Our Story
Children’s Therapy Solutions, Inc. (CTS) was founded in April of 2004 by Kathy White, LMHC, and Lena Thoresen, OTR/L, with a shared vision of creating a therapy practice rooted in compassion, quality, and community.
Lena was born and raised in Norway and came to the United States as an exchange student in Richmond, Kentucky. During that year, she lived with Kathy and her husband Tom, who at the time were raising three young boys. Kathy later had a daughter as well, and Lena became an integral part of the family, helping raise the children alongside Kathy and Tom. What began as a host family relationship evolved into a lifelong bond built on shared values, trust, and a deep commitment to helping others.
It had always been Kathy’s dream to start a therapy company. Paired with Lena’s strong drive to “help people,” the two decided to turn that dream into reality. Kathy’s determination, passion, and genuine care for others laid the foundation for CTS and continue to shape the organization today. With truly “a heart for people,” they set out to create a warm and welcoming place where families could receive high-quality therapy services.
Lena was born and raised in Norway and came to the United States as an exchange student in Richmond, Kentucky. During that year, she lived with Kathy and her husband Tom, who at the time were raising three young boys. Kathy later had a daughter as well, and Lena became an integral part of the family, helping raise the children alongside Kathy and Tom. What began as a host family relationship evolved into a lifelong bond built on shared values, trust, and a deep commitment to helping others.
It had always been Kathy’s dream to start a therapy company. Paired with Lena’s strong drive to “help people,” the two decided to turn that dream into reality. Kathy’s determination, passion, and genuine care for others laid the foundation for CTS and continue to shape the organization today. With truly “a heart for people,” they set out to create a warm and welcoming place where families could receive high-quality therapy services.
Our Mission
Children’s Therapy Solutions was founded on two core principles:
- To create a therapy clinic where families receive exceptional care in a supportive and compassionate environment.
- To create a workplace where therapists are supported, encouraged to grow, and managed with compassion and common sense.
Growing With Our Community
In the early years, CTS employed between five and eight therapists. As families experienced meaningful progress and shared their positive outcomes, the clinic grew steadily to meet the needs of the community. A core value has always been ensuring access to care for all families, which led CTS to accept Medicaid and all private insurance plans.
This commitment to accessibility led to the creation of Manatee Hope, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007. Under Kathy’s leadership, Manatee Hope was established to support families facing financial hardship by allowing them to receive therapy services with a $5 copay, while the nonprofit reimburses the therapy provider at a discounted rate. Manatee Hope remains active today and continues to be a source of pride for the CTS team, having helped countless families across Manatee and surrounding counties.
This commitment to accessibility led to the creation of Manatee Hope, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007. Under Kathy’s leadership, Manatee Hope was established to support families facing financial hardship by allowing them to receive therapy services with a $5 copay, while the nonprofit reimburses the therapy provider at a discounted rate. Manatee Hope remains active today and continues to be a source of pride for the CTS team, having helped countless families across Manatee and surrounding counties.
Leadership & Expansion
In 2008, Megan Halliday, MS, OTR/L, joined CTS after completing her occupational therapy internship with the clinic. She quickly distinguished herself through her intelligence, strong work ethic, and passion for making a difference. As Kathy has since retired, Megan now serves as a co-owner of CTS. Together, Kathy, Lena, and Megan worked closely with the community to raise funds and expand access to therapy services through Manatee Hope.
CTS began in a single suite in the L-shaped building at 3817 State Road 64. Today, CTS occupies all nine units of that building, growing steadily alongside community needs. Expansion has included a large sensory gym and a dedicated feeding unit. Over more than 20 years, CTS has grown not only in size, but also in the depth and specialization of care offered—made possible by the passion and expertise of its team.
CTS began in a single suite in the L-shaped building at 3817 State Road 64. Today, CTS occupies all nine units of that building, growing steadily alongside community needs. Expansion has included a large sensory gym and a dedicated feeding unit. Over more than 20 years, CTS has grown not only in size, but also in the depth and specialization of care offered—made possible by the passion and expertise of its team.
Specialized Services
CTS proudly offers expert care in the following specialty areas:
- Feeding therapy
- AAC evaluations
- Infant development
- Lactation support
- Torticollis management
- Women’s health services
The Women’s Center at CTS
In response to a significant lack of access to women’s health services in Manatee and surrounding counties, CTS established The Women’s Center at Children’s Therapy Solutions, Inc. in 2021. Recognizing the growing need, CTS invested in specialized training and began providing comprehensive women’s health services.
The Women’s Center offers pelvic floor physical therapy and related services, including biofeedback for incontinence, treatment for abdominal separation, pain management, pre- and post-natal care, dry needling, breastfeeding support, and more. Due to overwhelming demand, a separate, dedicated Women’s Center location was opened in Palmetto just two years later.
The Women’s Center offers pelvic floor physical therapy and related services, including biofeedback for incontinence, treatment for abdominal separation, pain management, pre- and post-natal care, dry needling, breastfeeding support, and more. Due to overwhelming demand, a separate, dedicated Women’s Center location was opened in Palmetto just two years later.
Where We Are Today
More than 20 years after its founding, Children’s Therapy Solutions continues to make a meaningful impact on the community. CTS proudly employs 85+ women, including 70 therapists, provides therapy services in 26+ schools throughout Manatee County, and delivers approximately 2,000 therapy sessions each week through in-clinic and teletherapy services.
This female-owned and operated organization has become a trusted place for families to receive high-quality, compassionate care—and a professional home for therapists who are passionate about learning, growth, and progress. Supporting women in the workplace and providing flexibility to balance life’s many roles has always been a core value at CTS.
After more than two decades of service, growth, and learning, CTS is proud of its history and excited for the future—alongside the families, therapists, and community it serves.
This female-owned and operated organization has become a trusted place for families to receive high-quality, compassionate care—and a professional home for therapists who are passionate about learning, growth, and progress. Supporting women in the workplace and providing flexibility to balance life’s many roles has always been a core value at CTS.
After more than two decades of service, growth, and learning, CTS is proud of its history and excited for the future—alongside the families, therapists, and community it serves.
The Children’s Therapy Solutions, Inc. staff have a heart for people, they make a difference every day. Weaved into the fabric of their existence is kindness, compassion and professionalism, while providing excellent, specialized care.
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