Building the Village: Pediatric Physical Therapy and Parent Coaching with Little B Therapy
At Aspen Grove Counseling & Wellness, we know that early parenthood can feel both beautiful and overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it without a trusted support network. That’s why we’re excited to share a new blog series highlighting local professionals and small businesses offering compassionate, grounded care for new and expecting parents in the Atlanta and Decatur area.
Each post is a chance to learn more about the people behind the services — what they do, why they do it, and how they’re helping build a more connected and supportive village for families in transition.
This week, we’re excited to introduce you to Katherine Benkeser, pediatric physical therapist and founder of Little B Therapy. With a playful, movement-based approach and deep respect for the parent-child bond, Katherine brings therapy directly into the environments where children grow — offering in-home sessions and motor development classes that support both kids and caregivers. Her work focuses on empowering parents through education, connection, and the kind of joyful, everyday play that builds strong bodies and even stronger relationships.
Getting to Know Little B Therapy
Welcome, Katherine, and thank you for sharing your story with us! Can you start by telling us a little about yourself and the work you do?
“I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a dedicated mom of three boys. I have been in this field 11 years now and I’ve supported infants and young children across a variety of environments—ranging from outpatient clinics and early intervention programs to neurodevelopmental centers and preschool settings. Little B Therapy is a practice based on parent education and play based therapy to help little ones grow and meet their goals in-home, at school, and within parenting class settings here in Atlanta. ”
Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid services?
“I offer in-person in home/school sessions as well as teach milestones and early motor skills parenting classes”
What inspired you to start working with new and soon-to-be parents?
“My journey into pediatric therapy began early—around age 11—when I regularly babysat for my neighbors. One of the children I cared for had a brachial plexus injury, and I often helped during his in-home physical therapy sessions. I’d engage his siblings, cheer him on, and witness firsthand how powerful early intervention could be—not just for a child’s development, but for a family’s confidence and connection. Those early experiences lit the spark that led me to a career in pediatric physical therapy.
Years later, becoming a mother myself gave me a deeper understanding of the pressure parents feel to ensure their child is developing "on track." I believe strongly that all parents—whether they're simply seeking education or navigating more complex developmental concerns—deserve access to expert guidance. Every family should feel supported, informed, and empowered to help their child reach important milestones and live their most functional, joyful life.”
What are some of the common challenges your clients face in early parenthood, and how do you support them through that?
“In early parenthood, many of my clients face a mix of uncertainty, overwhelm, and pressure—especially when it comes to their child’s development. It's common for parents to question what’s “normal,” worry they’re missing something, or feel unsure about when (and how) to seek help.
At Little B Therapy, I support parents by bringing therapy directly into their home or daycare so they can feel relaxed, involved, and empowered. I focus not only on the child’s physical development, but also on educating and coaching caregivers so they understand the why behind what we’re doing.
Sometimes that looks like helping a baby release tension to improve feeding or head shape. Other times, it’s showing a parent how to adjust tummy time in a way that feels less stressful for everyone. We also focus on how children take their early motor patterns or compensations and build upon that to learn future skills. This helps families understand why their child might be moving in a specific way. No matter the concern, I’m there to offer clear guidance, emotional support, and a sense of calm confidence during a time that often feels anything but.”
“What stays with me most are the moments when a family can take a step back and enjoy their little one in the midst of the chaos that is early childhood — because they are no longer consumed by worries, comparison, or questions. That’s the heart of this work.”
What makes your approach unique or different from others in your field?
“What sets my approach apart is how deeply personalized and family-centered it is. I provide in-home therapy, meeting families in the space where their child feels safest and most at ease.
Each session is built around a child-led, whole-body approach—but more than that, I take the time to discover what truly motivates each individual child. When therapy feels like play, and that play is rooted in what excites and engages them, the “work” becomes meaningful. That’s when we see increased participation and enjoyment in the day to day changes. Sometimes this means using my off-key singing voice, sometimes it means putting stickers on my face, or even letting a little one reaching for my funny always mismatched socks because my toes wiggling sparked their interest to move.
I place a strong focus on parent involvement, offering coaching and support so caregivers feel empowered long after the session ends. It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about helping families feel confident, capable, and connected as their child grows.”
Are there particular moments in your work that feel especially meaningful or rewarding?
“Some of the most meaningful moments are the quiet ones—when a parent’s eyes light up because their child just did something they’ve been working toward for weeks, or when a family starts to feel confident, not just in their child’s progress, but in their own ability to support it.
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch a child hit a milestone that once felt out of reach—especially when it happens with their caregivers. But what stays with me most are the moments when a family can take a step back and enjoy their little one in the midst of the chaos that is early childhood because they are no longer consumed by worries, comparison, or questions. That’s the heart of this work.”
Can you share one thing you wish all new parents knew or believed about themselves?
“I wish all parents knew how to be silly with their children and move them in a variety of ways to experience many different positions and sensory experiences early.
There’s so much pressure to “get it right” in early parenthood, but one of the most powerful things a parent can do is simply show up, get on the level of the child, and move them—without overthinking it. Children learn through movement, connection, and play. When a parent is willing to be playful, curious, and even a little silly, it supports development in ways that no toy or milestone checklist ever could.
Your presence, not perfection, is what makes the biggest difference.”
What’s something you wish more people understood or asked about your work?
“I wish more people understood that while pediatric therapy often looks like play, it’s actually grounded in a deep understanding of anatomy, motor development, and neurological processes. Every movement, every activity, is carefully designed based on how a child’s brain and body grow and connect.
Play isn’t just fun—it’s the vehicle we use to achieve important developmental goals. By layering intentional therapeutic strategies within playful interactions, we help children build the strength, coordination, and neural pathways they need—all in a way that feels natural and engaging for them.”
How can someone know if your service might be a good fit for them?
“We do a 10-15 minute intro call for all interested families so that they know from someone who has experience in this "world" if we are the best fit or if after hearing a little bit about them they may need something different.
We’re so grateful to Katherine for sharing a window into her work at Little B Therapy and for being part of the village of support around new parents in our community!
You can learn more about her services at www.littlebtherapy.com, or follow along at @littlebtherapy.
About the Author - Aspen Grove Counseling and Wellness
Aspen Grove Counseling & Wellness is a Decatur-based therapy practice supporting individuals and couples across Georgia. We offer warm, steady, emotionally attuned care through all stages of parenting — from pregnancy and postpartum to the ongoing changes of family life.
Our specialties include pregnancy/postpartum therapy, couples counseling for parents, and The Intentional Babymoon — a private, retreat-style intensive designed to help partners reconnect, communicate, and prepare for life after baby.
Whether you’re navigating new parenthood, shifting identities, or the long-term work of caring for others while staying connected to yourself, you deserve support that honors the full complexity of your experience. We’re here to walk alongside you.