Meet the Providers

Jaunitha Simmons, PT, DPT

Dr. Simmons, PT, DPT is the founder and CEO of Firsthand PT. Born and raised in Alabama, she had made up her mind at the age of 12 to become a pediatric physical therapist after watching her nephew receive in-home PT on a weekly basis as a small infant and into childhood. Jaunitha received a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitative Services in 2014 at Alabama State University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017 at the University of South Alabama. Soon after, she moved to Summerville, SC to begin her career working exclusively in the pediatric setting. She has been providing pediatric physical therapy services in the Lowcountry since 2017. Jaunitha is happily married with four children, two dogs & two turtles!. She enjoys spending time with her family anyway she can, especially on Taco Tuesdays and Pizza Fridays!

Jaunitha Simmons
Kayla Fisher

Kayla Fisher, PTA

Kayla Fisher, PTA graduated from PTA school in New Jersey in 2021. Born in Illinois and raised in New Jersey, Kayla moved to Charleston in 2021 and began her PTA journey. After working with a wide range of patients, Kayla found her niche working in the Pediatric world. Kayla started working for Firsthand PT in 2023. Kayla likes to spend her spare time exploring Charleston, traveling, running, and being anywhere outdoors with her 2 dogs, Oaklee and Benny.

Samantha Anderson, PTA

Samantha is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. In 2019 she earned her degree of Associates in Applied Science from Trident Technical College in North Charleston, SC. She was one of seven candidates chosen in her program for the experience to join a clinical setting in Belize City, Belize at Karl Husner Memorial Hospital. She has always had a big heart for helping others and she admires the strength and determination it takes to overcome obstacles to reach goals. She and her husband have been married for 17 years and together they have two children and a few furry babies who think they are children. She enjoys reading mystery novels, traveling and anything outdoors- especially on the water!

Samantha Anderson

Reilly Dlugokecki, PTA

Reilly is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She graduated from PTA school is 2023 from Trident Technical College here in Charleston. She was born and raised in North Carolina, and moved to Charleston in 2016 to attend the College of Charleston where she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science. Reilly has always been drawn to working with pediatric patients and has previous experience with in-home health care. When she is not working, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling and going on walks with her dog Piper!