Our Team

Our team is selectively constructed of skilled and motivated individuals, educated and highly trained through the NeuroRecovery Network, specializing in paralysis recovery, Each staff member is passionate about striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Our goal as certified Activity Based Therapy Trainers and Physical Therapists is to provide a safe environment to help you excel forward in your recovery. We guarantee our hardworking staff will make you feel welcomed and well taken care of!

Paul Pickard

Founder

It was two weeks before our oldest son Christopher’s graduation from Lambert High School and the night before prom…an exciting time of year for a Senior. On Friday evening, May 13, 2011 at 10:20pm we received a phone call and learned he had possibly been in an automobile accident. We arrived to the scene of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances, and were relieved as we did not see his truck. Within seconds, through the flashing lights, we caught a glimpse of our son lying on a stretcher and found out that he was a passenger in an automobile that had crashed into the nearby brick sign. He had sustained a burst fracture to his C6 vertebrae and would need surgery right away to relieve pressure on his spinal cord.

All of a sudden, our world was turned upside down as we were told our son was a C6 quadriplegic. Over the next three months we would understand exactly what that meant as we were bombarded with the reality that there is much more to a spinal cord injury than being paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Our son learned how to function in a wheelchair, and we were educated on how to live with a spinal cord injury. All the while, we were wondering, “Where do we go next?” as we knew he needed to continue working toward his recovery goals after being released from rehab. After much prayer, hours of research and the discovery of a friend, we believe God led us to a center in California. We had visited several facilities while researching our options, and without a doubt, we knew this was where he needed to be. For the first time since his accident, we were filled with hope. It felt like the ball was finally in our court and our son would have the opportunity to work toward gaining optimum recovery and independence.

Through God’s provision, the generous support of family, friends, and even strangers in our community, Christopher and his dad spent seven weeks at a facility in California and the experience exceeded ALL of our expectations. We were very encouraged as they met people who had been told they would never make the gains they were making, and it was clear after some time had passed, there was a great need for a facility like this in the Atlanta area. So, 10 months after Christopher’s spinal cord injury, our doors opened to the public. Since that time we have had clients from all over the United States and world! We now also serve individuals who have suffered from a Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Transverse Myelitis, Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions.

Update: On July 26th, 2023, 12 years and 2 months after our oldest son, Christoper’s, accident, our youngest son James was in a diving accident in a pool on his 24th birthday becoming a C5 quadriplegic. Now having two sons with a spinal cord injury, we understand more than ever that each injury is so different, and we are committed to helping families navigate their recovery with compassion and excellence in all we do.

Jeannie Pickard

executive director

As Executive Director of NextStep Atlanta, the mission is very clear each day….to give hope again and help clients and their families go forward after the devastation of a Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, or other neurological conditions resulting in paralysis. The goal is to move clients from compensation to recovery, build confidence as they reach milestones, they were told they would not reach, and to help them become strong, healthy and independent in order to get their lives back!

Jeannie’s heart is to strive for excellence in all they do at NextStep Atlanta and to warmly welcome each person that comes through the door into the NextStep family, showing them, we can relate to their situation as we’ve been there and “we get it.” Not only do we want to be there for the client, but we want to be a source of great support for the family as they navigate after life has changed in an instant.

Jeannie and Paul Pickard believe so strongly that the program offered at NextStep Atlanta is the best program available for optimum recovery as it is based on standardized Activity Based Therapy and grounded in the most current scientific and clinical evidence. NextStep Atlanta is an NRN (NeuroRecovery Network) Affiliate, and all of our training is research backed in 5 clinical settings: Magee Rehab, Craig Rehab, Ohio State University, Frazier Rehab and Kessler Rehab, and under the guidelines of leading researcher, Dr. Susan Harkama. We are also excited to share with our clients that our therapy sessions provide supporting data for research for paralysis recovery through the NeuroRecovery Network and Victory over Paralysis!! So our clients are actually making a difference as they work on their recovery with us!!

Jeannie knows that this isn’t just a business, but a ministry. She feels after experiencing with her own son what other families have experienced, there isn’t any way it could NOT be a ministry. Each phone call received inquiring into our program touches a tender spot in the heart, and once again the mission is clear, to help people who have had so much taken from them to move forward toward optimum recovery. Each time she hangs up the phone after speaking with a future client, determination sets in. She asks God to help the individual and their family and is determined that with His help, our amazing staff and exceptional program, we WILL make a difference and change lives!

Chauntel Whaley

Site Director

Chauntel is from Montgomery, AL. She graduated from Troy University in December 2018 with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and a Concentration in Pre-Health. As a student, Chauntel worked in administration services under the Troy University Athletic Training department for two years and interned for Troy's Elite Physical Therapy & Wellness Center.Upon graduation, Chauntel commissioned as an Army Medical Reserves Officer stationed at the 306th Field Hospital at Fort Gillem, GA. There she took on various leadership roles as Platoon Leader, section leader, and Executive Officer. Chauntel was welcomed onto the NextStep Atlanta team in February 2019. She enjoys helping NextStep's clients reach their goals and overcome the challenges they face on the road to recovery. 

Fernando Morales

Lead ACTIVITY BASED therapy specialist

Fernando is an Activity Based Therapist at NextStep Atlanta. Fernando was raised in Arkansas and played many sports in high school where he found a love for Human Anatomy and Physiology. He graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Fernando has a passion for biomechanics and helping others to move as efficiently as possible. Aside from work, Fernando enjoys weightlifting and is an automotive enthusiast.

Alex Jabardo

ACTIVITY BASED therapy specialist

Alex is from Kennesaw, Georgia and graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. He played Division III collegiate soccer for 2 years at Piedmont College and continues to play recreationally. In his free time, Alex enjoys playing guitar and DJing along with hiking and other activities. His goal is to become a licensed exercise physiologist in the near future and continue his career working to improve the lives of the people he works with.

Connor McAlister

Activity Based Therapy Specialist

Connor was born and raised in Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College in 2020 with a degree in Exercise Science. Growing up, he participated in many sports, including baseball, wrestling, and rowing. In his free time, Connor loves to spend time with his family, workout, and cook. Connor joined the team in September of 2022, and since then he’s loved working and laughing with the clients at NextStep Atlanta.

Paulette (Pauli) Selimo PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical therapy

Pauli has 10 years of experience in neurological settings, both inpatient and outpatient as well as being NRN certified since the research phases of the Locomotor Training Program. After relocating from NJ in 2021, she kickstarted the PT program here at NextStep Atlanta to address our community’s needs and the program continues to grow! Pauli has received specialized training in the following: Vestibular, Pelvic Floor, LSVT BIG Parkinson's Treatment, 3 types of exoskeleton certifications, and RTI FES/ NMES. She runs our wheelchair clinic and exoskeleton programs, sharing her love for advanced technology with those appropriate to trial them. Some of Pauli’s accolades include publishing an article of paralysis during pregnancy, which she wrote after receiving her Pelvic Floor certification, and presenting at an exoskeleton conference on robotics as a natural intervention for chronic pain management. Pauli is extremely passionate about Activity Based Therapy and assists the program with her expertise as well as consulting with ABT clients on navigating the continuum of care post- neurological injury. Outside of general consultation, Pauli treats clients in need of traditional PT services and can assist with specific needs including but not limited to: durable medical equipment and bracing orders, wheelchair needs, home exercise prescription, caregiver training, transfer training, and adaptive technology trials. Her passion outside of NSA includes glamping with her boys or staying active through Pilates or hiking! 

Shadow

Beloved Service Dog

Shadow, our beloved community service dog and an important member of the NextStep Atlanta staff. Shadow is a Goldendoodle with a gentle spirit and a natural ability to connect with people. She plays a meaningful role in supporting our patients throughout their therapy experience—offering comforting snuggles, helping with balance challenges, and guiding walking using her specialized harness.

During the weekdays, Shadow works side-by-side with our Physical Therapist, Pauli, bringing warmth and encouragement into each session. Her calm presence helps patients feel at ease, often turning hard work into something a little more enjoyable.

Outside the clinic, Shadow lives with Pauli and her family of four, where she enjoys an active and happy home life filled with outdoor playtime and hiking adventures. She was raised at Canine Assistants in Milton, Georgia, where she developed the skills that make her such a valuable partner in care.

Whether she’s physically assisting with therapeutic challenges or simply brightening someone’s day, Shadow is truly at the heart of our clinic.

Griselda Bailon

Activity Based Therapy Tech

Griselda was raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science with a clinical concentration. Griselda has plenty of experience working in customer service including the hospitality, and the food and beverage industry. She began working with Nexstep Atlanta in March 2023 and discovered a passion for working with our clientele.

Amelia Taylor

Activity Based Therapy Tech

Amelia is from Stockbridge, Georgia, and has always had a passion for both academics and athletics. She graduated summa cum laude from Woodland High School, where she also played basketball. After experiencing several injuries, she developed an interest for anatomy and physiology, which inspired her to pursue a career helping others overcome physical challenges.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition from Valdosta State University in December 2024, graduating cum laude, and holds an ACSM-EP certification achieving a historic top 20 score. Outside of work, Amelia enjoys running, arts, and music

Bella Butler

Activity Based Therapy Tech

Bella is from Centerville, Ohio and moved to Georgia in November 2025. She graduated from Miami University(of Ohio) with a Bachelors degree in Biology/Pre-Health. She has experience working with sports teams, outpatient clinics, as well as inpatient care. Bella plans to return to PA school in the future but is soaking up her time here at NextStep! She has loved getting to know all of the clients as well as helping them achieve their goals!

Sophia Muhammad

Office/Client Services Manager

Sophia joined the NextStep Atlanta team in November of 2018 after being an amazing volunteer! She has an Associate Degree in Healthcare Science while also working as a certified Phlebotomist. Sophia has less than two years left to complete her Physical Therapy Assistant degree.