Meet Our Team
executive team
Christopher Dunstan, OTR/L
owner & founder
Christopher is a Granite State native, occupational therapist, author, and founder of Dunstan Pediatric Services. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, he remains an actively practicing clinician while leading a company he has owned for over 15 years. Dunstan Pediatric Services provides occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and teacher of the visually impaired services to children and school districts throughout New Hampshire.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Christopher has built his career around pediatric practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening the systems that support children’s participation and success. He leads a skilled statewide team and works closely with clinicians, educators, families, and school administrators to support meaningful student outcomes.
Christopher is also the co-author of Beyond the Barrier, a practical guide that helps therapists look beyond isolated skills to better understand the physical, cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, and functional barriers affecting a child’s participation. Grounded in a “Connection First” philosophy, the book provides clinicians with a structured framework for identifying needs, designing meaningful interventions, and connecting therapy more directly to everyday function.
Christopher actively contributes to the advancement of occupational therapy through professional leadership, legislative advocacy, and education. He co-presented on the process of updating the New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Practice Act at the AOTA Annual Conference in Orlando and presented research on the dual diagnosis of autism and developmental coordination disorder at the 14th International Developmental Coordination Disorder Conference in Toulouse, France.
He also helped author legislation containing key updates to the New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Practice Act, which was signed into law in 2023, and has contributed proposed rule revisions to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services related to Medicaid-to-Schools services.
Christopher serves as president of the New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Association and is a proud sponsor of the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators. Through these roles, he maintains close relationships with occupational therapy professionals, educational leaders, and the school districts his practice supports.
Outside of his professional work, Christopher enjoys spending time in his perennial gardens, playing bass guitar in a local band, and fly fishing throughout New England.
Tammy Butler
Office administrator
Tammy set early roots in the seacoast region of NH, first as a Spaulding Red Raider and then as a community leader.
Tammy received her accounting degree from Penn Foster, and soon after completed a paralegal degree program from MacIntosh College. Tammy served as the Director of Administration and Finance at General Linen, and later worked in Business Services at Plymouth State University. Tammy assumed the DPS Office Administrator position nearly a decade ago and never looked back. From the accounting ledger to human resource support, Tammy supports a wide range of responsibilities at Dunstan Pediatric.
Tammy enjoys spending time with her family, seeing live music and theatre, and traveling the Holy Highway looking for adventure. Tammy also enjoys being part of the amazing team of professionals at DPS.
administrative team
Alyssa Avery, MS, OTR/L
Related Services Manager
Alyssa graduated from the University of New England in 2008 with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy and has spent most of her professional career working with children from birth through age 21 and their families in school and community-based settings. Alyssa’s passion for working with children stems from her core belief that all individuals have a right to meaningful engagement and participation within their homes, schools and communities. She is a self-proclaimed life-long learner who enjoys learning about many topics, especially anything involving brain development.
Alyssa grew up in NH and is happy to now share adventures in the beauty of the Lakes Region and surrounding areas with her husband, two children and their dog. Together they enjoy being outdoors, exploring all that the area offers, while also traveling to new places for bigger adventures.
Alyssa is honored to be rejoining the Dunstan Pediatric Services team in the new position of Related Services Manager. In this role she aspires to support, energize, and facilitate connections among the fabulous team of DPS professionals in order to foster longevity and quality services within the communities they serve.
Brian Walsh, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Brian has been on the DPS team since 2016. During that time, he has had the privilege to provide child-centered services to children in many districts. He also provided early intervention services from 2016-2020, working in homes with families, infants, and toddlers. Brian helped develop DPS’s trauma response protocol in preparation for the return to in-person learning in Fall 2020, and he is comfortable working within the trauma informed frame of reference in order to help reach children with more severe social emotional challenges. Recently Brian has transitioned into a new role at DPS coordinating fieldwork placements with local OT schools as well as training and educating incoming OTs for DPS. Brian loves music and plays keyboard in a local band in Plymouth. He also enjoys reading sci-fi novels and learning more about how the brain works.
Occupational Therapists
Madison McCrorey, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Madison graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She grew up in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and loves all of what New England has to offer. Madison loves working within pediatrics and is passionate about the development of functional skills while interacting with nature. In her free time, Madison loves to hang out with family, her two cats Zesty and Dexter, as well as crochet.
Ariel Gosling, DSc., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Ariel graduated with a Doctorate of Science in Occupational Therapy from Baylor University of Texas and the U.S. Army in 2013 and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California in 2010. Ariel has worked in a broad range of settings including inpatient nursing facilities, hospital, outpatient upper extremity rehab, inpatient/outpatient behavioral health, home health, outpatient pediatrics and school-based OT. Through these experiences, Ariel discovered she loves working with kids the most. Ariel strongly believes in the benefits of childhood play for learning and developing skills, especially play and exploration in the outdoors. Ariel and her family finally settled to live in Plymouth, NH in 2019, after making several moves around the country. In her free time, she loves activities in the outdoors like biking, hiking and running, and she enjoys playing music, dancing, and doing art. Most importantly, she is a mom to two energetic kids and two energetic dogs.
Carolyn "Widge" Kent, MS, OT/L
Occupational Therapist
Widge has been in practice for over 45 years and her career has centered on children with disabilities. Early in her clinical practice, she specialized in pediatric psychiatry and was an author of the chapter “Psychosocial Dysfunction” in the occupational therapy textbook, “The Developmental Therapist.” (2nd edition, 1979, Slack.) Later in her career as a certified special educator, as well as an occupational therapist, her focus was on preschoolers with educational disabilities. In addition to clinical practice, she has served as a Director of Special Education and as the chair of the committee that successfully lobbied for occupational therapy licensure in New Hampshire. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire (’65) and holds a graduate degree from Boston University (’68.)
Chloe Bettencourt, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Chloe graduated in 2021 from the University of New Hampshire with her Master of Science in occupational therapy. She is a New Hampshire native. Chloe’s passion for school-based occupational therapy grew throughout her three-month fieldwork experience at a school that included students from kindergarten through 8th grade. When not working, Chloe enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active. Chloe is looking forward to beginning her OT career with DPS!
Mikaela Petlon, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Mikaela joins the team with six years of experience in inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing settings. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Although this marks her first role in pediatric occupational therapy, Mikaela is eager to support children and their families in achieving their goals.
Originally from Meredith, New Hampshire, Mikaela currently resides in Laconia with her husband, their two-year-old daughter, and their Chocolate Lab. When not working, she is likely enjoying time with her family on Lake Winnisquam
Natalie Compton, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Natalie graduated with a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire in 2021. She is a recent graduate with experience in providing OT services in the outpatient hand therapy setting and in the school setting. She always knew she wanted to work with children through her experiences working in preschools and various school settings.
Natalie grew up in the Lakes Region and wanted to stay in the area to be around her friends and family. She lives with her beloved cat, Sir Henry, and enjoys spending her free time with friends and family out on the boat or at her family’s cottages on the lake.
Katie Robicheau, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Katie joins the team with a professional background in early childhood development and education. She began her career as an early intervention educator, where she supported young children and families before choosing to pursue occupational therapy. Katie received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire in 2022 and has spent the last three years working in acute inpatient rehab. She is eager and excited to return to her roots of working with children, now in a school setting.
Katie grew up in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and now lives in Barrington with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. When not working, Katie can be found spending time with her family. She also enjoys hiking, live music, reading, and taking pottery classes.
Tiffany Travers, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Tiffany graduated from the University of New Haven with a BA in Music Industry in 2003. After working in the music industry for several years in a variety of settings, she found her passion in early childhood music education and music therapy, earning her certification through the Music Together program. In 2018, she earned her degree at River Valley Community College and has since been working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Tiffany has a diverse background in both geriatric and pediatric care. Her love for occupational therapy comes from a deep-rooted passion for making a positive difference in our communities and in people’s lives. She embraces a holistic approach to occupational therapy and considers the physical, psychological, and social aspects when developing and implementing treatment plans.
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Tiffany has lived in Northern Vermont for over a decade, enjoying the natural beauty the area has to offer. She loves music, snowboarding, paddleboarding, gardening, and hiking with her husband and their dog, Buster.
Amanda Robinson, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Amanda is a compassionate and skilled Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a diverse background in both pediatric and geriatric care. Since earning her degree from River Valley Community College in 2017, Amanda has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain their independence through community-based therapy, home health care, and her work with Dunstan Pediatric Services.
Her experience spans a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers and nursing facilities, where she leads therapeutic activities designed to improve functional independence and enhance quality of life. Amanda brings a thorough understanding of medical terminology, first aid, and therapeutic techniques to her role and maintains active certifications in CPR, AED, and Basic Life Support. She remains committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
Outside of work, Amanda lives in Wentworth, New Hampshire, with her husband, Galen, and their two daughters, Lillian and Alice. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and animals.
Speech Therapists
Jen Ernst, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Jen graduated from the University of Colorado in 2003 with her Master’s in Speech Pathology. She has practiced in a variety of public schools in Colorado, New Hampshire and Arizona. In addition to being a speech pathologist, Jen served as the Assistant Director and Special Education Director of a public charter school from 2017-2024. The most rewarding experiences for Jen are celebrating her students successes, no matter how small. She is excited to blend her administrative experience with her clinical knowledge to provide quality speech and language therapy for her students. When she is not working with students, Jen can most likely be found out on the trails hiking or trail running. She also enjoys spending time with her family and dog camping, and experiencing all that the outdoors has to offer.
Coni Dwinal, M.S., SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Coni received undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders from the State University of New York at Fredonia, Northeastern University in Boston and UNH. She spent over 40 years working as a Speech Language Pathologist in NH public schools. She recently retired from Laconia School District doing one of the best jobs ever- giving kids a voice!
Coni has been active in the community for many years, she has been on the state board for best practices in education of children with Autism, but the most rewarding was teaching and directing the WHS signing chorus for 15 years. We learned sign language to modern songs and performed for the school, the community, and were invited to the state house to perform the Pledge of Allegiance.
After months of travel after retirement, Coni decided to come back to Speech Therapy part time with the Dunstan team!
Abby Clark, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Tracey McLaughlin, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Tracey graduated from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 1996 with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She has primarily practiced in public schools, serving students from preschool through high school. Tracey also has experience conducting home visits through Early Supports and Services, working with children ages 0–3, and has worked in a skilled nursing facility serving the adult neurogenic population.
She is especially interested in assisting minimally speaking children with the use of AAC, developing their literacy skills, and helping them feel safe, heard, and honored.
Tracey lives just outside of Concord with her family, where they have a chicken farm with beautiful egg-laying hens. She is excited to be joining the staff at Dunstan Pediatric Services.
Kaitlyn VanBennekum, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Kaitlyn earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of New Hampshire. The majority of her clinical experience has been in the school setting, providing services to students from kindergarten through age 22. Through this experience, Kaitlyn has developed a passion for helping students find their voice and become confident communicators. Kaitlyn strives to create a supportive, individualized therapy environment where students feel encouraged to learn, grow, and achieve their communication goals. In addition to her clinical work, Kaitlyn proudly serves as the Secretary for the New Hampshire Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NHSLHA), where she enjoys connecting with colleagues and supporting the speech-language pathology community across the state.
Kaitlyn was born and raised in Gilford, New Hampshire, making her a true Lakes Region local! Kaitlyn loves everything the area has to offer and enjoys spending her free time outdoors. You’ll often find her boating, kayaking, fishing, skiing, or exploring with family and friends.
Emily Soraci, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Emily received her B.A. from the University of Maine and her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. She has a diverse background working with populations ranging from pediatric-geriatric with specialities in the treatment of patient’s with brain injuries or strokes. She completed her clinical fellowship in a pediatric private practice and loved her time working with a wide variety of ages and diagnoses in the pediatric population. Emily always strives to be a compassionate, client-centered provider and is excited to bring her skill set to the school setting!
Lauren Saltalamacchia, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Christine Curtis, SLPA
Speech Language Pathologist
Teachers of the Visually Impaired
Amy Bickford, M.Ed., TVI
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Amy earned her Master of Education TVI (Teacher of the Visually Impaired) from UMass Boston in 2018. Since that time Amy has accumulated over 7 years of teaching experience working with students across New Hampshire. Most recently, Amy returned to UMass Boston to complete further coursework for an Orientation and Mobility certification, culminating with a full-time summer internship with Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. Prior to becoming a TVI and O&M intern, Amy’s background is in teaching, earning teaching certification from Framingham State and then working to support students with disabilities in public school settings. Amy likes to be consistently challenged finding new and innovative ways for her students to become both independent learners and travelers!
Outside of work, Amy enjoys baking, travel and seasonal sports like hiking, kayaking, skiing, and snowshoeing. She lives with her husband, two dogs and two sons when they are home from college.
Mary Tubbs, M.Ed., TVI
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Mary grew up in the Army and studied interdisciplinary analysis before earning her degree in teaching students with visual impairments from Vanderbilt University. After working as a teacher at a residential school for the blind, Mary came to New Hampshire in 2019 as an itinerant provider. Since graduating, Mary conducted presentations on braille fluency, integration of SEL practices with the TVI’s Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), emotion processing, trauma informed instruction, trauma support for practitioners, supporting military connected students, and interdisciplinary collaboration for students with visual impairments. When not in schools, Mary researches the integration of evolving cognitive neuroscience practices and their application to understanding Cerebral Visual Impairments. She is also the co-founder of an organization focused on increased integration of practice and formal research, and on building a better support structure for visually impaired students in military connected families.
Physical Therapist
Rebecca Veltri, DPT
Physical Therapist
Rebecca has been practicing physical therapy since 2007. After graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University, she has practiced primarily in pediatrics in Hawaii, Alaska, Virginia, Oregon and now New Hampshire! She has worked in many pediatric settings including early intervention, outpatient, community-based exercise groups and schools. Working in a variety of settings, and in diverse places (like the Alaska bush and remote Hawaiian Islands) has given Rebecca a unique perspective on the role of therapy in the lives of the families/students she serves. Working with diverse populations has strengthened Rebecca’s awareness and focus on making therapy as relevant and functional for each individual child/family. Rebecca has a special interest in complex rehabilitation equipment and seating/mobility as well.
Rebecca moved to New Hampshire in the fall of 2021 with her three young children and husband to be closer to family in Upstate NY and Rhode Island. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors in this beautiful new place, participating in Cross Fit and running.