JoyBridge Kids Acquires Pediatric Advanced Therapy, Expanding Multidisciplinary Care Offerings
Charlotte, NC and Nashville, TN (November 3, 2025) – JoyBridge Kids (JBK), a leading provider of compassionate, multidisciplinary care for children with autism and their families across the Southeast, today announced its acquisition of Pediatric Advanced Therapy (PAT), a North Carolina-based provider of pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy, along with counseling services.
This strategic move unites two organizations dedicated to putting children first and significantly expands their ability to provide comprehensive, integrated therapy services across a broader region.
The acquisition combines Pediatric Advanced Therapy’s extensive pediatric clinical expertise with JoyBridge Kids’ established, joyful, and high-quality approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and integrated services. Together, the organizations will create a robust multidisciplinary care platform, enabling more children with special needs to receive coordinated, holistic treatment under one umbrella.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pediatric Advanced Therapy’s talented team and their wonderful families into the JoyBridge Kids community,” said Mike Cairnes, CEO of JoyBridge Kids. “PAT’s reputation for clinical excellence and its focus on speech, occupational, and physical therapy, along with counseling services, perfectly complements our model of joyful, progressive ABA therapy. Together, we will create an unparalleled continuum of care, delivering truly life-transforming experiences to even more children across the Southeast. As the father of a child with autism, I could not be more excited about helping these families.”
Lonny Bernath, Business Owner and CEO of Pediatric Advanced Therapy, plans to remain with the combined organization and commented:
“Joining forces with JoyBridge Kids is a fantastic step for our team and the children we serve. JoyBridge Kids shares our core values and our commitment to delivering the highest-quality clinical care. Our therapists will now be able to serve more children and families with even greater resources and support, while collaborating with a best-in-class team.”
JoyBridge Kids, known for its people-first culture, has a proven track record of creating an environment where clinicians are valued and empowered to thrive. This acquisition will further enhance clinical collaboration by bringing together an expanded team of therapists across multiple disciplines to work seamlessly for the benefit of every child. The mission remains simple: it’s all about the kids.
Frontline Healthcare Partners has an ownership stake in JoyBridge Kids. Charley French, Co-Founder and Partner, commented:
“This is a classic case where one plus one equals three. We’re excited about the future with the combined leadership teams.”
Key Benefits of the Acquisition
- Expanded Services: Provides a differentiated and comprehensive suite of therapies, including in-home and clinic-based ABA, speech therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and diagnostic services.
- Enhanced Continuity of Care: Offers families a single point of care with a coordinated team of specialists working together under one roof.
- Greater Access to Care: Expands the reach of both organizations, allowing more children and families to receive high-quality care.
- Team Development: Creates new opportunities for clinical collaboration and professional growth within an innovative, values-driven culture.
The acquisition is effective immediately. Both organizations will begin a seamless integration process to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality care for the children and families they serve.
For more information, visit joybridgekids.com.