Treanor family finds confidence through pediatric therapy
August 4, 2026
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The Treanor family of Davenport, Iowa, is constantly on the move. Between Joseph, 5, Alexandra, 3, and Rowan, 2, parents Khrystyna and Brandon stay busy keeping up with their three energetic children.
But just a few years ago, life looked very different.
Like many parents, Khrystyna and Brandon found themselves navigating developmental concerns for their children and wondering what was normal and when it was time to seek help.
Today, Khrystyna says MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy has made a life-changing difference, not only for all three of her children but for their entire family.
From uncertainty to progress
The Treanor family's therapy journey began with Rowan.
After experiencing a significant neurological event involving fluid buildup in his brain, Rowan faced developmental challenges that made it difficult for him to reach milestones. When he was 18 months old, he still wasn't walking.
His MercyOne pediatrician referred him to MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy (GOPEDS), where he began working with physical therapist Emily Brodbeck.
What happened next exceeded Khrystyna's expectations.
Within a matter of months, Rowan made remarkable progress. Soon he was walking independently, then running, jumping and exploring the world around him with confidence.
Rowan even continued to develop the confidence to practice walking outside of therapy sessions.
"He loved the shopping cart they used in therapy," Khrystyna recalled. "We started using a toy shopping cart at home and it gave him the confidence to keep trying."
Now, Rowan is no longer limited by mobility challenges and enjoys all the adventures of an active toddler.
Finding unexpected answers
Not long after Rowan's success in pediatric therapy, Joseph’s therapy journey began.
While Joseph could speak and often recited lines from movies or songs, carrying on a conversation was much more difficult for him.
"I understood what he was saying most of the time because I'm his mom," Khrystyna said. "But he couldn't really have a back-and-forth conversation."
During a speech-language evaluation, Khrystyna was asked a question she had never seriously considered: Had Joseph ever been evaluated for autism?
That conversation opened the door to a new understanding of Joseph's needs, and he was eventually diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Since then, speech therapy has helped Joseph make strides in his communication skills.
Working with speech-language pathologist Amy Wethington, Joseph has improved his communication abilities and now uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to further support his ability to express himself.
"I'm able to hold more of a conversation with my oldest son than I ever thought I could," Khrystyna said. "Amy has helped me understand my son's speech delays and shown me how to help him communicate better."
The improvements extend beyond communicating at home.
"It's nice that Joseph has the confidence to communicate in public," she said. "Even if someone doesn't understand him right away, he has tools that help him communicate what he wants to say."
The middle Treanor child, Alexandra, has also benefited from speech therapy.
Working with speech-language pathologist Olivia Papesh, Alexandra has expanded her vocabulary and communication skills, bringing more conversations and more personality into daily family life.
"I'm able to hold conversations with Alex now," Khrystyna said. "Sometimes I (jokingly) regret it because she's got a mouth on her now."
A new family life
The progress made by Khrystyna and Brandon’s children has transformed the Treanor family's daily life.
Before therapy, family outings felt overwhelming for Khrystyna and Brandon. They were caring for one child who couldn't walk, another who was at risk of wandering, and a third who was still very young.
"We didn't do a whole lot because of this," she said.
Now, the family is making up for lost time.
"We're doing things now that we couldn't do before," Khrystyna said. "I'm playing catch-up because they're all able to do so much more."
More than therapy
While Khrystyna is grateful for the developmental progress her children have made, she says what stands out most is the people behind it.
She credits Emily, Amy, Olivia, Kristen Mandle and the entire pediatric therapy care team for creating an environment where her children feel comfortable, supported and excited to learn.
Even the reception staff has made a lasting impact.
"Joe loves Miss Linda at the front desk," Khrystyna said. "She could be busy and still takes the time to talk with him. Everyone is so kind."
That welcoming atmosphere has made every appointment easier for the entire family.
"You know how sometimes you dread a doctor's appointment?" Khrystyna said. "We don't have that feeling. My kids love coming to therapy. Once we get there, they're excited."
Looking back, Khrystyna wishes she had sought therapy services sooner. Like many parents, she worried that needing help somehow meant she was failing.
"I had convinced myself that everything would be okay and that he'd catch up," she said. "I know now that asking for help isn't failing."
Her advice to parents facing similar concerns is simple: trust your instincts and don't wait to seek support.
"Better late than never," she said. "These people have taken the time to care about my kids, learn who they are, and help me figure out how to help them. I can't recommend GOPEDS enough."
