Our Story
Simmons Early Intervention Therapy (SEIT) was founded in 2006,
by owner Mrs. Simmons. SEIT began as a small agency providing therapy to children in one small county. During this time, Mrs. Simmons was the only therapist providing services for the agency and she often struggled to fit all of the clients into her weekly schedule.
After continuously being requested by numerous families, Mrs. Simmons began to expand her agency by hiring well-qualified therapist as well as offering therapy services in other counties. In doing this, the agency
continued to flourish and grow. We are proud to say that we now provide therapy services to many counties throughout the state of NC!
Our mission
for children is,
We Put The Child FIRST!
SEIT feels that all children deserve a fair chance in life regardless of their needs or circumstances. By providing therapy services to children at such a young age, SEIT will give them that opportunity. Through play, children will engage in activities and interact with others in their natural environment while learning essential tools they need to help them grow and develop. Through family interactions and modeling therapist are able to assist the “whole family” with important skills and techniques that can be implemented throughout daily routines to better assist the child.
F: Family Interaction and Involvement
I: Individual Children Have Individual Needs
R: Respecting The Fact That All Children Learn Differently
S: Supporting Your Child's Growth & Development
T: Taking The Time Out of Your Life To Give
Your Child What They Need To Succeed
Our mission for life is,
Intervene Today, Transform Tomorrow.
Intervene Today, Transform Tomorrow. We are dedicated to helping individuals TRANSFORM their lives by
providing support, guidance, and tools that create lasting change.
TRANSFORM stands for:
Trust – To build trusting and supportive relationships.
Resilience – Ready to rise above obstacles and adversity.
Action – Actively advancing toward meaningful goals.
Nurture – Nurturing personal growth and well-being.
Strength – Standing strong in every season of life.
Focus – Fostering clarity and purposeful direction.
Opportunity – Opening doors to new possibilities.
Renewal – Renewing hope and inspiring fresh starts.
Motivation – Moving forward with courage and determination.
Meet our Team
Office Staff
Lori
Office Manager
Lori is an experienced healthcare professional with over 35 years of expertise in medical office management. A 1985 Eastern Wayne High School graduate, she attended Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC, and LSU in Alexandria, LA. While she was brought to Goldsboro by Seymour Johnson AFB, she considers Goldsboro her home.
Lori is highly skilled in overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. With extensive experience in both hospital and medical office settings, she has a proven track record of improving patient satisfaction and streamlining administrative processes.
Passionate about providing excellent care to those in need, Lori also has a deep love for children and cherishes her six grandchildren.
Adriana
Bilingual Receptionist
Adrianna is a dedicated professional and proud mother of five wonderful children. With seven years of experience as a legal assistant, she has developed a strong foundation in organization, communication, and client support, along with a genuine passion for helping others.
As a bilingual professional, Adrianna is able to effectively connect with and support a diverse range of families, ensuring clear communication and a welcoming experience for those she serves. Originally from Mount Olive, North Carolina, she brings both local insight and a heart for community to her role.
Adrianna is grateful to be a part of the Simmons Early Intervention Therapy (SEIT) team and is committed to making a positive impact through her work and dedication to the families she serves.
Kylie
Adminstrative Assistant
Kylie is the Administrative Assistant at Simmons Early Intervention Therapy. She joined the team to contribute to the company's growth while improving her skills for her son.
Kylie graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 2020. She is attending Wayne Community College and aspiring to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. Passionate about helping others, Kylie strives to bring joy and smiles to those around her.
Shannon
Developmental Therapy Coordinator
Shannon is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in business operations and a passion for helping children. She graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School in 1997 and earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science, specializing in Medical Office Administration, from Johnston Community College.
After moving to North Carolina at the age of 12, Shannon has worked in various sectors, including home care, staffing agencies, and managing multiple storage facilities. She is committed to her work and her team, particularly in coordinating support for children in need.
As a mother of four, her children are her world. Outside of work, Shannon has served on the Pine Level Parks and Recreation Board for over 15 years, coaching youth in cheerleading and softball.
Tammy
Human Resources Coordinator
Originally from Beaufort County, Tammy moved to Wilson County in 2014. She is a proud mother of two and grandmother of two. Tammy's career in the medical field began in 1999 as a front desk receptionist. Over the years, she advanced through roles such as supervisor, billing specialist, and practice manager. Medical billing, a field she has always enjoyed due to her love for numbers, has been the core of her professional career.
In 2022, Tammy transitioned to full-time Human Resources, where she embraced the opportunity to be a friendly and supportive employee resource. Her goal is to bring both structure and heart to HR, serving as a common ground for staff while ensuring a positive and thriving workplace.
Lauren
Digital Marketing Manager
Lauren has a passion for learning new things and is an innovative thinker with a creative outlook. She expresses her creative design skills to effectively communicate SEIT's message through branding, and print and web advertising.
She holds over 10 years of experience in the industry and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design Communication and a minor in Marketing from Thomas Jefferson University.
She has a passion for child development in which she applies early intervention knowledge learned while working with the SEIT team when raising her own children.
Joy Bracey-Barrett
Mental Health Coordinator
Joy is the Mental Health Coordinator at Simmons Early Intervention Therapy. She was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC, and is a wife and mother of three. Joy began her career in mental health in June of 1994 as a direct care professional working with dually diagnosed clients.
Over the next 21 years, she worked passionately to serve the mental health population in Wayne, Lenoir, Johnston, Wake, and Halifax Counties, gradually advancing through management to become Director of Community-Based Services.
Her work in mental health became a mission, focusing on educating individuals and families, connecting them to resources, and improving their quality of life. Joy continues to be dedicated to serving individuals and families seeking mental health services.
Debi
Director of Clinical Services
Debi earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Kentucky University in 1994 and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Radford University in 1996. With extensive experience collaborating with individuals of all ages, Debi has specialized in treating a range of conditions, including Autism, Down Syndrome, Voice Disorders, and unique conditions such as Paradoxical Vocal Fold Dysfunction. She has worked with both low-tech and high-tech assistive technologies, including Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and Visual Schedules.
As a musician, Debi incorporates music into her sessions to better engage children and tailor her approach to their individual needs. Her passion lies in helping children find their voice, using innovative techniques when traditional methods fall short.
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Shaunita
Speech Language Pathologist
Shaunita, MLIS, MCD, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Charleston and earned dual master’s degrees in Communication Disorders and Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. She has professional experience working in a variety of environments, including educational settings. Passionate about communication, literacy, and learning, Shaunita brings a diverse skill set shaped by her interdisciplinary training. She is the proud mother of two sons and lives in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Dena
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Dena is a wife and mother of two adult sons. She grew up in Goldsboro and graduated from the Speech and Language Assistants program at Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2010 with an associate’s degree in applied science. She currently lives in the Smithfield area.
Dena considers herself a patient advocate and has a strong passion for serving children with speech and language needs. She has worked with a variety of diagnoses, which include Childhood Apraxia, Selective Mutism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Articulation/Phonology Disorders, and Developmental Delays.
Dena has worked in the pediatric field for over 30 years, specifically in speech therapy for the past 15 years. She is looking forward to expanding her range of experience and services into the Wayne County area.
Wolly
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Jennifer
Occupational Therapist
Speech and Occupational Therapy
SPOTLIGHT: DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPIST
Kelly
Developmental Therapist
Kelly holds an Associate of Arts Degree from James Sprunt Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Mount Olive. She is a licensed educator with a North Carolina Standard Professional II Teaching License. She has thirteen years of experience teaching young children in the public school system and five years in a private daycare setting.
Kelly has worked with children from diverse ability backgrounds, including those with developmental delays, visual and hearing impairments, and behavioral concerns. Her dedication to early childhood education focuses on creating safe, supportive learning environments while fostering positive relationships and maintaining effective communication with parents and families.
Tiffany
Developmental Therapist
Tiffany holds a Bachelor's in early childhood education from the University of Mount Olive. She is certified in Birth to Kindergarten Teaching, Triple P Parenting Facilitation, CLASS, NC Infant Toddler Specialist, and as a Registered Behavior Technician. With 14 years of experience in preschool education, Tiffany has worked as a paraprofessional, supporting children with autism, special needs, or developmental delays.
She is also certified in SIDS and First Aid/CPR and has specialized training in Conscious Discipline, Behavior Modification, and before- and After-School Care. Tiffany is passionate about helping children master new skills in ways that suit their unique learning styles and finds joy in witnessing their progress and excitement.
Trickey
Developmental Therapist
Trickey is a dedicated mentor, educator, and entrepreneur with a passion for inspiring youth. Born in Greenville, NC, and raised in Farmville, he graduated from Farmville Central High School in 1999 before serving 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his military career, Trickey specialized in Administration and Human Resources, served as a Drill Instructor, and taught as a College Naval ROTC Instructor. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in business administration from Columbia Southern University while on active duty.
After retiring from the Marines, Trickey worked as a Middle and High School JROTC Instructor in Texas and mentored troubled youth. He also contributed to Tarheel Challenge Academy in North Carolina, helping at-risk teens find direction and purpose. In 2020, Trickey returned to Pitt County, NC, where he pursued entrepreneurship by opening Trickey Hair Studio, Finch Tavern and Bistro, and founding Trickey’s Real Life Leadership Institute, a nonprofit focused on hands-on youth mentorship.
With over 20 years of basketball coaching experience—from youth leagues to AAU and Marine Corps teams- Trickey uses sports as a platform for leadership development. He has led Toys for Tots drives, built after-school sports programs at local YMCAs, and remains deeply involved in community service. Known for his strong work ethic, positive mindset, and commitment to uplifting young people, Trickey believes that work ethic and perseverance are the keys to success.
Jessy
Developmental Therapy
Jessy holds a Bachelor's Degree from St. Andrew's University and earned her Birth–Kindergarten Licensure through East Carolina University. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, she brings both leadership and hands-on classroom expertise to her work with young learners.
For seven years, Jessy served as the Preschool Director at the local YMCA, where she led program development, supported staff growth, and fostered an inclusive environment where children thrived. After relocating, she continued her career in early childhood education by joining Wayne County Public Schools, where she has worked for the past eight years. In this role, she has supported children at various developmental stages, built strong relationships with families, and collaborated with educators to promote successful early learning experiences.
Jessy is deeply passionate about helping children and families reach their full potential. She believes the early years are critical in shaping a child’s lifelong success and strives to make a meaningful impact in every child's life each and every day.
Latosha
Developmental Therapist
LaTosha holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Health Informatics and brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She has served in various roles, including childcare center director, NC Pre-K teacher, and educator within collaborative programs supporting children with exceptional needs.
Her background includes extensive experience working with children diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, ADD, Challenging Behaviors, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Clove Syndrome. LaTosha has also held administrative positions, including roles as an administrative assistant and literacy facilitator, and currently supports school system operations as a budget specialist.
LaTosha is passionate about working one-on-one with children as a developmental therapist. She recognizes that every child develops uniquely. She is deeply committed to ensuring that each child and their family can access the resources and support needed to reach their full potential. She lives by the belief that "Big journeys begin with small steps."
Cassandra
Developmental Therapist
Cassandra holds a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management from Strayer University and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Mount Olive. She is a licensed teacher with over twelve years of experience working with young children.
Throughout her career, Cassandra has provided educational support to children with Autism, Developmental Delays, ADHD, ADD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Challenging Behaviors, and Social-Emotional Delays. She has worked in both Head Start and state-funded pre-kindergarten programs, gaining expertise in inclusive and developmentally appropriate practices.
Currently, Cassandra serves full-time as a lead teacher in a state pre-kindergarten classroom and also mentors beginning educators. She is deeply passionate about the teaching profession, viewing it as the cornerstone of all other fields—her guiding philosophy—“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I will learn "—reflects her commitment to engaging teachers, families, and children in a collaborative learning process that fosters leadership, understanding, and value for all involved.
Licensed Counselors
Magnolia "Maggie"
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Magnolia is a proud Haitian American, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others find healing and empowerment. Fluent in Haitian Kreyòl, she values her cultural roots and uses her background to connect with individuals from diverse walks of life.
From an early age, Magnolia felt called to serve and uplift others, leading her to a career in mental health counseling, she brings deep empathy, cultural awareness, professionalism, and expertise to her work, making a lasting impact.
She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling Therapy from Capella University and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). With over eight years of experience, she has worked extensively as a Behavioral Specialist, providing therapy and support to individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges.
Magnolia’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, solution-focused, and trauma-informed incorporates evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy.
She specializes in working with individuals facing:
✔ Trauma and grief
✔ Substance use and addiction recovery
✔ Relationship and family struggles
✔ Domestic violence and crisis intervention
✔ Stress and work-life balance
✔ Life transitions
Beyond her professional work, Magnolia is a devoted wife of 13 years and a mother to two wonderful children, a son and a daughter. Her faith, family, and Haitian heritage keep her grounded and has fueled her dedication to service.
She believes in the power of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Her mission is to create a safe space where individuals can embrace their true selves and grow into their fullest potential. She strives to uplift, guide, and empower those around her through therapy, community engagement, or personal connections.
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Jolona “Jo”
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA)
Jo is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate (LCAS-A), and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with over a decade of professional experience across behavioral health, substance use treatment, autism services, disability advocacy, and outpatient clinical care. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of treatment settings.
Her clinical practice emphasizes comprehensive assessment, early intervention, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Jo utilizes therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness-based interventions to support individuals in achieving meaningful progress. She has specialized experience working with individuals who have differences, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, emotional and behavioral regulation challenges, and adjustment-related concerns.
Jo is known for her collaborative and visionary approach to care. She is passionate about networking and partnering with organizations to help agencies effectively meet their goals of serving their communities in a holistic and impactful way.
Outside of her professional work, Jo dedicates much of her time to caring for her two children, one of whom identifies as having special needs and Autism. She values her faith, enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, and treasures meaningful moments with loved ones, friends, and colleagues.