Meet The Team
Emily Custer MS, PT
Founder of Sprout Pediatric Therapy
DMI Level C, TASES, TMR Levels 1&2, NISE-Stim, Restorative Fascial Therapy
Emily brings over 20 years of pediatric physical therapy experience, along with a deep curiosity and passion for helping children reach their potential. She graduated from UAB’s physical therapy program in 1999 and has pursued extensive specialized training, including DMI Level C, TASES, TMR Levels 1–2, and NISE-Stim.
Emily is fascinated by the way the body works as a whole and how sensory experiences, alignment, posture, and the brain all influence movement and learning. She is continually learning and exploring new ways to help each child develop purposeful, functional movement.
Emily founded Sprout more than 10 years ago as a solo home-visit practice and has since grown it into a thriving, family-centered pediatric therapy team. She is passionate about creating a practice where children are treated with dignity, families feel supported, and therapists are encouraged to continue growing and learning. Above all, Emily is grateful for the team and families who have made Sprout what it is today.
Mary Virginia Bost DPT
DMI level C, Tases, TMR, NISE-stim
Mary Virginia graduated UMMC PT school in 2009, and is a dedicated pediatric physical therapist with specialized training in a variety of treatment modalities. She has experience incorporating DMI, NISE-Stim, and TASES into the care of children y to support strength, postural alignment, standing, walking, and functional mobility. Mary Virginia is passionate about neuroplasticity- how the brain can change and adapt through learning and experiences. She develops a strong connection with her patients and loves watching them grow and learn new skills.
In addition to her typical visits, Mary Virginia is part of the Sprout intensive team, and is the lead PT at Caring Hands PPEC, the medical daycare where Sprout provides PT. She is passionate about providing thoughtful, individualized care and helping each child make meaningful progress toward greater strength, mobility, and independence.
Katie Watkins MPT
DMI Level A, TASES Certified
Katie brings many years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist, graduating from UMMC PT chool in 2004. She has a genuine passion for helping children reach their goals and is known for her compassionate approach, thoughtful attention to each child’s unique needs, and ability to connect with both children and their families.
Katie has completed specialized training in TASES, primitive reflex integration, and toe walking, and she is always eager to continue learning and finding the best strategies to support the children she works with. She especially enjoys building connections through play and laughter and watching children gain confidence as they master new skills.
Megan de Jong DPT
DMI Level C, TASES, TMR
Megan is a passionate pediatric physical therapist who believes in helping children discover what they are capable of doing for themselves. Her encouraging, confidence-building approach makes her a natural coach, always celebrating progress and cheering her patients on through every new challenge.
Megan graduated from UAB’s physical therapy program in 2007 and began her career in Australia. She brings extensive experience and a love of movement to her work, with specialized training and certifications in DMI Level C, Total Motion Release (TMR), and TASES. She is also a member of the Sprout intensive therapy team.
Kristin Ferrel DPT
DMI Level A, TASES
Kristin brings a positive, patient, and compassionate approach to every child and family she works with. Her calm presence and encouraging nature help children feel comfortable while empowering them to take on new challenges and celebrate each milestone.
Kristin graduated from UMMC in 2020 and has worked exclusively in pediatric physical therapy throughout her career. She has completed specialized training in TASES and DMI Level A and is passionate about partnering with parents to support their child’s development both in and outside of therapy sessions.