Our Story…
Jessi Frencken, MPT, started Child’s Play Therapy in 2008.
Child’s Play was a very successful company that employed physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Child’s Play Therapy provided OT, PT, and ST services in patient’s homes and in the school setting.
Carmen and Jessi met in 2012 when Carmen’s son required physical therapy services through early intervention.
Chatterbox Speech Therapy, LLC, opened in June of 2015. Carmen Rathert, M.S. CCC-SLP, Orofacial Myologist, grew up in Clinton, Missouri, and recognized the community was in need of pediatric therapy services. In 2014, Carmen called Jessi to propose opening a multidisciplinary clinic together in a brick and mortar space for children in the community. Jessi enthusiastically said yes!
Carmen & Jessi opened their 1000 square foot office space in 2015 in Clinton, MO. Carmen performed 9 speech/language evaluations within the first week of opening and the occupational and physical therapy patients quickly followed. In 2018, they outgrew their 1000 square-foot space and moved to 2nd street where they opened 6 treatment rooms, a therapy kitchen, and a much larger gym space. Counseling services were also added.
The two businesses continued to grow together and in 2021 they expanded to open a second location in Knob Noster, MO, to meet the needs of patients traveling from Warrensburg, Knob Noster, and Sedalia. The 5,500 square-foot space was complete with 9 treatment rooms, 3 feeding centers, full kitchen, and a much larger gym, continuing to provide occupational, speech/language, feeding, physical therapies, as well as counseling services.
In January 2022, Carmen and Jessi realized they were better “together” merging Chatterbox Speech Therapy and Child’s Play Therapy into one business, The Pediatric Place.
Carmen and Jessi’s vision to provide multidisciplinary pediatric therapy services continued to grow and expand to meet the needs of the communities they serve. In August of 2023, many changes took place with the hiring of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the addition of 8 treatment rooms at the Knob Noster clinic location, and the opening of The Pediatric Place Alternative Placement site. In January of 2024 they began offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in the Clinton clinic location and looked to the opening of The Pediatric Place Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center in June 2024. They are proud to employ 70+ staff and therapists, working in 30,000 square feet of total pediatric clinic space, who believe collaborative care creates successful futures. The sky’s the limit and they are excited to see what is next for The Pediatric Place!!
our mission
Our mission is to empower children and their families through innovative practices and collaboration within our company and community partners. Our staff are compassionate and held to a high level of accountability to produce the best outcomes for those we serve.
Compassion
We show care for children, their families, and our co-workers by having empathy, being knowledgeable in our field, and by encouraging growth.
Collaboration
We know teamwork increases success and strive to work with one another and outside agencies for best outcomes.
Empowerment
We encourage and advocate for children’s independence through positive feedback of their individual efforts, the work of their parents, and our co-workers.
Accountability
Our company culture promotes high levels of excellence, honesty, and integrity which promotes a productive and positive work environment.
Innovation
We think outside the box and take into consideration the patient’s interests and potential, as well as parent needs.
Our Approach
Our mission is to empower children and their families through innovative practices and collaboration within our company and community partners. Our staff are compassionate and held to a high level of accountability to produce the best outcomes for those we serve.
Every session with our pediatric therapists—whether physical, occupational, speech therapy, medical nutrition, mental health, or ABA—is carefully designed to meet your child’s unique needs. We start with a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed history review and specific assessments for each type of therapy to identify all factors contributing to your child’s development.
We use a play-based approach that builds on your child’s interests to encourage and enhance their communication and ability to participate in everyday activities. Our therapy is tailored to each child’s individual needs, considering the whole child beyond any single goal or moment.
We emphasize child-centered treatments that address your child’s challenges and provide the lasting care they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
At The Pediatric Place, we take a holistic approach to pediatric therapy. This means that we consider all the relevant aspects of your child’s struggles and develop a treatment plan that will help improve their quality of life. Our diverse team of specialists allows us to provide comprehensive therapy, ensuring your child receives the best possible care.
Our Commitment
At The Pediatric Place, we are committed to supporting our young patients every step of the way.
We understand the importance of your child’s success in their developmental journey, and it is the driving force behind our dedication.
Our clinics offer a warm and welcoming environment where children can grow and thrive with confidence.
Our overarching goal is to consistently deliver life-changing results to children in Clinton or Knob Noster, MO who require assistance with self-care, fine and gross motor skills, feeding and nutrition, speech and language development, coping and resilience, and community safety.
We have specialized, individualized treatment plans designed to aid in developmental milestones, promote future growth, and enhance communication and independence.
Effective Pediatric Therapy Is Here
Helping your child overcome challenges can be tough, but we are here to support you. Our approach to pediatric therapy is all about finding the best solutions for each child’s unique needs, focusing on their growth and development.
Starting therapy might feel overwhelming, but our friendly team is here to answer any questions and ease your worries. We are dedicated to helping your child effectively participate in day-to-day activities, from communication to everyday life skills.
Every child is unique, so we customize our treatment plans to fit their specific needs and goals. During the first visit, our therapists will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the sources of your child’s challenges. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to help your child improve and thrive.
Therapy provides a safe and effective way for your child to develop the skills to overcome various challenges. We are committed to supporting your child at every stage of their journey. Visit our pediatric therapy clinic in Clinton or Knob Noster, MO, and experience the care and expertise we offer to help your child succeed.
Let Us Help Your Child Develop Skills to the Best of Their Potential
At The Pediatric Place, we are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Your child’s development is our measure of success, which is why we strive to create a nurturing and compassionate environment where they can reach their full potential.
Our team employs cutting-edge treatment techniques, considering the whole child and addressing root causes and contributing factors that affect their ability to lead their best lives.
We would be delighted to speak with you and collaborate on developing a customized treatment plan that will set your child on the path to growth and success. Make an appointment in Clinton or Knob Noster, MO today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Meet Our Multidisciplinary Team
Receive a Seamless Treatment Plan
Start to See Success and Growth!