About Us
Built on Early Intervention.
Guided by Expertise.
Our Story
Founded in 2014 by Andrea Callanen, PT, MPT, Looking Ahead was built on the belief that early intervention is everything—beginning with specialized torticollis care to help babies grow symmetrically and avoid the need for a helmet.
From those roots, our team has grown to support babies and toddlers across a range of specialties such as motor development, speech therapy, and feeding therapy—all guided by the same vision of early identification, personalized care, and unwavering belief in your child’s potential.
Our approach looks at the whole child. We don’t just focus on one area—we consider how movement, strength, feeding, and communication all work together to support healthy development. Every plan of care is rooted in the latest research, personalized to your child, and designed to create meaningful, lasting progress you can see and your child can feel.
We know how overwhelming it can be to sort through advice online or wonder if you’re doing the right thing. That’s why we prioritize education every step of the way—so you understand the why behind what we do and feel confident supporting your child between visits.
Whether you’ve received a diagnosis, noticed something that doesn’t feel quite right, or simply want reassurance that your child is on track, you’re in the right place. We’re here to support your family with expert care, honest guidance, and a shared belief in your child’s potential.
Looking Ahead is located in Franklin, TN, and we serve families throughout the Greater Nashville area and across Middle Tennessee. Many of the families we work with travel from surrounding communities—and even drive over an hour—to access the level of specialized care we provide. That kind of trust means everything to our team.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to “wait and see.”
We’ve walked this road with thousands of families, and we’re here for yours, too.
Get to Know Our Team
Andrea Callanen
PT, MPT / Owner and Founder
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Master of Physical Therapy. Shenandoah University. Winchester, VA.
Bachelor of Science in Science-Business. University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame, IN.
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Hi, I’m Andrea Callanen, the founder of Looking Ahead Pediatric Therapies. I have over 20 years of physical therapy experience, and I am deeply passionate about early intervention and working with infants and young children. It’s such a privilege to support families during those early stages that can feel both incredibly meaningful and, at times, overwhelming. You’re not alone, and it is an honor to provide the guidance and support that can make a lasting difference.
I’m originally from the Washington, DC area and spent over a decade in Southern California before relocating to Franklin, TN with my family. With some encouragement from my husband, I started Looking Ahead in Franklin, TN in 2014 to create the kind of practice I felt families really needed—one that focuses on supporting babies with torticollis, plagiocephaly, and early motor development in a thoughtful, personalized way. Over time, that vision has naturally expanded to include feeding and speech therapy, strengthening our ability to support the whole child and meet families wherever they are in their journey.
My approach is rooted in collaboration and whole-child care. I believe in supporting both baby and parent every step of the way, and in creating individualized plans that truly fit each child and family. As a former Division I athlete, I’ve always valued a team-based approach, and I love partnering closely with families and other providers to help each child make meaningful progress.
I’m committed to ongoing learning and staying current with the latest research so I can provide the highest level of care to the families I serve. I never take for granted the trust parents place in me, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of their journey.
Outside of the clinic, I’m blessed to have a supportive husband and two children who have been part of this journey from the very beginning—my daughter was actually the inspiration behind the Looking Ahead logo! I love staying active with my family through traveling, running, skiing, and cooking healthy meals, and I especially enjoy cheering my kids on as they discover what they love.
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Over 20 years of experience across multiple pediatric settings, including outpatient, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and school-based therapy
Advanced training in torticollis, plagiocephaly, and infant bodywork
Certified in Infant Massage
Pediatric Kinesiotaping Certified
Lactation-focused continuing education (12+ hours) in oral motor function, tethered oral tissues, torticollis, and infant feeding
Total Motion Release (TMR Tots) Level 1 (in progress)
Additional continuing education in whole-body approaches to infant therapy
Dr. Jessica Smith
PT, DPT
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Doctorate of Physical Therapy University of Michigan, Flint (2013)
Bachelor of Science Central Michigan University (2008)
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Hi, I am Jessica Smith, PT, DPT! I am a pediatric physical therapist. I am originally from Michigan and found home here in Murfreesboro, TN in 2018. I have been practicing pediatric therapy since graduating in 2013 in a variety of pediatric settings. I’m married and am the mom to two energetic kids, Colton and Evelyn. In my free time, I love art projects, building forts, painting, being outdoors, traveling to visit family, and staying active in our church community.
After the birth of my son in 2017, I experienced these challenges firsthand—torticollis, plagiocephaly from breech positioning, breastfeeding difficulties, reflux, body tension and limited tummy time tolerance. This journey gave me an entirely different outlook on my treatments and how I connected with parents as a mom and as a clinician. I am blessed with the ability to blend my clinical expertise with real-parent insights offering one-on-one care that reduces worry and helps parents enjoy this special time with their little one.
My clinical focus is on the evaluation and treatment of infants from birth to walking stage, with particular emphasis on torticollis, head shape concerns, tummy time tolerance, body tension, and gross motor milestones. I strongly value a collaborative team approach to treatment that looks at each patient through a whole-body lens. To further my impact as an infant PT and my ability to function as a member of a treatment team, I have education in lactation, recognition of TOTs (tethered oral tissues), and oral motor support.
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Experience in multiple pediatric settings including outpatient, school-based, home health and skilled nursing rehabilitation.
Advanced training in torticollis, plagiocephaly and infant bodywork
Pediatric Kinesiotaping Certified
Total Motion Release–TMR-Tots levels 1-3, a gentle tear-free approach addressing postural asymmetries and whole-body function.
Baby Jaws & Breathing – Trained with Dr. Cynthia Peterson to learn techniques and treatment approaches that prioritize healthy breathing and orofacial development from birth.
The Vaughan Approach Pediatric Bodywork – Trained with Susan Vaughan Kratz on infant bodywork utilizing craniosacral and myofascial release techniques.
Lactation and Infant Feeding Coursework
Completed 33.5 hours of infant-specific, lactation-focused continuing education in oral motor and tethered oral tissues:
Supporting Oral Motor Skills in the Infant
Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding
Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding and the Lactation- Savvy Therapist
Torticollis, Tongue Tie, and Infant Feeding using a whole-body approach.
Dr. Rachel Schmidt
PT, DPT
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Doctorate of Physical Therapy Belmont University
Bachelor of Science Belmont University
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I’m Dr. Rachel Schmidt, PT, DPT. I’m a pediatric physical therapist with over seven years of experience caring for children across all stages of development. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, genetic disorders, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, developmental delay, idiopathic toe walking, and torticollis.
I’m especially passionate about early intervention and helping children build strong foundations through individualized, evidence-based care. I love partnering with families to support meaningful progress and celebrate the small (and big!) wins along the way. I also have experience providing aquatic physical therapy, which can be such a fun and effective way to help kids move, strengthen, and gain confidence.
I joined the Looking Ahead team in June 2022, and one of the things I love most about being here is the close-knit team and the depth of knowledge each clinician brings. It’s such a collaborative and supportive environment for both our patients and each other. I have a special place in my heart for working with infants and toddlers and find it incredibly rewarding to watch how quickly they grow and develop new skills.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll usually find me biking, snow skiing, or exploring national parks. I also teach CPR courses for healthcare providers, daycare staff, and families, which is another way I love supporting the community.
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BLS Provider (CPR/AED)
APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program
Kinesiology Taping Certification for Pediatrics
The Vaughn Approach Pediatric Bodywork- trained with Susan Vaughan Katz on infant bodywork utilizing craniosacral and myofascial release techniques (20 hour course).
Kayla Mathai
CCC-SLP, CBS
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Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University (2017)
Master of Science from University of Tennessee Health Science Center (2019)
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Hi, I’m Kayla Mathai, M.S. CCC-SLP, CBS! I’m a pediatric speech pathologist, feeding therapist, and certified breastfeeding specialist.
From the very beginning of my career, I have intentionally tailored my education, training, and clinical experiences toward infant development, with a deep focus on infant feeding and early oral motor function. I’ve worked across a variety of pediatric settings, including schools, telehealth, and outpatient clinics, but my passion has always centered on helping babies learn to feed comfortably, safely, and successfully.
I am currently furthering this commitment by working toward my certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), allowing me to provide even more comprehensive, evidence-based support to families.
I understand that feeding challenges can feel overwhelming, stressful, and often isolating for parents. My goal is to not only support your child’s feeding and developmental needs, but to empower you with the knowledge, confidence, and reassurance you deserve, so that you can feel at peace and truly enjoy this special season with your little one.
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Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (2024)
The Vaughan Approach Pediatric Bodywork (20 hour course)
CFT/CST
Lactation OT courses: The Speech Language Pathologist's Role in Breastfeeding; Tongue Tie, Breastfeeding, and the Lactation Savvy Therapist; Formula Feeding: Advanced Selection Strategies for Infants
100+ hours of oral motor, bottle feeding & lactation specific education
Feed the Peds Training
Can Eat Approach Training
MBSImP Reliability Zone Training
Basic Life Support Provider
Dr. Emelia Baer
PT, DPT
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Doctor of Physical Therapy - Saint Louis University
Bachelor of Science- Exercise Science with a Minor in Special Education, Saint Louis University
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Hi, I’m Dr. Emelia! I’m a pediatric physical therapist with four years of experience in outpatient pediatrics, working with children of all ages and a wide range of diagnoses. My clinical experience includes treating torticollis and plagiocephaly, developmental delays, prematurity, gait abnormalities, cerebral palsy, autism, genetic conditions, and other neurological diagnoses.
I have a special passion for early intervention and truly believe that starting support early can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development and overall confidence.
I always knew I wanted to be a therapist, and that passion started at a young age growing up alongside my younger sister with Williams Syndrome. I spent much of my childhood sitting in on her PT, OT, and speech sessions, watching therapists intentionally use play to help her build skills and independence. As I got older, I began to understand just how meaningful that work is—not only for the child, but for the entire family. Pediatric therapists get to be a source of expertise, encouragement, and support as children work toward their goals, and that’s exactly what I strive to be for each of my patients. Having seen that impact firsthand, it’s truly a privilege to walk alongside families and be part of each child’s journey. The children I get the chance to work with truly light up my days.
I’m originally from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and moved to Nashville after completing PT school. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy traveling, reading, running, and spending time by the water. I also coach a local Special Olympics cheer team and volunteer with the Williams Syndrome Association.
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Total Motion Release (TMR Tots) Level 1 (in progress)
Come Join Our Team
You’ll make a lasting impact where it matters most!
We’re seeking a dedicated pediatric physical therapist to support infants, toddlers, and their families throughout the Nashville area. Join our close-knit team and grow your career in a collaborative environment!
Why Parents Trust Us
You Don’t Have to “Wait and See.”
Our experienced team of therapists believes in taking action now—with clear answers, a personalized plan, and the confidence that comes from working with people who truly understand your child's development.