Kayla was raised in Merrill, OR and graduated from Lost River High School. She earned a bachelor of science in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from George Fox University in 2015.  An active athlete during her high school and early college years led her into the field of physical therapy. She returned to the Klamath Basin in 2017 after the arrival of her first son. Working in the community as a pediatric physical therapist for the past 5 years, as well as personal experience welcoming a newborn into an urban, populous region compared with welcoming a newborn to Klamath Falls, she realized that the difficult journey into parenthood can be even more difficult in under-served, rural communities. This helped guide her passion for supporting children and families to found Tater Tots Pediatric Therapy with her Husband, Kylan Taylor. She is excited to partner with this Board of Directors to better serve the Klamath Basin and surrounding areas with quality pediatric therapy as well as foundational, compassionate support for children and families.

My name is Jessica Dale. Born in Ashland, I have called the Klamath Basin home since the age of 4. After graduating from Lost River High School, I attended Oregon Institute of Technology, where I received my bachelors in business management and accounting. I have worked for Klamath County Public Health for nearly 10 years, where I have developed a passion for creating healthy communities. I am especially passionate about helping the children of our community achieve improved health outcomes through collaborative and supportive approaches. Every member of our community deserves the opportunity to thrive.

When asked to sit on the Tater Tots Pediatric Therapy board, I was excited for the opportunity. My time at public health has taught me that health is about more than physical well-being. The mental and social aspects of our lives also have significant impacts on our health. The Tater Tots vision builds from this knowledge by aiming to provide not only a supportive therapy environment for children and their families, but also to serve as a community resource to ensure those who need support and services can access them.

I am humbled to be part of this difference making organization!

Dena has worked as a physical therapist for over 30 years with the majority of her work in pediatrics. She received her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Pacific University in 1990.  Dena has specialized in working with children experiencing neurological disabilities,  sensory processing disorder and Autism. Dena herself had a physical therapist when she was a child due to a back injury. She decided at that time that she wanted to be a pediatric physical therapist and she never changed her mind! Dena is thrilled to be part of Tater Tots Pediatric Therapy as its  mission is in alignment with her approach of a child and family focused clinic.

Dena, and her husband Dan, have a daughter, son and daughter- in- law whom they enjoy spending time with.  Along with her family pets, Dena enjoys running, kayaking and skiing. She and her husband also enjoy hiking and camping in southern Oregon and northern California.

Robin King was born in the klamath basin and graduated from Lost River High School. She attended Mt Hood Community College and has an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy. Her career included hospital, out patient clinic, pediatrics and home health care.  She has been a co-owner of Tater Patch Quilts in Merrill OR for over 25 years.   She has 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren that live near by. One of her favorite experiences was an internship to Shriners Hospital during her training in college and solidified her love of pediatric clients  That experience brought home  the need of early childhood intervention.  Robin is delighted to be part of the Tater Tots board.

Kara was born and raised in the Klamath Basin. She is a graduate of Klamath Union High School and received her degree from Oregon Institute of Technology in 2009. Kara works as a substitute teacher for both county and city school districts and also enjoys running her own local photography business. Kara and her husband have two daughters, ages 8 and 4, that she has been homeschooling throughout the COVID Pandemic. Her youngest  daughter has Cerebral Palsy and has been in therapy with members of the Tater Tots team since she was 8 months old. Kara happily joined the Board of Directors for Tater Tots when approached about the opportunity. She knows the ins and outs of the endless work it takes to provide her daughter with the best care. Along the way, Kara has learned what it is like to work within the system of insurance, referrals paperwork and equipment requests. Kara is invested in supporting Tater Tots and the mission because she believes in the team that has put the organization together and appreciates the love and support these members have provided her family throughout the years.