Niswonger Children’s Network enhances pediatric outpatient therapy facility

The Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network has completed a renovation of its outpatient pediatric therapy facility in Johnson City, creating 10 new treatment rooms and adding advanced therapy equipment to better support children and their families throughout their therapy journey. The project enhances the therapy experience and strengthens the care therapists provide for patients.

The project was made possible through a generous gift from the estate of Mary Ann Nelson, a longtime resident of Sulphur Springs and former teacher and cheerleading coach at Daniel Boone High School. Though she had no children of her own, Nelson was deeply moved by the exceptional care her great-niece received in the neonatal intensive care unit at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Nelson’s estate gifted nearly $200,000 to the children’s hospital, helping fund the project and enhancements to the therapy facility.

“We are incredibly honored to continue Mary Ann’s legacy with this important project,” said Chris Jett, chief executive officer of the Niswonger Children’s Network. “Therapy services can be such a vital part of a child’s care plan. Our therapists help children overcome challenges and develop independence, and Mary Ann’s gift will directly help kids in our region every single day.”

Niswonger Children’s Therapy Services provides high-quality physical, occupational and speech therapy for children across the region. The program strives to tailor care to fit the needs of each unique child in a sensory-friendly, child-centered environment.

“Our facility provides such a wide breadth of services,” said Shannon Barker, corporate director of outpatient services for Ballad Health. “Our patients come to us with very unique needs. One child might need help with developmental delays, while another might need some help with language delays or sensory regulation. Whether helping children meet developmental milestones of crawling and walking or assisting families with feeding difficulties, our therapists have the knowledge and techniques to help patients excel. Children often need different approaches to treatment, and this expansion gives our team better tools and greater bandwidth to meet those unique needs.”

Eleven-year-old Avery Harrison is one of the patients benefiting from these services. Avery was born with a rare disorder called Potocki-Lupski syndrome, a spectrum-based disorder that can cause various disabilities. Avery’s case is severe; he uses a wheelchair, relies on feeding tubes and communicates through a tablet because he is nonverbal. He participates in therapy services that support him and his family in navigating the challenges associated with his condition.

“We consider it a blessing to have these services five minutes down the road,” said Avery’s mom, Olivia Harrison. “Our therapists give Avery confidence and help him overcome barriers — they’re some of his biggest cheerleaders. They have also been incredibly helpful in finding adaptive devices to help Avery move on his own and communicate. They’ve literally changed our lives.”

“Mary Ann’s gift is a powerful example of how philanthropy transforms healthcare for children in our region,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. “We are grateful for Mary Ann and are honored to continue her legacy at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Her generosity will live on in the exceptional care we provide for our patients.”

Learn more about Niswonger Children’s Therapy Services in Johnson City.