We're the team you are looking for curated from the best possible talent.
MALIA PROVEAUX
CEO / OWNER / Master of Occupational Therapy Registered and Licensed (MOTR/L)
Malia joined Kids in Stride - Franklin in August 2021 and became the CEO/Owner two years later. She has been a COTA/L since 2004 and has extensive training in various techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point massage, and physical agent modalities. Malia is also a certified dementia practitioner. In her previous role as Director of Rehab, she designed and implemented a morale-building program for the team. She holds an associate's degree in science from South College of Florida, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Carolina University, and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Cabbarrus College of Health Science. Malia co-authored a curriculum for adults with disabilities for Lifespan's Creative Campuses in NC. Lifespan Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides services to infants from 6 weeks of age to senior adults with disabilities. Malia is an active board member and serves on the compliance committee. She also holds active memberships in the American (NCOTA) and the National board of Occupational Therapy (NCCOT). Malia is married with four children and one granddaughter. She lives in Franklin, NC with her family and enjoys playing pool on the local charter, kayaking, growing roses and orchids, and spending time with her loved ones during her leisure time.
CEO / OWNER / Master of Occupational Therapy Registered and Licensed (MOTR/L)
Malia joined Kids in Stride - Franklin in August 2021 and became the CEO/Owner two years later. She has been a COTA/L since 2004 and has extensive training in various techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point massage, and physical agent modalities. Malia is also a certified dementia practitioner. In her previous role as Director of Rehab, she designed and implemented a morale-building program for the team. She holds an associate's degree in science from South College of Florida, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Carolina University, and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Cabbarrus College of Health Science. Malia co-authored a curriculum for adults with disabilities for Lifespan's Creative Campuses in NC. Lifespan Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides services to infants from 6 weeks of age to senior adults with disabilities. Malia is an active board member and serves on the compliance committee. She also holds active memberships in the American (NCOTA) and the National board of Occupational Therapy (NCCOT). Malia is married with four children and one granddaughter. She lives in Franklin, NC with her family and enjoys playing pool on the local charter, kayaking, growing roses and orchids, and spending time with her loved ones during her leisure time.
LAURYN LONGWORTH
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensed (COTA/L)
Lauryn became a part of our team at Kids in Stride in August of 2022. She graduated Cum Laude as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Southwestern Community College. Lauryn began her journey with our organization as a student in January of 2022 and is now excited to start her career as a COTA in the same environment she is familiar with. She became a COTA/L in July of 2022 and is certified in infant and adult CPR. Lauryn resides in Franklin, NC, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and reading.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensed (COTA/L)
Lauryn became a part of our team at Kids in Stride in August of 2022. She graduated Cum Laude as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Southwestern Community College. Lauryn began her journey with our organization as a student in January of 2022 and is now excited to start her career as a COTA in the same environment she is familiar with. She became a COTA/L in July of 2022 and is certified in infant and adult CPR. Lauryn resides in Franklin, NC, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and reading.
COURTNEY HURST
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensed (COTA/L)
Courtney became a part of our team at Kids In Stride in January 2023. She is a Southwestern Community College graduate with honors in Occupational Therapy Assistance. After graduation, Courtney briefly worked with children in both the school system and home health. She is thrilled to be joining the Kids In Stride family and working with children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and being outdoors with her husband and dogs. Additionally, she likes to read and paint.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensed (COTA/L)
Courtney became a part of our team at Kids In Stride in January 2023. She is a Southwestern Community College graduate with honors in Occupational Therapy Assistance. After graduation, Courtney briefly worked with children in both the school system and home health. She is thrilled to be joining the Kids In Stride family and working with children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and being outdoors with her husband and dogs. Additionally, she likes to read and paint.
LYDIA GRIFFIN
Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP)
Lydia is a fifth-generation native of Waynesville, NC. She graduated from Western Carolina University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Later, in 2013, she obtained a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Lydia is certified in VitalStim/NMES, which enables her to manage dysphagia effectively. She has a keen interest in medical speech-language pathology, and her specialization lies in cognitive and swallowing disorders. During her free time, she likes to spend quality time with her daughter, family, and friends. Apart from that, she loves traveling, exploring the outdoors, and acquiring new skills.
Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP)
Lydia is a fifth-generation native of Waynesville, NC. She graduated from Western Carolina University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Later, in 2013, she obtained a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Lydia is certified in VitalStim/NMES, which enables her to manage dysphagia effectively. She has a keen interest in medical speech-language pathology, and her specialization lies in cognitive and swallowing disorders. During her free time, she likes to spend quality time with her daughter, family, and friends. Apart from that, she loves traveling, exploring the outdoors, and acquiring new skills.
Skylar Foster
Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP)
Skylar is a recent graduate from Western Carolina University, where she earned both her bachelor's (2022) and master’s degrees (2024). She was born and raised in Mooresville, NC, but enjoys the mountains. Skylar enjoys working with kids and is excited to begin her career at Kids in Stride- Franklin. Skylar is getting married in September 2024, so much of her free time is spent wedding planning. She also enjoys reading, watching movies, and walking her rescue poodle, Oliver.
Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP)
Skylar is a recent graduate from Western Carolina University, where she earned both her bachelor's (2022) and master’s degrees (2024). She was born and raised in Mooresville, NC, but enjoys the mountains. Skylar enjoys working with kids and is excited to begin her career at Kids in Stride- Franklin. Skylar is getting married in September 2024, so much of her free time is spent wedding planning. She also enjoys reading, watching movies, and walking her rescue poodle, Oliver.