We’re More Than Therapists

We’re Your Team

Meet the team committed to showing up for your child

With heart, play, and purpose.

💡Our Approach

We know how overwhelming it can feel when your child isn’t getting the support they need, especially when it’s hard to find providers who truly understand your family’s values and your child’s unique way of moving through the world.

At Pure Hearts Therapy, our approach is built on one simple belief: therapy should feel like support, not stress. We come alongside you to create a plan that fits your child’s needs, your family’s routines, and your goals, without the pressure to fit into a mold.

Here’s how we do it:

🧠 Neurodiversity-Affirming

Your child isn’t broken — and they don’t need to be fixed. We see their strengths, understand their needs, and create a space where they can feel safe, accepted, and empowered to grow.

🤝 Family-Centered

You’re the expert on your child. We listen first, collaborate often, and partner with you every step of the way — because we know therapy only works when it works for your family, too.

🧩 Play-Based & Practical

We use play and real-life activities to help your child build meaningful skills. Whether it’s eating more than just one food, handling big feelings, or using words to connect — therapy should help life feel a little easier.

🏡 In-Home & On Your Terms

Therapy happens where your child is most comfortable — at home or in your community. This helps reduce stress, makes progress stick, and saves you time driving from appointment to appointment.

- You don’t need to do this alone — we’re here to help your child thrive and support you.

Meet the Team

Occupational Therapists

Brian Keene

Founder

Brian combines his military background and holistic health expertise to deliver neurodiversity-affirming, client-centered care. His playful approach empowers children and families alike.

  • Brian Keene brings a unique blend of life experiences and professional expertise to everything he does. Born and raised in Arizona, Brian’s journey has taken him from the mountains of his home state to the beaches of Hawaii, where he served as an Army veteran and worked at Tripler Hospital for four years as a laboratory technician. After transitioning from military life, he embraced his passion for health and wellness by earning degrees in exercise science from GCU and occupational therapy from NAU.

    Brian’s approach to therapy is playful yet deeply rooted in cultural sensitivity, client-centered care, and a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices. He believes in empowering families and clients, ensuring that each person receives care tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s through his work as an occupational therapist or his playful exploration of yoga, basketball, weightlifting, mountain biking, and more, Brian is always in motion.

    His personal love for fitness and holistic health, combined with his previous experience as a licensed massage therapist, inspired him to start Pure Hearts Therapy. He also launched the Autism Family Resource Podcast to further empower clients, families, and therapists with the education and tools to achieve the best possible care.

    Outside of work, you’ll likely find Brian soaking up the Arizona sun, swimming, or spending time at the beach. His dedication to wellness and helping others has earned him recognition, with features in publications like The NAU Review and The Arizona Republic.

Rachel

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Rachel has a gift for connecting with kids through playful, hands-on activities that support daily living skills and emotional growth

  • Rachel, a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant, embarked on her professional journey after graduating from Pima Medical Institute in Arizona in 2017. With a profound passion for working with children, Rachel finds joy in helping individuals discover the tools and support they need to live their best lives.

    In her role, Rachel thrives on addressing the unique challenges of each individual with compassion and creativity. Specializing in assisting children facing various diagnoses such as sensory processing disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, she is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in their environments.

    Originally from London, England, Rachel's journey brought her to the United States during middle school. Beyond her professional dedication, she has a wanderlust spirit. Rachel has ventured to Kenya, Africa, and Delhi, India, where she volunteered in slums, making a positive impact on the lives of children.

    When not enriching the lives of young ones, Rachel enjoys the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's exploring new places, being outdoors, or cherishing precious moments at home with her two-year-old daughter, Lauren, Rachel embodies a holistic approach to both work and life.

Abigail

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Based in Buckeye, Abigail brings a caring, collaborative approach to each family she supports. When she’s not working in the schools, she’s providing in-home therapy with a heart for connection and a deep willingness to learn and grow alongside the families she serves.

  • Bio coming soon…

Maria

Occupational Therapist

Maria brings extensive experience in sensory integration, providing comprehensive evaluations, hands-on treatment, and personalized home programs. She’s passionate about helping children feel regulated, confident, and successful in their everyday lives

  • Dr. Maria Roots holds a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University, with a specialization in pediatrics. She brings over eight years of clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy, with advanced training in sensory integration and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.

    Her doctoral capstone project, “Using Sensory Integration to Treat Tactile Defensiveness: Establishing Fidelity of Treatment,” was presented at the 2018 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference. She recently mentored her first doctoral capstone student and co-developed a pilot study titled “Establishing an Adaptive Sports Group in Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy: Activity Protocol Development and Implementation.”

    In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Roots has extensive experience in feeding therapy, as well as infant positioning and handling. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists and finds great fulfillment in supporting fieldwork students and emerging professionals as they enter the field.

Dipali

Occupational Therapist & Ayurvedic Practitioner

Dipali integrates sensory integration therapy with holistic wellness practices to support clients' overall development.

  • Dipali is a licensed and experienced Occupational Therapist with a specialized focus on Sensory Integration Therapy. With a passion for supporting individuals of all ages in processing and responding to sensory information, she collaborates closely with clients to enhance their ability to engage in daily activities, improve motor coordination, and develop effective emotional regulation strategies.

    Specialties Include:

    • Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Developmental Delays

    • Anxiety and Stress Management

    • Fine & Gross Motor Skills Development

    • Emotional Regulation & Behavior Management

    • Sensory Diet Creation & Implementation

    • Parent Education and Coaching

    In addition to her work as an OT, Dipali is a compassionate Ayurvedic Practitioner dedicated to promoting holistic wellness. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, she empowers individuals to achieve balance and vitality by addressing the connection between the body, mind, and spirit.

    Dipali's integrative approach helps clients thrive by blending modern therapeutic techniques with timeless principles of well-being.

Celine

Occupational Therapist

Celine provides seasonal aquatic therapy at Ability360, blending her expertise with the therapeutic power of water to help kids build strength, confidence, and coordination in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Bio Coming Soon…

Rhea

Occupational Therapist

Rhea focuses on individualized, family-centered care, fostering essential life skills through engaging and supportive therapy.

  • Rhea Florez is a dedicated Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a passion for empowering children to achieve their fullest potential through individualized, family-centered care. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Rhea expertly addresses each child's unique needs, creating tailored treatment plans that foster growth and development. By working collaboratively with both the child and their family, she focuses on building essential life skills necessary for daily activities, learning, and play. Rhea is deeply committed to cultivating a supportive, engaging, and fun environment where children can thrive and succeed.

    Rhea Florez holds a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from the University of New Mexico which provided her with the opportunity to work across diverse settings, including high schools, collegiate athletics, and professional conferences. In addition, she pursued minors in Psychology and Special Education, where she also volunteered as a coach for adaptive snowboarding and skiing. Continuing her academic journey, Rhea earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. During her graduate studies, she completed clinical rotations in inpatient rehabilitation with adults, outpatient pediatrics at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and conducted her capstone project at an outpatient pediatric clinic in Miami, Florida. Her capstone, Nourish to Flourish: An Educational Program for Caregiver Involvement with Children with Developmental Delay, focused on enhancing caregiver participation in therapy. Outside of her professional commitments, Rhea enjoys teaching group fitness, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with her dog and family.

Lisa

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lisa is a bilingual OTA serving families in the Central Phoenix area. She brings compassion, cultural understanding, and a playful spirit to every session, helping children thrive in their everyday routines

  • Bio Coming soon…

Alexander

Occupational Therapist

Serving families in North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Alexander brings a calm, thoughtful approach to therapy. With experience in both school-based and in-home settings, he’s passionate about helping children succeed across all environments they’re a part of

  • Bio coming soon…

Speech Therapists

Kim

Teletherapy Speech Language Pathologist

With 30 years of experience, Kim offers client-led, functional communication support, including AAC systems, via telehealth

  • Kim Gilbert is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice in Arizona. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University and brings 30 years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan, from young children to older adults.

    Kim has extensive expertise in supporting individuals with a wide range of diagnoses, including Developmental Delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Neurodegenerative Diseases. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful communication—whether through verbal speech, total communication, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, including voice output and low-tech devices.

    Her therapy approach is client-led and prioritizes functional communication, ensuring that each individual receives personalized, affirming support to enhance their ability to connect with the world around them.

Nicole

Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Nicole is the newest member of our SLP team, proudly serving families in the South Phoenix area. As a bilingual therapist, she’s passionate about supporting children’s communication in both English and Spanish, while building strong, trusting relationships with the families she works with.

  • Bio coming soon…

Joanna

Speech Language Pathology Assistant

  • Bio coming soon…

Physical Therapists

Jessica

Physical Therapist

Jessica brings over a decade of experience, helping children enhance mobility and achieve developmental milestones

  • Jessica Jungers brings 13 years of experience as a skilled pediatric physical therapist to the Pure Hearts Therapy team. She is passionate about supporting children in achieving their developmental milestones and enhancing their mobility. In addition to her work with Pure Hearts, Jessica is dedicated to her full-time role at the Foundation for Blind Children.

    Originally from a small town in Iowa, Jessica cherishes her rural roots. She often visits her family farm and enjoys bringing back farm-fresh meat to Arizona to fuel her love for cooking.

    When she’s not working, Jessica is an avid traveler who delights in exploring new destinations—whether it’s uncovering hidden gems in Arizona, visiting other states, or venturing abroad. At home, she enjoys the companionship of her two senior dogs: a 10-year-old adventurer who loves exploring alongside her and a 17-year-old who prefers the comfort of a cozy nap.

    Jessica’s dedication, adventurous spirit, and deep commitment to her work and personal passions make her an invaluable member of the Pure Hearts Therapy team.

Morgan

Physical Therapist

Morgan specializes in individualized care for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, promoting strength and independence

  • Morgan Bunton, PT, DPT is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont. She specializes in providing individualized, high-quality care for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, helping them build strength, confidence, and independence. With extensive experience working with children ages 1 to 21—including those with autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions—Morgan is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child can thrive.

    Her approach is rooted in empathy, evidence-based practice, and a deep passion for making a meaningful impact. She tailors each session to the unique needs of the child, ensuring therapy is engaging, effective, and empowering.

    Outside of her practice, Morgan enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends. She shares her home with three affectionate cats and loves taking them to the farmers' market for outdoor adventures. Always eager to explore new experiences, Morgan embraces every opportunity to enrich her life and the lives of those around her.

Kelsey

Physical Therapy Assistant

Kelsey is one of our newest members of the PHT team

  • Bio coming soon

Admin Team

Scott

Client Onboarding &

Scheduling

Scott ensures smooth operations with his extensive background in healthcare administration, supporting families throughout their therapy journey.

  • Scott brings over twenty-eight years of dynamic and diverse experience in the medical and healthcare fields. A proud Mesa, Arizona native, he started his academic journey with an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. Since 2014, Scott has been a dedicated Patient Access Associate for a prominent pediatric therapy company in Tempe, ensuring families receive exceptional care and support.

    Scott’s career journey is marked by an impressive variety of roles. He spent six years as the welcoming face at a cardiologist’s front desk in Mesa, and prior to that, he contributed significantly to Banner Behavioral Health Center. There, he took on multiple positions as a Health Unit Secretary, a Patient Financial Service Representative, and a Psychiatric Technician until the facility’s closure in November 2006.

    Outside of work, Scott dives into his passions. He loves experimenting in the kitchen, unwinding with science fiction movies, and retreating to Sedona’s scenic beauty for refreshing vacations. Since 1998, Scott has shared life’s adventures with his devoted partner, Kirt, creating countless cherished memories together.

Kimora

Client Onboarding and Scheduling

Kimora keeps things running smoothly with a blend of organization, heart, and hustle—bringing fresh ASU smarts and local pride to our behind-the-scenes magic!

  • Kimora is an administrative assistant and human resources specialist who enjoys helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. She’s currently studying Business at Arizona State University and brings a mix of real-world experience and fresh perspective to the team. Originally from Arizona, Kimora takes pride in being dependable, organized, and always willing to lend a hand. She puts care into everything she does and loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Clarissa

Media & Community Engagement Lead

Clarissa is the creative heart behind our social media—bringing warmth, color, and connection to the Pure Hearts Therapy community through every post, story, and share.

  • Clarissa is a California native with a deep love for creativity, connection, and all things colorful! After relocating to Arizona seven years ago, she has fully embraced the vibrant energy of the Greater Phoenix area—especially its diverse culinary scene, which she absolutely loves exploring...one restaurant at a time.

    With a lifelong passion for cooking, painting, and digital media, she brings a creative and crafty touch to everything she touches. Staying active and spending time by the beach (whenever she can!) keeps her grounded and inspired.

    For the past three years, she has proudly served as the Social Media Manager for Pure Hearts Therapy, where she combines her eye for design with a heart for community and mental wellness.

    Whether she's curating a feed, crafting a new dish, or working on her next art piece, always seeking out ways to grow, express, and connect.

Let’s Find the Right Therapist for Your Child


Whether you're new to therapy or seeking a better fit, we’re here to help.

Our team is ready to listen, connect, and create a plan that fits your family’s needs.