TheraPEDS

What began as a solo mission has grown into a thriving therapy practice serving hundreds of Central Arkansas children and families. Founded in 2019 by occupational therapist Madeline Dunlap, TheraPEDS combines a unique blend of faith, innovation, and care, offering a range of services including occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as mental health counseling.

The company has quickly earned its reputation in Saline County for families looking for comprehensive, individualized therapy for their children. Dunlap’s vision for the practice combines high-quality therapeutic care with faith-based principles to serve its patients in mind, body, and spirit.

In 2019, Dunlap, a licensed occupational therapist with a background in pediatric care, returned home to Benton from Las Vegas seeking to build a practice that would meet local families’ unique needs.

“Everything we do is rooted in prayer and aligned with God’s plan,” Dunlap said. “I didn’t know where the Lord wanted to take me on this journey, but I trusted Him and walked in obedience.”

Her journey started small, one child client in a one-woman operation, but within three months Madeline had hired her first therapist. From there, the practice steadily grew, earning the trust of Saline County families through personalized care and an innovative mobile service model.

“Some families have just one car or medically fragile kids, so leaving the house can be challenging,” she said. “Being able to serve them in their own environment makes all the difference.”

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed an unexpected challenge but also highlighted TheraPEDS’ unique adaptability. “Because we were mobile, we continued serving families at home even as the world shut down,” she said. “It truly blessed those families who couldn’t leave home due to health concerns or challenges.”

TheraPEDS is more than a therapy practice for Dunlap and her team—it’s a ministry. The organization was built on three pillars: creating a meaningful impact, supporting families and therapists, and delivering care guided fully by her Christian faith.

“Our vision is about making a difference—not just in the children we treat but also in their families,” she explained. “We’re dedicated to helping kids achieve their fullest potential.”

TheraPEDS serves as a resource for local families by meeting children in familiar environments—homes, schools, daycare centers or after-school programs. This flexibility provides not only convenience but also a level of trust and comfort for both children and parents.

The practice also prioritizes a supportive work environment for its therapists, ensuring they feel encouraged and equipped to deliver top-notch care. “Healthy therapists create healthy treatment outcomes,” Dunlap said.

From its humble beginnings, TheraPEDS has grown in just over five years. Today, the practice employs 30 therapists and serves over 300 children throughout Central Arkansas.

In April 2022, TheraPEDS moved into its first clinic space after running exclusively as a mobile service provider for more than two years. This move allowed the team to accommodate more clients and better meet the needs of its growing community.

To address the rising demand for mental health services, TheraPEDS expanded into behavioral health counseling in January 2024. This growing division now includes four mental health providers, with plans to add more.

Running a thriving therapy practice is no small task, but Dunlap has help. Her husband, Ryan, joined TheraPEDS full-time in 2022 after a career as an electrical engineer. Ryan handles operational aspects of the business, while Madeline focuses on client care and team leadership.

“Our strengths complement each other,” she said. “Ryan’s support and encouragement allowed me to take the leap to start this practice, and his skills have been essential in managing our growth.”

Together, the couple balances their professional responsibilities while raising their two young sons, ages four and 18 months.

As TheraPEDS continues growing, Dunlap and her team are laying the groundwork for the next phase of their journey. Plans for 2025 include building or buying a larger facility to accommodate the expanding team and better serve their client base.

But no matter how large the practice becomes, Dunlap says the heart of TheraPEDS will remain the same. “We see this as God’s work,” she said. “Every day, we aim to be the hands and feet of Jesus for these families and kids. That’s the impact we want to have.”

For the TheraPEDS team, every client interaction is an opportunity to build relationships and deliver care with kindness, integrity and faith.

Five years after its founding, TheraPEDS stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven leadership and a commitment to excellence. Madeline and Ryan Dunlap have created more than a business—they’ve built a community resource where families can find hope, support and healing.

With its unique blend of personalized care, faith-based values and innovative delivery models, TheraPEDS is changing lives and creating a lasting legacy in Central Arkansas.

For more information on TheraPEDS and its services, visit their website at  www.therapedspllc.com or call 501.313.0592.