Kelly Pediatric Therapy honors outstanding professionals who go above and beyond through our annual Provider of the Year program. These team members work closely with students, teachers, and families to support pediatric development in meaningful, real-world ways.
Amy Barrall, a physical therapist with Manheim Township School District in Pennsylvania, is our 2026 runner-up in the Pediatric Related Services category.
Amy’s work reflects the heart of school-based therapy: meeting students where they are and helping them move forward—physically, academically, and emotionally. Through flexibility, collaboration, and a deep commitment to independence, she makes a lasting difference in the lives of the students she serves.
Amy: I work with students from pre-K all the way up to age 22, supporting them as they move through the school system. My focus is helping them access their education in the least restrictive environment possible.
That might mean working on positioning, standing, using adaptive equipment, or developing gross motor skills so they can participate in things like recess, gym class, or classroom activities. Everything I do is about supporting the student, but also the teachers, families, and staff around them so that the student can be successful throughout their day.
Amy: Every day is different. I usually work with students one-on-one because their needs are so individualized. Sometimes I’ll pull a student out for a session, and other times I’ll push into the classroom to help them practice skills in a real-world setting.
I also spend a lot of time collaborating—training staff on equipment, consulting with teachers and aides, and adjusting plans when things change. And things always change—whether it’s a broken piece of equipment or a shift in a student’s medical needs. You learn quickly that flexibility is key.
Amy: If I had to sum it up, it’s independence. Whether it’s mobility, completing a classroom task, or simply being safe throughout the day, everything we do is centered on helping students become as independent as possible.
Amy: I’ve been a physical therapist for about 27 years. I started in outpatient therapy, but early in my career, I also worked in schools because it offered flexibility.
Later, after taking time off to raise my children, I returned to school-based therapy about 10 years ago. The schedule worked well for my family, and I quickly realized how much I loved the setting—the variety, the relationships, and the ability to make a long-term impact.
Amy: I love the variety. I work in nine buildings with students of all ages, so I get to see the full picture—from early development to transitioning into adulthood and employment.
That perspective helps me plan ahead and guide families through what’s coming next. I also really value being part of a team. I work closely with teachers, administrators, occupational therapists, speech therapists—it’s a true collaborative effort, and that makes a huge difference.
Amy: One of the biggest differences is time. In a school setting, I get to work with students over the course of an entire year. That allows for long-term growth, even if progress happens slowly.
There’s also a lot of flexibility. I can adjust sessions based on what a student needs that day, and I can take advantage of real-life, teachable moments. It’s not always about sticking to a strict plan—it’s about responding to the student in front of you.
Amy: Your degree is just the beginning. School-based therapy is very different from what you learn in a medical program, so you have to be open to learning on the job.
Ask questions, build relationships with your team, and be willing to try new things—even if they don’t work the first time. Flexibility is so important. Sessions rarely go exactly as planned, but sometimes the best learning happens in those unexpected moments.
Amy: It’s the students. Every day, I have the opportunity to help someone gain a skill they didn’t have before. That might take time, patience, and repetition—but when it happens, it’s incredibly rewarding.
I also really value relationships with students, families, and colleagues. It’s a team effort, and being part of that team is what keeps me going.
“Amy Barrall is a true representative of the high-quality therapists that Kelly Pediatric Therapy provides to its partner schools each day,” says Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education.
“She operates with high integrity and makes a clear difference in ensuring student success. We are proud to recognize her commitment with this honor.” As a Provider of the Year runner-up, Amy will receive a $1,000 bonus, as well as $500 donated on her behalf to the Manheim School District.
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy we work with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and other providers to help you find the right school-based placements.
If you're looking to move forward in your professional career in a way that supports growth, balance, and impact—consider working with us as a school-based therapist.
When you work with Kelly Pediatric Therapy, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, compensation for documentation, access to mentorship, free professional development, and work-free nights, weekends, and holidays.
Learn more about joining our team.