Melissa Hakman, Ph.D.

Dr. Hakman is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in families and children with emotional/behavioral disorders.  She has been working with children and families for the past 8 years in a variety of settings ranging from outpatient mental health centers to inpatient hospitals.  She currently conducts diagnostic evaluations and provides behavioral therapy services.  In addition to providing services at RCDC, she also serves as an assistant professor teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level in the Department of Psychology at Western Kentucky University.  She and her husband have resided in Bowling Green for the past 2 years after relocating from Richmond, Virginia.

April Hardison M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a SLP who has been practicing speech pathology for the past 11 years.  I graduated from Western Kentucky University with my bachelor’s in 1994 and with my Master’s degree in 1995.  I am originally from Clarksville, Tennessee but have lived in Bowling Green ever since beginning college in 1990.

Since graduating from college, I’ve worked in a variety of settings from long term care to the school system. For the past 3 years, I’ve worked solely with the First Steps program. I’ve treated children with many different disorders including Autism, Developmental Delay, Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Apraxia, Dysphagia, Cleft Palate, etc.  Working in the home with parents and their children has truly been the most rewarding setting in which to work. As I work closely with parents, I tend to see more progress due to the parents’ tendencies to carryover techniques they observe me use with their child into other facets of the child’s everyday activities.

I am married and have children of my own. I know the challenges of caring for young children. Sometimes, getting my children bathed, dressed, bag packed, and into car seats to make a simple trip to Wal-Mart (ha ha) can take up half of my day. I understand, as a parent, that you face similar challenges with your child but that it is even more difficult with a child who has special needs. I hope that you will consider giving me the opportunity to work with you and your child so that together we can help your child learn to communicate and face daily routines with greater ease.

Thanks to all of the parents who have taken the time to read a little about me. I am available to provide services in either Warren or Butler counties.

Melanie Lord, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

I am a speech pathologist, I have a Master’s Degree and 16 years of experience in my field.  I have worked with children providing speech therapy and evaluations for my entire career.  I have worked with the First Steps program for approximately five years.  I feel that I am highly qualified in the field of speech pathology and in providing Primary Level Evaluations.

I am married and have one daughter.  My family is the light of my life!  We enjoy riding bikes, playing tennis, scrapbooking and reading.  I am very involved at my child’s school and at our church.

I am available to provide Primary Level Evaluations in Allen, Simpson, and Warren counties.  I will work with you at accommodating your schedule and making things as convenient for you as possible.  Children are very special to me and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life.

Linda Mudd OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s in Science and a minor in business. College did not come easy to me but, I knew that I could not give up an opportunity to further education. My perseverance kept moving me forward as I developed a sense of knowing where I wanted to go professionally. I knew that I was not perfect but continued to persevere until I completed my education. I am currently enrolled in a masters degree program through Belmont University. I have submitted the rough draft of my thesis and hope to start the research by August of 2005.  Again, my perseverance has kept me grounded with positive thoughts of moving forward to reach my goal of completing the program. My degree will support both pediatrics and school based systems in the field of occupational therapy.

I am a proud mother of four active children and work as a contract occupational therapist. My personal interests are working in the yard, playing with our dog, walking, leisure reading, and continuing my education.

For the past four years, I have focused my career toward working with children who are in need for extra help in physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral development. I work hard in providing services to families and caregivers on how they can help their child persevere to their fullest potential. In addition, I communicate the strengths that lie within their child.

Carl Myers, Ph.D.

Dr. Myers is a licensed psychologist who has worked extensively in the early childhood field since 1985.  Experiences have included both the school system and hospital settings (Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore). He conducts diagnostic evaluations and helps families address behavioral concerns. He is the director of the school psychology graduate program at Western Kentucky University.  He is familiar with all types of developmental delays and he always places the family and child welfare first. He is married and has two children.

Susan Pardue, PT

Physical Therapist

Susan has been a licensed physical therapist since 1995. she graduated with top honors from David Lipscomb University with a Bachelor of Science degree and from The University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. She has worked with children for over 10 years in a variety of settings including hospital, outpatient clinic, home health, and school. Susan was part of the Orthopedic Clinic at the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs for 2 and ½ years. She has attended multiple continuing education courses, all centered on pediatrics. Susan has experience in many different types of physical therapy including aquatic, music, and hippotherapy (horseback riding).

Susan and her husband Shannon have three daughters.

Ernie Small, M.A.

Certified Psychologist - Autonomous Functioning

Ernie Small is a Certified Psychologist with Autonomous Functioning who graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1983 with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. Mr. Small worked with RCDC in the late 1980’s and received training in childhood assessment from Dr. Alan Bloom of the Child Evaluation Clinic, now the Weisskopf Center for the Evaluation of Children. After retiring from LifeSkills as the Director of Children’s Services in 2002, Mr. Small joined RCDC as a contract employee and provides developmental evaluations for preschool aged children.