Staff

Welcome.

I’m Linda Brown and I’m glad you’re here to find out more about the BrightStart Pediatrics PPEC program.

As a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I know firsthand that consistent nursing and therapy for medically fragile infants and children is crucial in promoting the best outcomes possible. That led me to create BrightStart Pediatrics.

But BrightStart is so much more than just nursing and therapy. My vision for a PPEC was and still is quite different.

You’ll meet just some of our staff here. I am blessed to have assembled an entire team of caring, dedicated people to provide our services for medically fragile patients and their families.

More than anything about the center, it’s the people who make BrightStart such an important part of the lives of families we serve.

Thank you again for visiting. I look forward to welcoming you into our BrightStart family.

Linda Brown

Program Director

Director & Creator of BrightStart Pediatrics

I am a pediatric Occupational Therapist active in the Orlando healthcare community since 1990; I also hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Webster University. BrightStart began because I worked in a PPEC center, fell in love with the concept but knew it could be so much more. In the years since 2003 when the first BrightStart location opened, the program has expanded its reach and defined a standard of quality for PPEC. I am thankful for every day, for every family that crosses our path, for every little face that lights up our day, and for every employee who loves our kids like I do. Our goal is to give the best of ourselves so these children can get the bright start they deserve.

Caroline

Business Office Manager

Joined BrightStart: August 2006

“After serving as the Location Director for our Orlando Center, Caroline has moved into the position of Business Office Manager. She oversees new hires, handles payroll and billing functions for locations, and much, much more. Caroline provides a well-organized process for everything to keep us on track; she is truly our “detail” specialist. Beyond the details, Caroline cares about our kids and our team. We are very fortunate to have Caroline as part of our busy BrightStart family!”

Sharon

Operations Manager

Joined BrightStart: April 2008

“After serving as the Location Director of our Sanford and Winter Garden centers, Sharon moved into the role of Operations Manager. She is involved with each location for transportation, staffing, daily operations, and much, much more. Her dedication to our kids and our staff is evident in everything she does. She works hard to ensure that quality care is first on everyone’s mind. Underneath her hard work exterior is the biggest heart you’ll ever find. She’s an amazing person and an outstanding leader.”

Pete

Business Development & Media

Joined BrightStart: January 2008

“Pete serves many roles, some of them within the same day. He prepares and delivers materials for our provider partners; he is a member of several community service boards; he built and manages our web site; he creates all of our printed and presentation materials used in community outreach; he standardizes our forms, and is available for whatever else he is called upon to do. Around the center and our activities, he’s the guy with the camera. Now you understand why I can’t settle on a title; maybe invaluable! Pete has incredibly high standards, perfect for what he does … and a crazy sense of humor. I don’t know where we would be without him.”

Carolina

Location Manager – Winter Garden

Joined BrightStart: November 2013

“Carolina is the newest addition to our leadership team, but she is certainly not new to BrightStart. She initially joined BrightStart as an EMT caring for our kiddos who ride transport in our Orlando center. Soon her organizational skills began to shine and Carolina added driver, Transport Coordinator and Front Desk Coordinator to her titles. Carolina is a smart, dedicated worker, known for her helpful attitude and easy smile. In February of 2022 Carolina accepted the role of Assistant Location Director and is excited to grow with her new center…Winter Garden!  She’s the perfect addition to our management team and we are so excited to watch her shine!”

Samantha

Location Manager – Orlando

Joined BrightStart: July 2015

Tish

Location Manager – Sanford

Joined BrightStart: August 2022

Clinical Leadership

Karen

RN – Director of Nursing

Joined BrightStart: January 2015

Michelle

RN – Director of Nursing

Orlando

Joined BrightStart: August 2015

Orlando Therapy Team

Eileen

Occupational Therapist

Joined BrightStart: January 2016

Jessica

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Joined BrightStart: June 2023

Caitlyn

Physical Therapist

Joined BrightStart: July 2024

Piper

Speech Language Pathologist

Joined BrightStart: October 2023

Sanford Therapy Team

Julie

Occupational Therapist

Joined BrightStart: February 2012

Amanda

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Joined BrightStart: June 2015

Amanda

Physical Therapist

Joined BrightStart: December 2020

Sarah Bhimsingh PTA

Sarah

Physical Therapy Assistant

Joined BrightStart: March 2020

Jared

Speech Language Pathologist

Joined BrightStart: October 2019

Winter Garden Therapy Team

Eileen

Occupational Therapist

Joined BrightStart: January 2016

Caitlyn

Physical Therapist

Joined BrightStart: July 2024

Amanda

Physical Therapist

Joined BrightStart: December 2020

Amy

Physical Therapy Assistant

Joined BrightStart: April 2022

Erica

Speech Language Pathologist

Joined BrightStart: September 2020