About
Investing in Tomorrow
Lemon City Collective is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with one core mission: to apply the best current knowledge to embrace children's strengths, challenge them to grow, and create a community that supports their thriving.
We envision a world where all children can access the highest quality developmental support regardless of their insurance coverage or ability to pay. We do this by providing neurodiversity affirming, relationship-based services, community outreach programs, and resources for professionals.
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Lemon City Team
Experts in child development who are passionate about making a positive impact in your child’s life and our community.
Isabella Koch, PT, DPT | Physical Therapist
Isabella is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with experience in outpatient pediatrics, therapeutic preschool, and aquatic therapy. She is a NASM-certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and a pediatrics lab assistant for University of St. Augustine's DPT program. Isabella is from Overland Park, KS and holds degrees from University of Kansas Medical Center and Azusa Pacific University. She is passionate about embracing a holistic, family-centered, team approach to physical therapy, and especially loves helping children take their first steps. Isabella speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese and is newly married. She loves going to the beach, paddle boarding, and spending time with her silly French Bulldog, Melon.
Allie Llaneras, MS, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist
Allie (she/her) is an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing and Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy. She is originally from Miami and received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University. Allie also holds a Masters in Exercise Science from Barry University and is a personal trainer as well as former collegiate athlete. She loves coming up with creative activities for her clients, spending time with her dogs, and staying active.
Brittany Aquart, PT, DPT, PCS | Executive Director
Brittany (she/her) is the founder and Executive Director of Lemon City Collective. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, and mom of two. Brittany is especially passionate about early infant development and attachment, as well as helping children grow into their happiest, most independent selves. She is a Miami-born, University of Miami alumna and former ballet dancer who loves embracing neurodiversity, eating good food, learning fun facts, and trying new things.
Sara Phillips, MS, OTR/L | Board Director
Sara (she/her) serves as a Board Director for Lemon City Collective, and is passionate about promoting strengths-based, family-centered, child-focused care. She is from Cooper City, FL and has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2015. She currently practices in Broward County, providing neurodiversity affirming care for neurodivergent individuals. Sara loves spending time with family, friends and her adorable cat, reading books and going to musicals.
Rachel W. Hearst, PT, DPT | Physical Therapist
Rachel (she/her) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 12 years experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings, including medically complex, acute care, neurological rehab, preschool, hippotherapy and aquatic therapy. She is from the Lower Hudson Valley area in NY, and previously taught DPT students at New York Medical College, one of her alma maters. Rachel is trained and experienced in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and is passionate about positive autism support and neurodiversity affirming care, especially as it relates to validating autistic experiences. She loves dogs, spending time in nature, studying yoga, and keeping up with her two active boys.
Casey Bruce-White | Board Director
Casey (she/her) serves as a Board Director for Lemon City Collective. She is Deputy Director, Program and Strategy, in Affiliate Support and Nationwide Initiatives at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and has over 6 years of experience as a senior communications strategist. She has been recognized by numerous organizations for her contributions to improving women's and girls' rights, voting rights, poverty, and racial justice. Casey grew up in Montgomery, AL and Stone Mountain, GA, and is a University of Georgia alumna. She is passionate about ensuring that every child and youth has access to quality, caring, affordable, and inclusive services regardless of their family's income, background, or zip code. Casey is a mom, wife and one of seven children. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading, writing, and gardening. She is also a baker and loves mystery thrillers and horror movies.
Melissa Knopp, M.S. Ed, BCBA | Board Director
Melissa Knopp (she/her) serves as Board Director for Lemon City Collective, and is a teacher and behavior analyst committed to cultivating healing experiences for families based on relationship and understanding. She is passionate about working with families of autistic individuals who are nonspeaking or unreliably speaking, and is skilled in supporting alternative means of communication. She is from Woodcliff Lake, NJ and is an alumna of NYU and Pace University. She has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including helping build a multi-disciplinary neurology clinic. Melissa loves music, nature, animals (especially her adorable dog), and exploring new places. She is excited to be part of an organization that provides loving, respectful and therapeutically-effective care.
Jennifer Berrios | Administrative Specialist
Jennifer (she/her) is Lemon City Collective's Administrative and Billing Specialist. She has extensive knowledge and experience with medical billing, insurance authorization, and claims adjustment, and is passionate about making care more accessible for all children. Jennifer is from Miami, FL, is fluent in both English and Spanish, and is currently working toward a degree in business and entrepreneurship. She keeps busy as a mom of four, and loves to spend time with her family, watching new TV series, and volunteering to help children and families.
Thinking outside
the box
Because your child is more than a diagnosis
Individualized Care
We embrace all parts of the individual, seeing differences as strengths.
PLAY BASED
We promote learning through having fun.
Family Centered
We provide solutions that work with your family’s everyday life.
Evidence Oriented
We stay current with research so that your child always receives the highest level of care.
