JoyBridge Kids Acquires Pediatric Advanced Therapy, Expanding Multidisciplinary Care Offerings

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 5, 2025--

JoyBridge Kids (JBK), a leading provider of compassionate and multidisciplinary care for children with autism and their families in the Southeast, today announced its acquisition of Pediatric Advanced Therapy (PAT), a North Carolina-based provider of pediatric speech, occupational, physical therapy along with counseling services. This strategic move unites two organizations dedicated to putting children first and significantly expands the ability to offer comprehensive, integrated therapy services across a broader region.

The acquisition combines Pediatric Advanced Therapy’s broad clinical pediatric expertise with JoyBridge Kids’ established, joyful, and high quality approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and integrated services. The union will create a robust platform of multidisciplinary care, 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 fabulous families into the JoyBridge Kids community,” said Mike Cairnes, CEO of JoyBridge Kids. “PAT’s reputation for clinical excellence and their focus on speech, occupational, physical therapy plus counseling 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 in the Southeast. As a 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 stay on with the combined businesses, commented on the acquisition, “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 the highest clinical quality care. Our therapists will now be able to serve more children and families with even greater resources and support, all 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 thrive. This acquisition will further enhance clinical collaboration by bringing an expanded team of therapists across disciplines together to work seamlessly for the benefit of the child. The mission is about the kids.

Charley French, a partner with Frontline Healthcare Partners, who have an ownership stake in JoyBridge Kids commented, “This is a classic case where 1 + 1 = 3. 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 ABA (in home plus in clinic), speech, feeding, occupational, physical therapies plus counseling and psychological testing.
• Enhanced continuity of care: Offers families a single point of care and a coordinated team of specialists under one roof.
• Greater access to care: Expands the reach of both organizations to serve more children and families.
• Team development: Creates new opportunities for clinical collaboration, professional growth within an innovative and values oriented culture.

This acquisition is effective immediately. Both organizations will begin a seamless process to ensure uninterrupted and high quality care. For more information, visit joybridgekids.com.

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KEYWORD: NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FAMILY HEALTH CONSUMER PHYSICAL THERAPY OTHER HEALTH CHILDREN MANAGED CARE

SOURCE: Frontline Healthcare Partners

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PUB: 11/05/2025 11:10 AM/DISC: 11/05/2025 11:10 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104874307/en