We have three children: Stella (13), Scarlett (5), and Thomas Rhett (2.5). We can’t wait to witness the positive impact of joining the WRTS family will have on our children’s lives. Not only the role it will play in the further development of their minds and bodies – but the friendships they will make, and the better people they will become after going into the world with a heart of acceptance and inclusion.

Rhett’s former occupations have gone from firefighter, to golf pro, and more recently, farmer and entrepreneur. Though skilled in many areas, he said from an early age, all he knew was that he wanted to be a father.

As a University of Southern Florida Education major, I (Stephanie) worked as a nanny, server, and substitute teacher. The most fulfilling experiences I had were substitute teaching in an ASD unit at an elementary school, and my long-term position as a Kindergarten teacher. My time as a Kindergarten teacher for those 13 children gave me the confidence to teach, but I still found myself drawn to those “outliers”. Forty hours and a test later, I became a Registered Behavior Technician, and started my dream job.

Aside from the pandemic, the fires and droughts affecting Rhett’s West Coast farming business, Stella (the eldest) was now 11. He noticed how quickly time was moving and wanted to be there for our growing family as needs increased. As a newly father of three, and remembering those early thoughts of “just wanting to be a father”, Rhett decided it was time to give up the bi-coastal work life and be close to home while running the business locally. During that time, we got our family event and wedding venue up and running, and wondered what our next steps would be.

In the summer of 2022, Thomas turned the pivotal 18 months old. Shortly after, a world familiar to me, became a part of Rhett’s too. We have both emerged in “all things” OT, behavior, sensory integration, and speech. It’s all coming full circle for us, and we feel blessed that it has brought us to the WRTS franchise family. We are so excited for the future!