Pediatric physical therapy services centered around goals that matter.
About us:
First Step Pediatric Therapy is a therapist/family-owned physical therapy clinic that sees children from birth-young adulthood for developmental delays and disabilities, orthopedic injuries, gross motor skills, and so much more!
We seek to be a blessing to the community by providing support and resources for all families and to help families navigate the joys and challenges of living with a disability, recovering from an injury, learning a new skill, or learning to take that first step.
Located on Totem Lake Blvd, North of the Village at Totem Lake, in a building called Kingsgate Place.
Our story
Hi! I’m Karissa, and I am the owner and founder of First Step Pediatric Therapy.
I opened First Step in 2021 with a mission of creating a place that helps children of all abilities learn to move their bodies and thrive. What I didn’t realize then was how personal that mission would become. My son was born a couple years later, and as he grew, it became increasingly evident that he had developmental delays. Suddenly, I found myself on the other side, learning firsthand the joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. My “why” for my business shifted from a vision to a lived experience. Today, First Step is about more than just a clinic- it’s about helping families like mine and children like my son find belonging, build strength, and gain confidence to thrive and pursue their dreams.
Take a peek at where the magic happens
Our Values
Imago Dei
Imago Dei means “Image of God.” We strongly believe that every person, no matter their abilities, has been created in the image of God and is deserving of utmost dignity, value, and worth.
Service
We believe in the importance of providing quality, affordable healthcare and seek to go above and beyond in putting the needs of patients and families before our own.
Community
We believe you can go further together than alone. We desire to be part of our local community, and to help our patients and families participate in the community in meaningful and impactful ways.
Lifelong learning
Medicine is constantly changing, and we seek to always provide our patients with the most up to date care. We are passionate about what we do and are always reading up on the latest research to help us treat with excellence.
Families First
You know your child best! We seek to also learn from you and your child and work towards goals that matter to you and your family through a family-focused care model.
Fun!
Children learn best when they are actively engaged in tasks and activities that are motivating and meaningful to them. Our therapists work hard to make sure every session includes some laughter!
“Our experience was amazing! Everyone we interacted with was kind and helpful. We worked with Anyssa Ruiz Fairchild and I would recommend her to anyone. She is extremely gifted with children and super knowledgeable. She answered all of my questions and never made me feel rushed out of there (as is the case in so much of the medical world). My son would light up when he saw her and made what I thought would be a struggle into a fun experience for my baby.
Also a big shoutout to Samantha at the front desk. She is so kind and bright and always welcomed us with a smile. If ever there was a question of billing or scheduling, she was on top of it!
We are so grateful for our experience and if you’re looking for a pediatric physical therapist, I would recommend them!”
- Review by parent of a First Step patient
Ready to take that first step?
Book an appointment with us! Fill out our contact form and we will get back with you shortly.