top of page

Our Story

Kathleen Schaefer PT, DPT

MEET KATHLEEN SCHAEFER

PT, DPT, DMI Intermediate Level A Certified

Welcome, I am so glad you are here! My name is Kathleen and I am a passionate pediatric physical therapist based in Charleston, South Carolina. I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina and my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. I have the honor and privilege of working with children and families all over the world with On The Fly DMI and when I am not traveling you will find me here in Charleston. 

I am the highest-trained Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapist in South Carolina at the intermediate A level and have had many hours of mentorship from the founders of DMI as well as the master instructor. My sessions will always be goal oriented, purposeful and prioritize meeting your child where they are.

Every day, I am inspired by the resilience, strength, and unique potential of each child that I work with. I believe in building not just physical strength, but also confidence, independence, and a love for movement that will last a lifetime. I am dedicated to providing the best care for your child, ensuring their healthy development and well-being. It’s a privilege to be part of these children’s journeys, and I am truly grateful. 

OUR APPROACH

 At Palm Peds we are passionate about helping children reach their full potential through high-quality, evidence-based pediatric physical therapy. Our therapy sessions are thoughtfully designed to be:  

 

Playful, Engaging, and Supportive

We believe therapy should be a positive experience. Our sessions are interactive and fun, fostering motivation while addressing developmental needs. Your child’s success is at the heart of everything we do.  

​

Goal-Oriented

We collaborate closely with families and children to set meaningful, achievable goals that address your child’s specific needs. Every session is tailored to support progress toward functional milestones. 

 

Task-Focused  

Our therapy approach emphasizes real-world tasks and activities that are directly relevant to your child’s goals. This ensures that every exercise or intervention has a clear purpose and contributes to building independence and confidence.  

 

Innovative 

We stay at the forefront of pediatric physical therapy, utilizing the latest techniques and tools proven to achieve optimal outcomes. From advanced neuromotor retraining to strength-building exercises, your child will benefit from advanced strategies. 

​

Individualized Care

No two children are the same. That’s why we take the time to truly understand your child’s unique abilities, challenges, and personality. Our personalized approach ensures therapy is as effective as it is compassionate. 

Kathleen Schaefer PT, DPT
Kathleen Schaefer PT, DPT

OUR VALUES

Our foundation values are empathy, innovation, and consistency. We focus on steady progress and celebrating every inchstone along the way. We believe in doing our part to make the world accessible and inclusive for all children, creating an environment within our sessions where they not only improve their physical abilities but also discover the joy of movement. By empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need, we ensure that every child’s progress continues well beyond the therapy session.

Copyright © 2025 Palm Pediatric Physical Therapy, LLC

Follow us on Instagram @palm.peds

  • Instagram
bottom of page