Our Staff

Our experienced staff holds advanced degrees and countless continuing education hours in all areas of pediatric therapy!

We have more than 50 years combined success and experience in the areas of early childhood intervention, neurological and developmental disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, and sensory integration dysfunction. We are dedicated to utilizing treatment approaches based upon current practice guidelines and research.

Sandy is the owner of Playworks and she brings to the practice over 40 years of pediatric experience. Sandy called Wisconsin, Arizona, California, Virginia and Connecticut home before moving to Texas. She holds certifications in neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT), assessment and treatment of sensory integration disorders (SIPT), Interactive Metronome and SOS Feeding therapy. DIR-Floortime is a true passion of Sandy’s, she has actively studied the DIR model for over 20 years including the completion of the basic certification courses.  Sandy received her occupational therapy degree from the University of Southern California- GO TROJANS!! She is the proud mom and OMA. Her free time is spent quilting, gardening, baking, crafting and volunteering.  Sandy was nominated to be a Mom Approved Health Care Professional by Dallas Child Magazine.

Beatty received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. She then received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from LSU-Health Sciences Center Shreveport. Beatty moved to Dallas in 2015 to begin her career in pediatrics. She enjoys traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

From New Orleans, Collins received her Bachelor of Sciences in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. She continued her education at LSU where she received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Collins is SIPT certified and has participated in a wide range of courses including Handwriting Without Tears, Floortime-DIR model, and courses related to posture, movement and coordination and functional participation.  When she is away from the office, Collins enjoys traveling, outdoor activities of all kinds, and cooking. She loves being and aunt and cheering on the LSU-Tigers.

Robin received her Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Texas Women’s University. She also attended TWU for graduate school where she received her Master’s in occupational therapy. Robin is SIPT certified and has completed multiple continuing educational courses, including courses in praxis, NDT, social emotional development and Handwriting Without Tears. She is also a team leader for our therapeutic preschool program. In her spare time, Robin enjoys the outdoors, traveling, painting, yoga and spending time with family, friends and her dogs, Howie and Lola. 

Casey received her occupational therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University. She is certified in the Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT) and also holds certificates in Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening, and Beckman’s Oral Motor Protocol. Casey has received additional training in Handwriting Without Tears, neurodevelopmental technique (NDT), kinesiology taping, and vestibular training program. Growing up in Central Texas, Casey is a Texas native. Casey and her husband are proud foster parents and have a passion for welcoming these children into their home. In her spare time, Casey enjoys creating craft projects at home, live music, game night and traveling to the beach.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Mary attended Georgia State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Occupational Therapy. In her free time, Mary enjoys doing calligraphy; cross-stitching; and spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.

Kate grew up in Danville, California. She attended Texas Christian University (Go frogs!) where she received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Child Development and her master's of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Abilene Christian University - Dallas. She has clinical experience serving children in the public school setting as well as private practice settings. Kate has experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and holds a certificate in Hear My Voice. She also holds certificates in the SOS Feeding Approach as well as CAN-EAT Approach. Outside of work, Kate enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and spending time outdoors with her fiance and fur baby, Rosie.

Layne Shidlofsky grew up in Dallas, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Indiana University and her Master’s of Science degree in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. Layne has clinical experience serving children in both the public and private school setting, pediatric outpatient settings, and a therapeutic preschool. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and puppy named Archie.

Sarah grew up in Dallas,Texas. She attended UT Austin where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders and returned to Dallas to receive her Masters’s degree in Communication Disorders from UT Dallas. Sarah has clinical experience serving children with a variety of needs in the public school setting and early intervention. When not working, she enjoys traveling, rooting for the Texas Longhorns, and spending time with her husband and dog, Harvey.

Originally from Pensacola, Florida, Paula has called the Dallas area home for over 30 years. She has been with Playworks as Office Manager since 2004. She is the glue that keeps the office running smoothly. Not only is she the first contact for our families, she is the “go-to girl” for the entire staff. Outside of interacting with the children and their families at Playworks, you can find her cheering on the Dallas Stars. Known as BeBee to her grandchildren, who she spends most weekends with, she enjoys spending time in the pool as well as taking her dog, Paisley, for long walks.