Guidepost Staff
“Your passion becomes your legacy when you serve others, being who you are, doing what you love.”
Guidepost in-clinic Pediatric Physical Therapist
Dr. Jessica, DPT
Dr. Jessica, Doctor of Physical Therapy, experienced in treatments and intervention in oncology, neurotrauma, orthopedic, cardiac, pediatric intensive care, and outpatient therapy services unit of Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. She brings to Guidepost Pediatrics her tremendous work with children with a variety of diagnoses, including, but not limited to: leukemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, cystic fibrosis, Trisomy-21, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal muscle atrophy (types 1 and 2), lower extremity amputations, failure to thrive, and Ulrich muscular dystrophy. Her experience in helping our patients grow, learn and thrive has helped rehabilitate children after bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, orthopedic surgeries (spinal fusion, rotationplasty, open-reduction internal/external fixation), abdominal surgeries, brain surgeries (tumor resections), traumatic injuries, and deconditioning following prolonged hospitalization.
In the outpatient pediatric physical therapy setting, she worked with patients with a variety of diagnoses, including, but not limited to: torticollis, plagiocephaly, spinal muscle atrophy (type 1), metachromatic leukodystrophy, RYR1 myopathy, autism spectrum disorder, epileptic disorders, Trisomy-21, Marfan's syndrome, syncopal disorders, chromosome deletion disorders, Klippel Feil and Sprengel's Deformity, congenital heart disease, post-stroke, toe walking, non-accidental trauma, post-concussion, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, general hypermobility, and gross motor developmental delays. She has worked closely with certified orthotists for cranial molding orthoses, supra-malleolar orthotics, toe-walking orthotics (footplates and ankle-foot orthotics), and wrist/elbow/knee day and night splints. Adding to her long list of professional accomplishments, she has worked with pediatric patients to get power mobility set up for a non-ambulatory patient, involving equipment trials and writing letters of medical necessity for insurance approval of funds.
Guidepost welcomes her and CJ to our family of therapists, educators and behavioral health professionals.
Guidepost in-clinic Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Ms. Jean, OTRL
Passionate about treating pediatric patients with a detailed, skill based approach; Ms. Jean serves the pediatric population at Guidepost as the lead, in-house, OTRL. Jean completed a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. Ms. Jean has completed graduate work from the University of Hartford in the neuroscience graduate program and completed a Masters of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University. Her extensive experience after 30 years in the field of occupational therapy makes her a perfect lead for the Guidepost’s occupational therapy team. Jean brings to the table extensive experience co-treating with physical therapists, orthopedists and speech therapists stepping up the Guidepost Team into top level integrated care.
Ms. Jean has worked at some of the most prestigious therapy centers in the country but her experience as a professor of OT and Program Director for the Brown Mackie College( BMC) OTA Program makes her an incredible asset to Alaskan children. She brings an intensity and passion to her craft that is unsurpassed. Ms. Jean produces positive patient outcomes with her skill and educational techniques for patients and families with her careful review of evaluations. Her passion for helping children strengthen their mental and physical capabilities is what motivates her as an OT. She is also a tremendous resource for staff in mentoring and guidance.
She brings to Guidepost experience in behavioral analysis, co-treating with ABA, treating complex neurological disorders, concussion management and interventions for complex pediatric cases and sensory integration. Jean is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing. Ms. Jean is an in network Tricare/ Healthnet, in network BC/BS provider, in network Medicaid-Denali Kid Care provider.
In her spare time she enjoys bringing her two Boston terriers, Ling Ling and Turk to Guidepost Pediatrics to visit with Guidepost patients and perform their work as therapy dogs. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling in Alaska.
Guidepost in-clinic and telehealth Pediatric Physical Therapist
Dr. Rebecca, PT, DPT, a highly accomplished dedicated professional with over nine years of experience in the delivery of pediatric physical therapy. Dr. Rebecca completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016 from Wichita State University with a research emphasis on effects of persistent asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) scores in pediatric populations. She completed a Master of Science in Special Education from Emporia State University in 2019 with a concentration in high incidence disabilities. She holds a Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Rebecca is the perfect fit with the Guidepost intra-collaborative team of therapists and educators with her first degree—Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood graduating Summa Cum Laude from Oklahoma Christian University. Her passion for teaching is only surpassed by her passion for healing her pediatric physical therapy patients in Alaska.
She has worked in some of the busiest medical centers in the country addressing complex trauma one cases, pediatric orthopedics, prosthetics, toe walking, orthotics, serial casting, neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, NICU complex cases and many more. Her experience as an in and outpatient PT affords her Guidepost patients the confidence of an experienced practitioner. Her incredibly kind and careful approach to treatment is what sets Rebecca apart. Equally impressive, Dr. Rebecca holds aquatic certifications in aquatic intervention, has extensive training in sensory approaches to toe walking intervention, training in trauma informed approaches to care, post covid syndrome education and has extensive knowledge in supporting functional development in early intervention cases.
Her extensive experience as a physical therapist in acute settings working along side occupational therapists, physicians, nursing and social workers, as well as supervising support staff make her a perfect fit for the Guidepost inter-collaborative treatment team. Having honed her skills in problem-solving and leadership, she approaches her work with a patient-focused mindset and a drive to achieve the best outcomes. Her background in leadership development has equipped her with the ability to effectively lead and collaborate with diverse medical teams. Dr. Rebecca, DPT is lead to the Guidepost mentorship program for current and incoming DPT and PTA’s to the team. Rebecca leads with a supportive model that lends ease in the onboarding of employees. She is happy to be an helping hand in the growth of new PT’s to the profession working along side them in professional development every step of the way.
Rebecca’s teaching experience includes graduate teaching assistants positions in the neuromuscular, chemistry and anatomy labs at multiple universities. Rebecca is currently a professor in the neurology department at PFA where she teaches DPT graduate students in two week cohort clinical rotations.
She is a licensed physical therapist for the State of Alaska.
She is honored to be part of the Guidepost Pediatrics team and is committed to making a positive impact on the organization. In her spare time, Rebecca is passionate about volunteering in the mission fields as well as traveling in the state of Alaska.
Guidepost in-clinic and telehealth Pediatric Speech Therapist
Ms. Kirsten, M.S. CCC-SLP, is passionate about giving children and their families the resources and knowledge they need to reach their speech and language goals! She has worked with toddlers, teens, and every age in between, and loves to watch the transformation of a patient when they are provided a foundation of skills to grow and thrive. Kirsten brings to the Guidepost teams a wide variety of assessment tools and testing that make her detailed in approach to patients and therapy plans. In addition, to the Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language Association, Kirsten is IMSE Orton-Gillingham Certified offering families a beautiful combination of speech and phonological intervention in her approaches to treatment. Kirsten graduated with Bachelor’s Degree Speech-Language Pathology from University of Central Missouri with a minor in psychology. Kirsten graduated with honors with a Master’s Degree from the University of Central Missouri. Kirsten is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing. Ms. Kirsten is an in-network AK Medicaid provider, and in-network Alaska BC/BS provider and an in-network Tricare/Healthnet providers to US military families.
In her free time, Kirsten enjoys reading and solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles.
Kirsten and her husband can often be found doing projects around their new house, playing video games, or camping. We welcome Kirsten to the our team!
Guidepost in-clinic and telehealth Pediatric Speech Therapist
Ms. Amy-SLP-CCC
Ms. Amy comes to Guidepost Pediatrics as in clinc and telehealth therapist with nineteen years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist- CCC. This therapist full of energy is skilled in evidence based therapeutic interventions for elementary, middle and high school populations. She is focused on meeting and exceeding objectives for each patient she treats at Guidepost Pediatrics. Amy hold a Bachelors in Business Administration from Central Baptist College. She completed a Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Lousiana Tech University, Equally impressive is her education during her years as a therapist. She holds a Certification in Advanced Certified Autism Specialist making her our in house expert on communication devices and how to reach this very special population. Amy is also a certified teacher in New Mexico and Arkansas making her a perfect team member for the Guidepost intra-collaborative team of speech therapists, occupational therapists, educators, physical therapist and licensed professional counselors. Amy is certified in the delivery of Orton-Gilligham reading intervention for struggling learners with processing disorders and dyslexia. She is an incredible partner to Ms. Kirsten in identifying the dyslexic child and providing intervention in areas to help them learn, grow and thrive. She is licensed by the Professional Licensing Board for the State of Alaska. She is an in network Tricare/ Healthnet Provider serving the US Military, Alaska Medicaid Provider, Alaska BC/BS provider.
Ms. Amy in her spare child is passionate about serving Alaskan children in clinc as well as telehealth and loves traveling to the great state of Alaska.
Guidepost in-clinic and telehealth Pediatric Speech Therapist
Ms. Jane, M.S. SLP-CCC
The Guidepost Team is thrilled to welcome Ms. Jane, SLP-CCC to our in-clinic and telehealth speech therapy team. Jane brings to the team eleven years of speech therapy professional experience.She is a graduate of the Baylor University holding a B.A. in Communication Sciences & Disorders. She also holds a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Baylor University’s prestigious speech and language disorders department. She is a dynamic asset to the growing Guidepost entrepreneurial practice with a graduation date of 2025 for her MBA from Auburn University. She is also currently finishing her Masters of Finance from Auburn University.
Jane has a passion for early literacy having trained in the literacy language lab at Baylor University during her college years. She brings a wealth of language and reading intervention techniques to the Alaskan children. Jane has worked in hospitals in Texas and Missouri with extensive experience in swallowing disorders and NICU patients.
Guidepost Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Wellness Coach (Telehealth)
Dr. Jennifer Blossom brings to Guidepost children and families a wealth of professional energy and education. Jennifer received her Bachelors in Health Science with a minor in Psychology from Boise State University and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. Jennifer has a passion for working with children from all walks of life and has a huge heart for equipping parents and kiddos with the mindset, tools, and support they need to truly live life to its fullest. Jennifer is equally passionate about mind, body, and soul wellness for the entire family and is the CEO + Founder of The Blossoming Moms Co, a digital wellness brand that equips and empowers moms to become the best version of themselves through simple lifestyle practices and healthy habits.
Outside of work Jennifer loves to coach soccer on her son's team, volunteer at church, and train for half-marathons. You can often find her baking gluten-free cookies on the weekends and spending time with her family.
Professionally, Dr. Blossom has extensive training in infant massage, kinesiotaping, time management and productivity, family wellness and behavior change.
Guidepost Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Ms Louisa, OTRL
Ms. Louisa brings a wealth of information and energy to Guidepost Pediatrics in clinic occupational therapy services. Louisa holds a MA ( Honors) in English Literature and Italian from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. During her time in Europe, Ms. Louisa also completed an Erasmus Grantee from the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. She completed an M. S. in Occupational Therapy from Suny Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York specializing in Early Intervention. She has lived and worked as an occupational therapist all over the world and brings those unique experiences to the treatment sessions with her creative play and compassionate approach. She has extensive experience in diverse pediatric orthopedic, neurological, cardiac and psychological disorders. She also brings to the Guidepost team experience in co-treating on intra-collaborative team with many different types of professionals. We are thrilled she has joined the Guidepost team and look forward to her in clinic with patients.
Guidepost Pediatric Behavioral Health Therapist
Dr. “D.B.” Palmer, Ed.D, LPC-S, CIMHP, CCAT, CFRC, LMHC-S, LCMHC
Adventure Psychotherapist, Professor of Outdoor Leadership, Content Creator, & Farmer—
Dr. “D.B.” Palmer is the creative founder of Adventure Based Parenting (ABP) and Adventure Therapy Northwest, LLC. ABP was founded in Alaska to promote active, holistic wellness for Alaskan kids/ families. This unique combination of psychotherapy, parent coaching, and outdoor adventures/sports opens an entirely different behavioral mental health model for Guidepost Pediatrics patients/students. Guidepost Pediatric Therapy and Educational Services believes in a collaborative health care model and recognizes the importance of having such a dynamic, Alaskan, adventure sports/wellness psychotherapist.
D.B. offers tele-health therapy for Guidepost kids when he cannot be in Alaska and holds a certification in ethical and high quality tele-health delivery.
D.B. has served as Primary Investigator/Project Director for numerous federal grants, including the Pediatric Integrated Care Collaborative - Indian Health Services & John Hopkins Univ. He recently served as the VP in the Board of Directors - AK Ass. for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health. He has extensive professional experience in infant, youth and family therapy modalities. Dr. Palmer is licensed by The Board of Professional Counselors by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing in the State of Alaska. Dr. Palmer is an in-network Tricare/Healthnet Services provider, in-network Alaska BC/BS provider, in-network Alaska Medicaid provider.
D.B. holds an Ed.D in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University-Seattle. Dissertation: Parental Factors Within Wilderness Therapy. He also has completed a M.A.-Human Services: Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University, and B.S. in Recreational Management from John Brown University. Dr. Palmer is licensed LPC and Board Approved Supervisor in Alaska who brings over ten years experience as a licensed psychotherapist.
D.B. is a humble, but unbelievably accomplished, published academic in every subject from: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Trauma Informed Youth Therapies, Human Dynamics, Leadership and Sport Wellness.
In his spare time he is an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University, and University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Our favorite "D.B. Stories" are the Ultra Marathon Paddling races he competes in, such as the 444 mile Yukon River Quest which he has completed with his son twice, with very competitive standing, as well as the Missouri River 340 with his wife, oldest daughter, and son, with a 4th place finish! He is the father to five equally gifted and dynamic children and husband to accomplished athlete, Greta.
Educator/Administrator
Mrs. Lynne Brock cut her teeth in the Texas education system for forty years as a reading specialist and early childhood campus principal. This incredible educator served Texas children with the heart of a servant teaching thousands of children to read. Mrs. Lynne holds a B.S. Education from the University of North Texas in Denton and a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Lynne holds a Class C Certificate in Administration as a Texas Principal from the State Board of Education in Texas.
Lynne, best known for her positive techniques in educational administration that make her staff top performers, brings her unique design of successful school campuses with reading centered curriculum to Alaskan school districts through Guidepost Pediatrics. Mrs. Brock led campuses with over 500 students to achieve high reading scores bringing those children to Kindergarten as proficient readers/writers. Guidepost Pediatric Therapies and Educational Services is excited to offer Alaskan school systems her expertise in reading instruction, in-service designed for trauma informed practice within the classroom and how to teach reading, admin/teacher support and one on one intervention for students. She is a close expert advisor to the Guidepost Admin staff with her forty years in the classroom and leadership.
Lynne’s loves include fall nights in Texas, dove hunting and most especially traveling to see her grandchildren.
Guidepost Pediatric Therapies and Educational Services
CEO
Susan Mansfield
Ms. Mansfield has a passion for servant leadership. With her creative entrepreneurial vision, Guidepost Pediatrics Services, LLC. is her third start up molded from conception to success. This vibrant Alaskan woman known for her grit and stubbornness is a fierce advocate for Alaskan children. Susan’s passion for early childhood education/intervention led to an entirely new pediatric therapy model where educators and health practitioners collaborate in one dynamic new clinic addressing the wrap around needs of every child-brain and body.
Originally from Texas, she completed a B.S. in Education from Baylor University with a focus on Reading Specialty and Gifted Education. Susan’s interest in research led her to post graduate work at Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University M.Div/MSW with a focus on theological studies. While pursing her undergraduate degree at Baylor University she was the recipient of the Sid Jones Endowed Scholarship. The Sid Jones Endowed Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships given by Baylor University. During her graduate work 2009, she was the receipt of the Ted and Sue Getterman Endowed Scholarship for Truett Theological Seminary Dean’s List Scholars. She was also the recipient of multiple endowed scholarships given by the General Baptist Convention and Dianna Garland School of Social Work. While at Baylor Susan was privileged to study under and chosen to teaching assist for world renowned scholars in theology and history.
Susan honed her craft in the Texan and Alaskan school systems. Susan was nominated in Texas-Temple Independent School District Teacher of the Year. She brings a passion and intensity to every project she leads. In Temple I.S.D, she was a lead in the gifted education department writing and receiving Temple Education Foundation Grants every year she taught thus allowing for in-depth learning not only for her students but for the entire district population of gifted students. She implemented the Willam and Mary Center for Gifted Education literacy curriculum from The College of William and Mary where she was trained in addressing the literacy needs of the gifted child. She often designed her own curriculum to meet the unique interests of the highly gifted child. Ms. Mansfield was a Latin I teacher at Thornton and Garcia Elementary schools teaching second language learners the fundamentals of the English language using Latin. Having been recognized and invited to Duke University early on in her life as a Duke University Young Scholar, she understands the importance of specialized academically rigorous programs for the gifted and highly gifted child.
Ms. Mansfield held the Instructional Specialist position at Meredith Dunbar Elementary with over 500+ students where she was tasked with teaching teachers How to Teach Reading. She is trained in Reading Recovery and many other reading intervention programs that address dyslexia vs reading processing disorders. Her strength as an diagnostician allows her to pinpoint the reading level of each child and immediately design a plan to address any noted deficits--meeting children right where they are in their learning journey. She has served as a special education teacher in Alaska and the lead teacher/onsite principal in the Alaskan bush learning first hand the importance of 504/ IEP advocacy for Alaskan children. She has taught every grade and subject from Montessori pre-school all the way to eighth grade. She has recruited to the Guidepost Pediatrics staff highly trained experts but one of her greatest accomplishments is bringing to GPTES, LLC professionals who served as her past supervisors while she was developing as a young professional.
After training and research in medical management, her vision for Alaska’s integrated medicine model and an intra-professional supportive environment affords her staff and patients the opportunity to receive all they need in one diverse setting. Occupational, Speech, Physical, Behavioral Health and Reading Intervention. She and her staff have a passion for finding the areas they can treat patients together addressing their physical, mental and educational needs all with one mindset to help children grow, learn and thrive.
Susan’s passion for literacy development started when she was eighteen years old when she traveled to Clocolan, South Africa. There she witnessed first hand the devastating deprivations the Aparheid system had created. After returning home, she talked her family into starting a literacy project collecting books for South African schools in the Orange Free State. Ten years later- Seven School Libraries later she, her father and mother and sisters were awarded the George Washington Honor Medal given by the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge specially awarded for contributions in literacy to the international community 2003. In 2010, a documentary on her passion for literacy, and her work on behalf of South African children was produced and aired by the South African Broadcasting Company culminating fifteen years of work in her field.
Susan grew up the daughter of B’52 Strategic Air Command navigator. Holding true to her core, she built Guidepost Pediatrics as a preferred military provider. From the front desk to top level leadership, Guidepost Pediatrics supports the service men and women that defend our nation. Guidepost Pediatrics is an in-network Tricare provider putting military children first as a core value of the clinic.
Guidepost Pediatrics Services, LLC is a health professionals group licensed by the State of Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Susan is a member of the Alaska Medical Management Association.
Susan’s research interests include: healthcare management, intra collaborative healthcare models, brain plasticity, the connection between physical/mental disorders and reading difficulties, the gifted/dyslexic child and organizational leadership strategies.
Susan’s loves include: Alaskan wildlife, learning about Alaskan native culture, gardening, children’s literacy, renaissance/post renaissance art, oil painting, evangelical history, and her Jack-Rat terrier, Sally.
Her latest obsession is scaling the pediatric physical therapy department, the Clubhouse App for entrepreneurs and anything she can inhale on healthcare management.
