GW
Growing Wise Therapy
Stephanie Asbury Moncrief
MS, OTR/L
Hi! I’m Stephanie Moncrief, MSOTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Growing Wise Therapy Services. I earned my graduate degree at Belmont University, became disenchanted with corporate red tape, and opened the clinic our community actually needed—first in Seymour on September 17, 2018, and then in Dandridge on September 3, 2025.
My “why” started at home: my parents adopted my youngest brothers, and I watched therapy transform our family—calmer days, stronger skills, and more connection. That’s why I became a therapist.
At Growing Wise we provide OT, PT, and speech with a strong emphasis on sensory integration and parent coaching. I turn “What do I do?” into clear, doable routines that fit real life—mornings, homework, bedtime, the car line. Expect playful, evidence-based sessions paired with practical home tools that build regulation, confidence, and independence. If you want care that’s warm, direct, and actually moves the needle, welcome—this is your place.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me cheering at my kids’ soccer games, sneaking in a yoga flow, hiking, bike riding or skiing with my family, cooking big-flavor dinners, walking the dogs, or re-organizing the sensory gym…for fun. Travel is my reset button.
Morgan Brown
COTA/L
Morgan has a true love and passion for working with children, and her strong presence in the clinic is felt by both families and staff. Her special interests include sensory processing and supporting children with autism. Morgan’s approach blends structure with compassion and understanding, helping children feel safe while empowering them to grow. She is especially skilled at training and guiding parents, giving them practical tools and confidence in supporting their kids at home.
Before becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Morgan worked as a preschool teacher and a massage therapist—experiences that enrich the care she provides today. She draws on all those skills to bring creativity, calm, and individualized support into her sessions.
Outside the clinic, you’ll find Morgan out jeeping, hiking, enjoying the outdoors, cooking up something creative in the kitchen, or discovering great food spots.
Penny Sluss
COTA/L
Penny has been an Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2008 and has had the privilege of working alongside incredible therapists throughout her career. She specializes in sensory processing and primitive reflex integration, bringing both professional expertise and personal insight into her work. As the mother of a son with autism—who began nonverbal but, through years of therapy, has gone on to graduate high school, work, and drive—Penny knows firsthand that quality therapy changes lives.
As our lead therapist at the Seymour location, Penny provides daily support to our team and families. She has a gift for connecting with parents, meeting them where they are, and offering understanding and encouragement along the journey.
Outside the clinic, Penny enjoys life on the lake—paddleboarding, boating, traveling, and discovering great food. Family is her top priority, and she brings that same dedication into her work with every child and parent she supports.
Ryleigh Thomas
OTD, OTR/L
Ryleigh earned her doctorate in occupational therapy from Lincoln Memorial University in April 2025 after completing her bachelor’s degree in exercise science–kinesiology at King University. She is passionate about working with children and empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Growing up in a small town, Ryleigh always knew she wanted to give back to her community and help others thrive in meaningful ways.
Outside work, Ryleigh enjoys fitness, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Cassidy Allen
PTA
Cassidy’s passion for therapy started at home, growing up alongside her twin sister who has cerebral palsy. From a young age, she often joined in on her sister’s therapies, which sparked her calling to help others. Now a Physical Therapist Assistant, Cassidy brings that same compassion and dedication into her work every day. She is well-rounded and enjoys working with all ages, but she has a special love for helping our extraordinary kids reach their potential.
Originally from a small town, Cassidy is excited to give back to the community she calls home. Faith is an important part of her life, and she participates in FUGE youth Christian camps. Outside the clinic, Cassidy enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and expressing her creativity through crafts.
Stephanie Newbury
PTA
Stephanie is a Physical Therapist Assistant with over 15 years of experience, and her heart has always been in pediatrics. Her journey into therapy began when she volunteered with the Special Olympics, where she discovered her passion for helping children reach their fullest potential. Stephanie has a special love for working with infants and children with complex diagnoses, providing compassionate care tailored to each child’s unique needs. Known for her calm demeanor and gentle approach, she creates a safe, supportive environment where children and families feel understood and encouraged.
When she’s not in the clinic, you can find Stephanie cheering on her daughters at cheerleading and softball, out hiking, or spending quality time with her family
Tammy Asbury
Administrator
A former special education professional, Tammy retired to help her daughter launch and grow Growing Wise. She’s raised four kids (two with autism), bringing deep empathy and real-world know-how to every family interaction. Tammy handles referrals, TEIS coordination, parent questions, documentation reviews, and insurance compliance—plus office stocking and the occasional decorating touch that makes our clinic feel like home. Her steady leadership keeps care moving, ensures payer requirements are met, and frees therapists to focus on kids—so families get clear answers and timely support
Anita Lawson
PT
I earned my Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Andrews University in 1990 and have been practicing in the field ever since. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, home health, the school system, and private practice. These experiences have allowed me to develop a well-rounded perspective and skill set to better support children and their families.
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At Growing Wise Therapy Services, my primary focus is on helping children build strength, mobility, and confidence through individualized, play-based therapy. I am passionate about creating a supportive environment where each child can grow, achieve milestones, and thrive in their daily lives.
Kelly Marshall
MS, CCC-SLP
Kelley Marshall, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who has experience working in private practice, schools, and skilled nursing. She especially enjoys supporting kids with language and speech sound disorders, Autism, and those in early intervention.
Kelley earned her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Tennessee State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Middle Tennessee State University. She has additional training in Beckman Oral Motor and Seeing Stars.
Her passion for this work comes from her own childhood experience with articulation challenges, which drives her to connect with children and families in a personal and meaningful way. Kelley’s goal is to make therapy fun, supportive, and empowering for every child she works with.
When she’s not in the therapy room, Kelley enjoys spending time with her husband, Will, their daughter, Anna, and their two dogs, Pepperoni and Murphy.
Stephanie Ridner
Adminsitrative Lead
Stephanie Ridner is the Administrative Lead at Growing Wise Therapy Services—the steady engine behind our growth. With 14 years in healthcare and an AAS in Healthcare Administration, she keeps care moving: calling patients, scheduling, securing referrals, coordinating with referral nurses, answering billing emails, and tracking insurance authorizations. Her clear communication and relentless follow-through free our clinicians to focus on kids and help families get faster answers and on-time starts to plans of care. Before she came aboard, our founder wore too many hats; now operations are smooth, accountable, and family-first—thanks to Stephanie.
Outside the clinic, you’ll find her in her Jeep or on the UTV, exploring backroads, or camping with friends and family—organized, adventurous, and always ready to find the best route forward.