Salt Marsh Pediatric Therapy, a leading provider of specialized pediatric intensive physical therapy, is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its growth with the expansion into a larger clinic location at 224 Stephenson Ave STE A. and the addition of Speech-Language Pathologist Brooke Barendsen, M.S., CCC-SLP, expanding the practice's comprehensive therapy services for children and families throughout the region.

Founded with a mission to bring pediatric intensive physical therapy to Savannah and the surrounding Lowcountry, Salt Marsh Pediatric Therapy has quickly become a trusted resource for families seeking individualized, evidence-based care for children with mobility and developmental challenges. The practice specializes in intensive therapy programs designed to help children make meaningful progress through concentrated, goal-focused treatment. 

The expansion reflects the growing need for accessible pediatric specialty services in Coastal Georgia. In addition to enhanced physical therapy offerings, the practice will now provide pediatric speech-language pathology services, allowing more families to receive coordinated care in one location.

"Our vision has always been to provide exceptional care close to home for children with complex needs," said Julie Joyner Talbot, PT, DPT, PCS, Founder and Owner of Salt Marsh Pediatric Therapy. "This expansion helps us serve more families with comprehensive, individualized care."

Joining the Salt Marsh team is Brooke Barendsen, M.S., CCC-SLP, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with experience treating medically complex pediatric and adult populations across hospital and rehabilitation settings. Her clinical background includes evaluating and treating speech, language, cognitive-communication, swallowing, and feeding disorders while collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams to improve patient outcomes.

Barendsen earned her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia Southern University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

"I'm excited to join a practice that shares my passion for helping children reach their fullest potential," said Barendsen. "By offering speech therapy alongside intensive physical therapy, we can better support each child's communication, feeding, and developmental goals while partnering closely with families throughout their journey."

The expanded clinic will continue to serve children from birth through age 21 with diagnoses including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, chromosomal disorders, prematurity, spinal cord injuries, torticollis, and other neurological and orthopedic conditions. Families will now have access to a broader range of services designed to support communication, mobility, independence, and overall quality of life through collaborative, family-centered care. 

The new facility will offer additional treatment space, specialized equipment, and room for continued growth as Salt Marsh Pediatric Therapy expands its multidisciplinary services to meet increasing demand.

"As our community continues to grow, so does the need for specialized pediatric therapy services," Talbot added. "We're incredibly grateful for the trust families have placed in us, and we're honored to continue investing in the children of Coastal Georgia by providing greater access to the therapies they deserve."

The expanded Salt Marsh Pediatric Therapy location is open for business at its new location! Additional details, including community open house events and referral information, will be announced in the coming months.