RICHMOND, Ky. — Hogg Therapy Pediatrics is woman-owned and run. It first opened its doors 10 years ago in Berea and was the first of its kind to open in Madison County at the time.

Harrison Parsons has been going to Hogg Therapy since he was eight weeks old. He has arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, which is, according to Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc., “a group of congenital conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more body areas.”

“Becoming caregivers immediately after birth was a shock to the system, but we have rolled with the punches, and I learned as we went,” said Jenna Parsons, Harrison’s mother.

The condition makes it difficult for Harrison to walk and use his hands. He has had several surgeries and casts in his short life.

Jenna didn’t know Harrison had AMC until he was born. This impacts one out of every 3,000 live births. He also has nemaline myopathy and scoliosis. Harrison has five appointments a week and gets speech, physical and occupational therapy.

Working with bubbles is one of the many exercises that Dyer (right) did with Harrison (left) during his therapy session. The goal with this exercise is to get him to turn his neck and reach for the bubbles with his hands. (Spectrum News 1/Geraldine Torrellas)

“We have been blessed with Hogg Therapy,” said Jenna. “They’re like our second family at this point because we’ve been here so much.”

Building these kinds of relationships with families is important to therapists at the centers.

Amanda Dyer has been an occupational therapist at Hogg Therapy for over six years and has worked with Harrison since he began there.

“We’re able to really get to see them grow and really offer a hand to the parents and see those small changes and celebrate the little wins,” said Dyer.

Hogg Therapy is run by three women who all have a background in therapy. Michelle Raney is a speech therapist, Jennifer Fowler is an occupational therapist, and Brittany Hogg is a physical therapist.

They saw a need to bring these types of services to Madison County, which didn’t have anything else like it at the time.

“I was one of just a few people here and going through all the changes and all the growth has been really exciting to see other services we’ve been able to add,” said Dyer.

Since opening in Berea 10 years ago and expanding to have clinics in Richmond and Lexington, many children, including Harrison, have been able to receive much-needed services. There are about 1,200 visits a week between all three locations.

“It’s been amazing the progress we’ve made with the Hogg therapists,” said Jenna.

Thanks to the physical therapy Harrison has received, he took his first steps in December 2023, something his mother says she didn’t think would be possible for him.

Hogg Therapy accepts Medicaid and takes most private insurances. Raney, Fowler and Hogg want to ensure that money isn’t a barrier for people to seek services.