About Us
At our facility we provide Pediatric Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy in the child’s natural environment, clinic, and schools. This family-owned business was established in 2012 by Hope Campbell.
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him PSALMS 127:3
At Hands of Hope Children’s Therapy Center our mission is to share the peace, hope and joy we have for families of children with special needs. We desire to work as a team with parents, doctors, schools and other early interventionists to maximize a child’s ability to meet their personal goals and help each child be the best they can be.
Physical Therapy
Our Physical Therapists help develop the early skills needed for children to interact with their environment effectively. Physical therapy goals often include developmental milestones such as: head and trunk control, sitting, standing, crawling and walking skills. Our licensed physical therapists also assess the need for orthotics (like splints and braces) and recommend adaptive equipment by collaborating with other specialties.
Speech Therapy
We evaluate and treat the unique needs of children with communication disorders. Through parent training, therapy, structured play and technology we help infants & children who have various speech and language communication problems. Children who will benefit from speech-language therapy include late talkers, children with apraxia of speech, children who are on the autism spectrum, children with Down syndrome as well as children with other genetic disorders.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists help children succeed and become more independent within their “occupations,” or daily activities. These daily activities include playing, learning, and socializing. Children with special needs may have developmental and medical challenges that hinder normal development, causing loss of function and/or functional skill mastery necessary for independence and school readiness.
Our experienced occupational therapists use an approach that gives strong consideration to sensory processing disorders and implement a variety of therapeutic intervention strategies to help your child move towards independence. Interventions promote the development of gross, fine, oral-motor and visual-motor skills that children need to function and socialize in their home, school, play, and community environments.
Meet the Staff
Phaedra Armfield Garrett
Speech Therapist
I received my Master’s in Communication Disorders from the University of South Carolina in 2004. Before joining Hands of Hope, I worked in the Saluda School District, the Gwd 50 School District, Greenwood Rehab, and Self Regional Healthcare. I chose this profession because I have always wanted to work with children in a one-on-one environment. I have been married since 2003 to my high school sweetheart, and we have three children: Emori, Brenton, and Harper. A fun fact about me is that I can blow the biggest bubbles and make them bounce on the floor.
Christin Lowe
Physical Therapist
I hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Tennessee State University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Lander University. I participated in the Junior Olympics track competition at ages 8 and 9, where I earned 5th place in the triathlon. My decision to become a physical therapist came after I underwent my first knee surgery at the age of 15. I’m passionate about helping individuals of all ages learn new skills, return to their favorite activities, and manage their symptoms so they can lead fulfilling, active lives. I’m married to Michael Lowe, and we have two children, Lilah and Liam.
Mackenzie Wells
Physical Therapist Assistant
I attended Lander University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2010, and then I completed an Associate in Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistant at Piedmont Technical College in 2011. I worked at Patewood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for three years, treating long-term and transitional care patients. I’ve always had a desire to work with children while also wanting to be in the healthcare field. My interest in therapy began as a teenager when I watched my mom rehabilitate after ACL surgery. I knew therapy would play a significant role in my future. During my time at Lander, I realized that exercise science wasn’t the right fit for me if I wanted to be truly happy, so I explored the physical therapy field further. I had the opportunity to intern at a therapy clinic, which helped clarify my career path. I was accepted into PTA school and had the chance to complete a pediatric clinical, which I absolutely loved. It combined everything I wanted in a career. One of my biggest fears is tight or enclosed spaces; I am so claustrophobic that I can’t even cover my own nose and mouth without panicking. My husband and I have been together for over 22 years, having been high school sweethearts. We have been married since 2013 and have three children: Sawyer, Eliza, and Hogan. We live in Ware Shoals, where we spend most of our time involved in sports—both playing and watching, especially football and golf. I am grateful for Hands of Hope and the wonderful friends I have made working here since 2015. Hands of Hope shares my values, placing a strong emphasis on faith and family, which are the most important things to me. This makes it an enjoyable place to work.
Mandy Keahey
Physical Therapist Assistant
I graduated from the PTA program at Greenville Technical College and earned a Bachelor of Health Science from the Medical University of South Carolina. As of 2025, I will have 20 years of experience in a pediatric setting. I chose to pursue a career in physical therapy because I enjoy working with people and have a passion for helping and caring for others. My interest in this field grew after my grandmother had a stroke and I witnessed the positive impact therapy had on her life. I am married to my husband, Matt, and we have one amazing daughter and two dogs. In my free time, I love visiting the beach, watching sunsets, and collecting seashells.
Hope Campbell
Physical Therapist Assistant & Owner
I attended Lander University and graduated from Greenville Technical College. I was born and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina. From an early age, I knew I wanted a career where I could help people in need. I have always enjoyed spending time with my family and friend’s children. As a child, I loved babysitting and teaching preschoolers in Sunday school at my church. When I started my own family, I was amazed to watch my children’s development. It has been wonderful to see how God has provided for me, my family, and our employees as we serve our community together. My husband, Tom, and I have collaborated with many amazing employees to build our business. We have four wonderful children: Emma Grace, Olivia, Sarah Beth, and Jacob. As our children have grown older, they have joined us in our efforts, contributing to the development of Hands of Hope Children’s Therapy Center. They began volunteering at a young age and have taken on various roles at Hands of Hope. It has been a great joy to help families with special needs children. One of my motivations for opening Hands of Hope was to allow my family and others to prioritize their loved ones.
Debbie Kingsbury
Occupational Therapist
I graduated from Towson University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Psychology. I began my occupational therapy career in Vermont, where I worked from 1998 to 2003 in a combination of pediatrics and adult acute care, outpatient care, and home visits for both a community hospital and private practice. In 2004, I moved to North Carolina and worked in Raleigh on an interdisciplinary diagnostic team for infants and toddlers at the Raleigh Children’s Developmental Services Agency. I then relocated to Greenwood, South Carolina, where I first worked for Kidnetics at the former Greenville Children’s Hospital, serving in the NICU, Pediatric ICU, and pediatric acute care from 2005 to 2007. After that, I worked for Amedisys Home Health from 2007 to 2010, and then I was the Outpatient Pediatric Coordinator and therapist at Optimum Life Center from 2010 to 2017. I have been with Hands of Hope since 2017, initially part-time while also working in adult home health, and I’ve been working full-time here since 2019. I chose this profession because I have always loved babies and children. My passion for helping special needs children began as early as second grade when I had the opportunity to support special needs children at my local elementary school. I hold certifications in Sensory Integration & Praxis Tests through the Ayres Clinic and the Therapeutic Listening Program through Vital Links, along with advanced training in pediatric feeding, neurodevelopmental treatment for infants, primitive reflexes, and vestibular treatment, including the Astronaut Training Program. I have been married to my husband, Dale, since 1998, shortly after I graduated from occupational therapy school. We have lived in Vermont, North Carolina, and South Carolina while raising our three children, gradually moving further south to be closer to my parents. Our two oldest children have graduated from Clemson and USC and are now living in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC. I love spending time with my family, traveling with my youngest daughter and her dance team, and enjoying the sunshine and being near the water.
Deb Martin
Occupational Therapist
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from The University of New Hampshire in 1999. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in pediatric inpatient rehabilitation, Danbury Hospital in the Level 3 NICU, and an outpatient clinic with a NICU follow-up program. I’ve also worked at Duke Children’s Inpatient Hospital and NICU. My specialization is in working with infants and children who have neuromuscular disorders, torticollis, cerebral palsy, feeding disorders, Down syndrome, brachial plexus injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke. I specialize in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and have completed certification in this area. I absolutely love working with infants and children and find it incredibly rewarding to help kids with special needs meet their developmental milestones. I’ve been married to my husband, Rick, for over 26 years, and we have two sons. Our family is also home to five dogs, and I’ve been a homeschooling mom for over 13 years.
Rhonda Merritt
Occupational Therapist
I attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA, where I earned a degree in Occupational Therapy in 2003. In addition, I have a degree in Visual Arts, which has influenced my interest in Occupational Therapy. I have experience working in various settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient neurological therapy, upper extremity/hand therapy, lymphedema therapy, acute care, and school systems. I chose this profession because I have a strong connection to fine motor integration and I believe in the therapeutic benefits of using purposeful media and modalities to help others heal. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained from many individuals throughout my career.
Mabry Smith
COTA
I graduated from Lander University in May 2018 and obtained a degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting from Piedmont Technical College in May 2021. Before joining Hands of Hope, I worked in childcare for five years. I chose this profession because I enjoy helping children reach their full potential and collaborating with other therapists to improve their independence. A fun fact about me is that I went to New York City to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve in 2022!
Leslie Finley
COTA
I hold a 2-year Associate’s degree from Greenville Technical College, which I completed in November 2010. For 12 years, I have worked with the geriatric population in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, independent living, and memory care. My true passion lies in working with pediatrics. Prior to joining Hands of Hope in February 2022, I held my first pediatric position at Heaton Pediatrics in Simpsonville, SC. I absolutely love working with children and have always found it fulfilling. Having the opportunity to make a positive impact in someone else’s life is incredibly rewarding. Every child is uniquely different, which adds to the joy of working with them. Initially, I aimed to become a special education teacher, but after some schooling, I realized I preferred working one-on-one with children with disabilities rather than in a large classroom setting. I was born in South Dakota and moved around frequently due to my father’s career in the Air Force. In my free time, I enjoy running and playing tennis. I am married to my husband, Jonathan Finley, and together we have three children: Noah, Reid, and Annaclaire. As a family, we love spending time outdoors, exploring the countryside, and engaging in activities like riding four-wheelers, fishing, and camping.
Grace Skelton
COTA
COTA – I attended Piedmont Technical College, where I earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy, graduating in December 2021. I chose a career in occupational therapy because I wanted to help people live their best lives and achieve their full potential. I also have two dogs named Jax and Lulu.
Angela Butler
Office Manager