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Meet Our Regional Leaders

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DARREN PEOPLES, PT

Austin

B.A. University of Montana

Darren earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana in 1999. In his 22 years as a pediatric Physical Therapist, he has worked in nearly every setting imaginable. He started with Care Options for Kids for 11 years ago, as the only treating physical therapist in the Austin area and worked his way up to become the Clinical Site Manager. He says without hesitation that "working in home health with Care Options for Kids has been the most rewarding experience of my career." Outside of work he loves all things outdoors and has been the head coach for a local High School Mountain Bike Team for the last 7 years.  

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Erin Herrick, MS, CCC-SLP

Austin

M.A., West Texas A&M

Erin completed her Undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University and her Masters degree at West Texas A&M.  She started with the company as a part time therapist in 2017.  In 2018, she became a full-time therapist working in the field and currently serves as a Field Lead helping manage the Austin region.  Prior to COFK, Erin worked in a school district where she helped create guidelines and protocols for feeding, as well as, being the augmentative and alternative communication specialist.  During her time with Care Options for Kids, Erin has learned a variety of new skill sets as a therapist and mentor.  She loves helping people trouble shot and navigate a variety of situations; and helping her peers look at things from a different perspective to help them grow as well as to help a variety of patients progress. When not in the office, she enjoys being outdoors, working out, and spending time with family and friends.    

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Amy Depner

DALLAS

M.S. Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University

Amy is the Director of Clinical Operations for Care Options for Kids. After graduating with a BS from Santa Clara University, she spent several years coaching girls’ and women’s soccer at various levels, including 2 years as the Assistant Head Coach at the University of New Mexico. Following coaching, Amy received her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center where she fell in love with neuro-based pediatrics. She then spent the following 10 years at Our Children’s House, primarily in the in-patient department, but also shared time in out-patient, neuro-day and on the post-surgical casting and splinting team. The past 11 years she has been dedicated to COFK as a therapist, a supervisor, a Lead, a Clinical Site Manager before accepting the Director position in 2019. She has a husband of 26 years and 3 college aged children who she loves spending time with, enjoys traveling, reading, sports, movies, outdoors and interior design.

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LAUREN LEE TZAFRIR, MA CCC-SLP

DALLAS

M.A. , University of North Texas

Lauren Tzafrir is currently the Field Lead for the Dallas and Abilene areas of Care Options for Kids. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and moved to Dallas after accepting a position as an SLP-Assistant with a private practice. After gaining practical experience, she returned to graduate school and received her Master’s degree at the University of North Texas. During her graduate studies, Lauren transition to Care Options for Kids.  For the past 20 years, she has been a full-time Therapist, Supervisor of Assistants and Interns, and transitioned to Field Lead in 2011.  Lauren has been married for 20 years and has 3 daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as being outdoors, reading and cooking with her kids.  

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Kelsi James, MA CCC-SLP

Amarillo/Lubbock

M.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, West Texas A&M University

Kelsi is the Clinical Site Manager for COFK’s West Texas region.  Kelsi earned her undergraduate degree from Hardin-Simmons University and her Master’s degree from West Texas A&M University. She spent her first four years as an SLP in the Lubbock school district while working PRN for Care Options for Kids. As her love for pediatric home health continued to grow, Kelsi’s excellence in leadership led to her promotion with COFK. She truly loves collaborating, growing and mentoring her team; while helping to change lives every day. Outside of work, you will find her spending time with her wonderful bonus child Grayson and husband Oscar, watching her favorite team (LA Lakers), or singing around town.

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Sarah Durham, M.A., CCC-SLP

LUBBOCK

M.S. Communication Disorders, University of Houston

Sarah is the Field Lead for the West Texas region. Originally from the San Antonio area, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston and then moved to Lubbock in August 2012. She then started her career with COFK and has previously served as Clinician, Supervisor of Assistants, and Team Lead.  Sarah’s professional experience has been centered around Pediatric Therapy in the home environment, and she has developed a passion for treating young children, ages birth to three, with communication disorders and delays. When out of the office, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, and playing tennis with friends. 

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YOLANDA ANDERSON M.S.,CCC/SLP

Waco/Temple/Killeen

University of Texas - Dallas

Yolanda joined Care Options for Kids in 2010 as the Clinical Site Manager and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas Dallas Callier Center. She began her SLP career as a Pediatric Home Health Therapist later gaining experience in settings such as clinics, schools, and SNFs.  Her heart never forgot the experiences she had as a Home Health Therapist and she was excited to return to home health 10 years later as a Clinical Site Manager for COFK.   Her passion is sharing my love for home health with others and the difference therapists make in the child’s environment. 

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SHELLEY LOWREY, M.S. CCC/SLP

Waco/Temple/Killeen

M.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorder, Baylor University

Shelley has been with Care Options for Kids for over 10 years.  She spent the first 8 years working with Physicians, Therapists, and Community Partners as a Continuity of Care Team Member.  She has now transitioned to Field Lead over the Waco/Temple/Killeen branch.  Her passion is mentoring and supporting our therapists, so they can continue to provide amazing care to our patients.

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