Meet the Team Dedicated to Your Child's Growth
At Rise Above, our team is dedicated to serving children and families throughout The Shoals and surrounding areas as they navigate milestones and reach their full potential. Pediatric physical therapy is about more than just movement; it’s about helping children build the strength, coordination, and confidence they need to thrive in everyday activities while providing friendly, professional care.
Bethany Batchelor, DPT
Owner & Founder, Doctor of Physical therapy
Bethany earned her Bachelor’s degree from the The University of Alabama in 2013 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2017. In 2023, she founded Rise Above Pediatric Physical Therapy with a mission to help every child reach their fullest potential. Bethany is passionate about celebrating developmental progress, advocating for children and families during challenging times, and ensuring each patient receives the highest quality care. She especially values the lasting relationships built with the children and families she serves.
Courtney Ward, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Courtney graduated from the Physical Therapy program at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2025 and began her career in pediatric physical therapy immediately after graduation. She joined Rise Above Pediatric Physical Therapy in the spring of 2026 and is certified in DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) Level 1. Courtney is passionate about helping children reach developmental milestones and achieve meaningful goals as they grow. She loves partnering with families and celebrating each child’s progress along their journey.
Haley Adams, LPTA
Lead Licensed physical therapy assistant
Haley graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Calhoun Community College in 2018 and began her career in pediatrics in 2020. She joined Rise Above Pediatric Physical Therapy in the fall of 2023 and was promoted to Lead PTA in 2025. Haley is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and their families, and she finds great joy in helping each child reach goals they have worked hard to achieve. Her compassionate approach and dedication to patient success make her a valued member of the Rise Above team.
AJ Elliott, LPTA
Licensed Physical therapy assistant
AJ graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Wallace State Community College in 2023 and began her career in pediatric physical therapy immediately after graduation. She joined Rise Above Pediatric Physical Therapy in the spring of 2024 and provides services through both clinic visits and Early Intervention. AJ is passionate about celebrating each child’s achievements and supporting families as they navigate developmental milestones at every stage. She enjoys creating meaningful connections with the children she serves and helping them gain confidence through movement and play.
Mackenzie Burns, LPTA
Licensed physical therapy assistant
Mackenzie graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Wallace State Community College in 2017. She began working with Rise Above Pediatric Physical Therapy as a PRN therapist in August 2025 and joined the team full-time in the spring of 2026. Pediatric therapy has always been a career goal for Mackenzie, and she is passionate about helping children overcome challenges and achieve meaningful milestones. She considers it a privilege to play a role in each child’s development and loves celebrating their hard work, growth, and successes alongside their families.
Kylie Wynn
Receptionist, Tech
Kylie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and her Master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of North Alabama in 2021. As one of the first points of contact for families, Kylie is dedicated to creating a welcoming and positive experience for every patient who walks through the door. She loves interacting with the amazing children served by Rise Above Pediatric Physical Therapy, assisting them throughout their visits, and contributing to a team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Our Growth Story
Our journey began in the spring of 2023 with Bethany as our sole therapist. Her dream was to provide the best care for local families, and as the community's trust grew, so did we. By late 2023, two LPTAs joined the mission. A year later, our family expanded to include three LPTAs and a dedicated receptionist. Today in 2026, we are a full home for healing with 2 DPTs, 3 LPTAs, and our tech team, all ready to help your child thrive.