by the Board of the Developmental Therapy Association. A developmental therapist evaluates children's global development in order to identify areas of developmental delay whether arising from physiological, neurological, or environmental factors, or a combination of factors; and designs, implements, and modifies therapeutic interventions for the child and the family to promote the child's acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental areas, including cognitive processes and social interaction in order to maximize functional independence and developmental homeostasis, and improve the quality of life at home and in the community; and provides consultation for the parents and other professionals working with the family on global development.