Meet the Owners
Whitney and Lara met 11 years ago and had the pleasure of working together for 10 of those. While sharing multiple patients, they quickly discovered that they also shared a passion for providing creative, fun, silly, and engaging treatment sessions, even if they appeared unconventional. Whether working on letter formation using a patient’s favorite food - chocolate icing! - or taking clients into the community to navigate the grocery store with their family, OT and PT services met no boundaries. Just as much as they love working one-on-one with patients, Whitney and Lara equally value the family. They strive to include your family as an active part of the treatment team.
Whitney and Lara bonded over strong ties to the Ohio Valley area with a shared love for DiCarlo’s pizza. Even with Whitney being an avid Philadelphia sports fan, and Lara loving all things Pittsburgh, they were able to put their differences aside and form a strong friendship outside of being coworkers. They also enjoy exploring Columbus’s favorite foodie spots, metroparks, and never say no to a fancy latte.
Onward Pediatric Therapies was born out of a desire to continue to guide children and families onward through life’s early milestones. Working alongside your close friend never hurts! Welcome to our family, we’re so happy that you’re here!
Lara Pytlik
MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy
Lara is an occupational therapist with over 12 years of experience in the field. She graduated with her Master’s of Occupational Therapy in 2012 from the University of Pittsburgh and with her Bachelor’s of Science in Rehabilitation Science and a Minor in Social Work in 2010 from the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in various settings including school-based, outpatient, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and behavioral health. She is certified in DMI (Introductory Level A), whole body vibration, and has training in sensory integration (CLASI Modules 1-3 & EASI), Handwriting Without Tears, the Zones of Regulation, management of complex feeding issues, and cortical visual impairment. She has also completed the American Occupational Therapy Association Fieldwork Educator Certification program. Lara lives in Grandview Heights with her partner, Justin, and her two kittens, Chloe & Grace. She enjoys reading, being outdoors, and traveling.
Whitney Williams
PT, DPT
Physical Therapy
Whitney is a physical therapist with over 11 years of experience in the field. She graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013 from Ohio University and with her Bachelor’s of Science in exercise science in 2009 from Miami University. She has worked in various settings including outpatient, school-based, home health and acute care. She is certified in DMI (Introductory level B), whole-body vibration and has training in primitive reflex integration, sensory regulation, pediatric vestibular dysfunction and cortical visual impairment. She is also a certified clinical instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association. Whitney lives in Dublin with her husband, Jeff, two girls, Brooklyn and Kennedy and dog, Phoebe. She enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, and traveling.