Andrea Santman, PT, DPT
Founder and CEO
Andrea founded MOCO Movement Center with the philosophy of taking pediatric therapy out of the clinic and into the real world. Her dream was to create a fully inclusive environment where therapy was so much fun that patients wouldn’t know they are receiving therapy. A facility where a child could receive world class therapy services alongside a sibling or peer taking a sports class. This led her to create a center equipped with a synthetic ice rink, a basketball court, exciting obstacle courses, and a 15 foot climbing wall and simulated playground, where a child could be offered endless opportunities to reach his or her goals.
As passionate as Andrea is about inclusion, Andrea is uncompromising in ensuring that her patients receive the very best in evidence-based, world class therapy services. Andrea has practiced as a pediatric physical therapist in the Washington area since 1986 in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, research facilities and private practice. She has also been fortunate to have interned, and worked side by side with some of the world’s leading therapists and researchers, which has allowed her to develop her unique approach.
Andrea holds a B.S. in physical therapy from Boston University, Sargeant College, a Master of Science degree from the University of Indianapolis, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Andrea completed a fellowship in pediatrics at the Georgetown University Hospital Child Development Center, received NDT Certification, and received certification as a PT Pediatric Certified Specialist from the APTA. Andrea always brings the latest research and advances to her practice and has published and presented her research in the United States and abroad.
Our Valued Team
MOCO Movement Center sees amazing advances everyday thanks to our highly-skilled team of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Social Workers, Aides, Class Teachers, Administrative staff, and our beloved Scout. Our MOCO family shares Andrea's passion for connecting families to the world around them.
Meet our team.
Therapy Dog
Scout
Scout was born on a rural farm in PA and came to the DC Metro Area with high aspirations but uncertain as to what path he will take. He took an early interest in retrieving balls of all kinds with a particular preference for tennis balls. Not knowing one day how useful this hobby would become. After the three girls who helped raise him left home and went off to college, Scout sought out a career path he would find fulfilling. When he came into MOCO for the first time it was love at first sight. It was not just the barrel of tennis balls but the kids who would shower him with attention and engage in his favorite activity of fetch. He also has tremendous insight into people's feelings and can immediately sense a person's sense of anxiety, fear or other discomfort and will do anything he can do to brighten their day. Scout looks forward to many more years at MOCO and hoping one day to achieve a promotion to the ranks of management.
administrative team
Tracy
Tracy loves working at MOCO. Watching amazing therapists and aides take clients where they never imagined puts a smile on her face everyday!
Erin
Erin grew up in Germantown, Maryland and went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate degree in child development and family relations in May 2018. Erin came came to MOCO in order to pursue her interest in speech therapy. During her free time she dances. Fun fact: Erin has been dancing since she was 2 years old!
Ceci
Ceci attends Montgomery College and is working towards her associates degree. She wants to pursue a degree in the medical field. She heard about MOCO through her family friends and decided this is where she wants to be. Ceci loves hiking and being outdoors and being with her son Vincent.
NaToya
NaToya enjoys being at MOCO Movement Center helping children and their families.
She loves the supportive environment at MOCO. She has a child with special needs and understands the importance of great therapists, positivity and hope.
Sarah
Sarah grew up in Olney, Maryland and received her undergraduate degree at St. Joseph's University in Interdisciplinary Health Science in 2018. Sarah came to MOCO to pursue her interest in Speech Language Pathology. Sarah likes to paint, play lacrosse, hike, and watch her brothers play sports in her free time.
Fun Fact: Sarah played lacrosse at the ESPN Wide World of Sports for the Rise games and came in 3rd place out of about 40 teams.
Eric
Eric
physical THERAPISTS
Jill
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Jill migrated east in 2005 for her doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) at The George Washington University. Before settling on a career in physical therapy, Jill earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) followed by 3 years as a ski bum in Lake Tahoe teaching in the kids ski school at Squaw Valley USA. She started her physical therapy career focusing on the Early Intervention (birth to 3) population, but enjoys the variety and unique personalities of adolescents. Whether it’s downhill skiing or soccer, she believes that kids learn best when they are interested in the activities, in their natural environment with their family and friends and, of course, having fun! Jill and her husband are always in search of adventure, whether traveling to far away countries, exploring the outdoors - hiking, mountain biking or downhill skiing, or the biggest adventure yet… parenting a toddler!
Corinne
Corinne is a licensed physical therapist specializing in pediatrics. In 2005 she earned an undergraduate degree in biopsychology from the University of Michigan and followed that up with a doctorate of physical therapy from Northwestern University in 2008. She has experience working in many settings including hospital, home, school, and outpatient pediatric clinics. In these settings she has treated patients with a wide variety of diagnosis with a special interest in neurologic impairments. Corinne also enjoys expanding and updating her knowledge of physical therapy through attending and assisting with continuing education courses. She has recently been focusing on the cardiopulmonary system and its effects on all body systems including neuromotor. When not working at MOCO Movement Center she can be found spending time with her family or pursuing one of her hobbies outdoors such as running, biking, or snowboarding.
Abbie
Abbie graduated with her undergraduate degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY in 2010. She then graduated from Physical Therapy School from the George Washington University in May 2019 with her DPT. Abbie learned about MOCO after she observed the center for one day as part of her pediatrics course while at GW. She loved it so much, that she started to work here after graduation. Some of Abbie's hobbies include running marathons, half marathons, and distance relay races. Abbie played lacrosse in college and still plays on a post-collegiate club team in the DC area. Abbie loves to do arts and crafts projects, cooking and hanging out with her husband and dog, Olivia. Fun fact: Abbie was once attacked by an owl while running on the crescent trail in bethesda and was interviewed by a local news station and newspapers.
Dominique
Physical Therapist
Dominique started her career as a physical therapist with MOCO Movement Center in January 2021.
Bria
Bria Comer is a professional dancer, choreographer, dance educator, and licensed physical therapist assistant. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from James Madison University in 2011 and summa cum laude from Carroll Community College's Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2018. While in PTA school, Bria got clinical experience in adult orthopedic outpatient treatment at two clinics as well as pediatric inpatient treatment at Kennedy Krieger Institute, where she was actually a patient herself when she was 18. Bria is excited to combine her love of dance with her personal experience and now career in PT to help her patients, students, and fellow company members discover the strength within each of their bodies. When she is not working, Bria loves to spend time with her husband, read books, and dance whenever possible. She is thrilled to be part of the MOCO team!
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPy
Taryn
Taryn grew up in Arlington, Virginia and completed her masters degree in occupational therapy at Ithaca College. She is currently pursuing a clinical doctorate in OT with Thomas Jefferson University. Taryn spent the first 4 years of her career working with children and adults at the Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital where she specialized in treating patients with acquired neurological conditions. After a year teaching in the Ithaca College OT program in western NYS, she was thrilled to return home to the DC area! Taryn loves playing outside, hiking, kayaking, camping, and playing rugby. She is excited to be working at MOCO!
Caroline
Caroline grew up in Malverne, New York. She received her Masters of Occupational Therapy at Columbia University in 2012. Throughout her career she had a strong interest and experience in neurology, movement disorders, postural control, cognition, and wheelchair seating. Her educational background also includes certification as an elementary education and special education teacher as well as a Child Life Specialist. She has worked in many environments as an OT including acute rehabilitation and in the hospital environment. As a therapist she greatly values maximizing functional success in a natural environment. "MOCO is an environment that aligns with these values and kid's most important job... PLAY!" During her free time she spends time with her family, helping her daughter explore the world, running, and teaching barre classes. Fun Fact: Caroline once walked around the entire island of Manhattan (30 miles) in one day!
Travis
Tanya
Tanya grew up in Chicago, Illinois and moved to DC. She has two masters degrees. She graduated from Towson University with an Occupational Therapy Degree. Tanya has been involved with MOCO for many years now. During her free time, after keeping busy with her children, Tanya likes to read, travel, play tennis, run, and listen to music.
Fun fact: Tanya lived in Belgrade, Serbia for 2.5 years.
Emily
Emily graduated from Ithaca College....twice! She first graduated in 2018 with her Bachelor's degree and then graduated in 2019 with her Master's in Occupational Therapy. Emily heard about MOCO and completed her field work here as a student in 2019. She loved the atmosphere so much that she decided to come back! Her hobbies include fitness and strength sports. She is currently training in olympic weightlifting for her health and for fun (not for any titles!). She is self-taught at acoustic guitar and the ukulele. She has always loved singing/ performing. Emily grew up in central New Jerey. Fun fact: Emily considered purusing Classical Music Vocal Performance as a double major but ultimately decided it was not her dream. She still has a soft spot for opera, show tunes and creating music for fun!
Lauren
Occupational Therapist
Lauren has been with MOCO Movement Center since 2016. She started her career as therapeutic aide and returned in 2020 as an occupational therapist.
Timi
Occupational Therapist
Timi started her careeer with MOCO Movement Center as an occupational therapist in February 2021.
speech-language PATHOLOGISTS
Stephanie
Stephanie received her B.S. in animal science from Cornell University, where her involvement in an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program sparked a career change. After gaining extensive knowledge and experience using the DIR/FloortimeTM model and the Affect-Based Language Curriculum (ABLC), she obtained her M.S. in speech language pathology from Towson University, and now strives to address a child’s communication needs in combination with his or her sensory processing profile and social-emotional level. Come and watch poetry in motion as Stephanie engages her clients in speech and language-based work while they climb obstacle courses, swing on a trapeze, or throw balls at targets in elaborate games of their collaborative construction. Stephanie is a native Washingtonian, is fluent in French, trained in PROMPT, and in her free time enjoys snowboarding, soccer, and spending time with her six (yes, 6) Akitas.
Addi
Speech Therapist
Addi started her career with MOCO Movement Center as a speech therapist in June 2020.
Kim
Kim graduated in 1989 with her undergraduate degree and in 2000 with her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology degree from The George Washington University. Her hobbies include yoga, reading, and hiking. Kim is originally from Brookeville, Maryland. She loves Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.
Fun fact: Kim is a yoga teacher for kids.
movement aides & interns
Avi
Avi grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland and has a degree in culinary management. Avi is pursing his passion for PTA school. Avi started out in Pediatrics over 8 years ago and joined MOCO. Avi likes making things, cooking, and hiking in his free time.
Fun Fact: Avi always wondered what Dogs would say if they could talk back to us.
Charles
Charles enjoys hiking, kayaking, and video games and he aspires to one day become an occupational therapist!
Erin
Erin grew up in Germantown, Maryland and went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate degree in child development and family relations in May 2018. Erin came came to MOCO in order to pursue her interest in speech therapy. During her free time she dances. Fun fact: Erin has been dancing since she was 2 years old!
Eric
Brynn
Brynn started her career with MOCO Movement Center as a therapeutic aide in January 2021
Alexa
Alexa grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland. She graduated May 2019 from Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD with a bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in elementary education and human services. She is currently taking post-baccalaureate courses and applying for OT programs. She learned about MOCO through a child she worked with at a camp. Alexa likes to travel, and read.
Fun Fact: Alexa was cheerleading captain in college and cheered at March Madness
Sarah
Sarah grew up in Olney, Maryland and received her undergraduate degree at St. Joseph's University in Interdisciplinary Health Science in 2018. Sarah came to MOCO to pursue her interest in Speech Language Pathology. Sarah likes to paint, play lacrosse, hike, and watch her brothers play sports in her free time.
Fun Fact: Sarah played lacrosse at the ESPN Wide World of Sports for the Rise games and came in 3rd place out of about 40 teams.
Nick
Nick rew up in Bethesda, Maryland and goes to Georgetown University. He is pursing his undergraduate degree in Human Science. Nick came to MOCO to pursue his passion for physical therapy. During his free time he reads, plays soccer and plays video games. Fun fact: Nick has veins on his left wrist that form the letter N like his name. He can also fold his tongue in half. Nick is a dual citizen of Poland and the US!
John
John attended Montgomery College and the University of Maryland studying Early Childhood Education and Nutrition Food and Science. Previously, he worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute as a Vocational Aide for children with autism. He was also a teacher's assistant at Beverly Farms Elementary school. Besides being at MOCO, John works at Community Learning for Children with Autism. John dreams to one day coach high school or college soccer and in the meantime, coaches U10-U13 and MSI Boys and Girls Soccer. John enjoys coaching, playing, and spectating the beautiful game of soccer!For more info, they can follow you on social in a click.
Elaine
Elaine started her career with MOCO Movement Center as a therapeutic aide in June 2019
Rachel
Rachel started her career with MOCO Movement Center as a therapeutic aide in March 2020
Brendan
Brendan started his career with MOCO Movement Center as a therapeutic aide in January 2020.
Christina
Christina started her career with MOCO Movement Center as a therapeutic aide in February 2021
Abby
Abby started her career with MOCO Movement Center as a therapeutic aide in February 2021
CLASS TEACHERS
Taffany
Straight out of Watkins Mill High Ms.Taffany was so inspired by her child development teacher so much she opened her own home day care called "Playing is Learning" for six years before closing to the remolding of her home. She then went on to teach many children in the Montgomery County area. She's instructed at some of your kid friendly places with the same bright smile she has had for years.
Ranne
Physical Therapist
Ranne grew up in Pampanga, Philippines. Ranne graduated with her BSPT in the Philippines. She received her DPT from Acadia University in 2018. She found MOCO when she was looking for a place that included both work and play. Ranne likes to travel, swim, eat, plan and organize parties.
Fun Fact: Ranne has been skydiving, helmet diving and swimming with whale sharks !