About Our Center
What Makes Us Special
At Bit by Bit, we’re more than just a therapeutic center—we’re a compassionate community dedicated to transforming lives. As an American Hippotherapy Association Registered Facility and a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center, we provide specialized speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Our programs harness the unique connection between humans and horses to inspire growth, build confidence, and foster healing. Every session is more than therapy; it’s a journey toward hope and achievement, designed to empower each individual we serve.
Our Dedicated Team
Behind this transformative work is our incredible team of 15-20 dedicated professionals, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists, PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, allied health student interns, and support staff. They work tirelessly to create a supportive and inspiring environment where every client can thrive. Our Board of Directors meets monthly, ensuring our mission stays strong and our vision grows. This journey wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of amazing volunteers who give their time and energy each year. Their invaluable contributions reflect the heart of Bit-By-Bit’s mission: to make a lasting difference, one step—or one ride—at a time.
Meet Our Staff
At Bit by Bit, our dedicated team of therapists, certified instructors, and support staff bring passion and expertise to every session. Get to know the compassionate individuals who make our transformative therapies possible and help our clients thrive, one step at a time
Denise Panariello MS, OTR/L
Executive Director
Denise has been working with children and families since 1996 in the mental health field. Denise received her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology in 2003 and her second Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2011. She has extensive training in applied behavior analysis/behavior therapy. Denise is a Certified Infant & Toddler Developmental Specialist.
Denise is also a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), an American Hippotherapy Association Registered Therapist, and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). Denise has been with Bit-By-Bit since 2011 and was promoted from senior therapist to Program Director in 2016 and is now the Executive Director since 2023. When not at the Bit by Bit barn, Denise can be found hanging out with retired therapy horse, Hank the Tank at his retirement home or watching her son AJ play junior ice hockey.
Liz Nerhus,MS,OTR/L
Program Manager
Liz originally is from Minnesota and now lives with her husband Kai, baby Piper, and dog Goober in Miami Gardens. She graduated with her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2019. Liz has over 4 years of pediatric outpatient experience and started at Bit by Bit as a part-time therapist in March of 2021 before transitioning to full-time. Liz is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and has experience working with children 1-22 years old with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and sensory processing dysfunction. Liz loves all things horses and you can usually find her at the barn riding and hanging out with our herd!
Susan March RPT
Board of Directors & Founding Member
In the year 2000, Susan was a practicing pediatric therapist with a love of horses. While covering for another therapist she discovered a treatment strategy called hippotherapy. She was so amazed and intrigued by this new type of therapy that soon, in conjunction with friend and colleague Kathleen Pegues and a few passionate parents, they founded Bit by Bit in 2002. Susan and Kathy each
purchased a horse and began treating their first 4 patients. In December of 2015, after years of hard work, the long held goal of purchasing a barn came true! The program grew and today offers over
500 therapy sessions per month.
Originally from Connecticut, Susan has been practicing as a Physical Therapist for over 40 years.
Her tremendous experience in the areas of physical dysfunction, neurological impairments, and
sensory processing disorders has traversed the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Kathleen Pegues MS, OTR/L
Board of Directors & Founding Member
Kathleen is originally from the Bronx, New York where she attended the Bronx High School of Science. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Biology from the State University of New York at Albany. She received her post-graduate degree from Florida International University in Occupational Therapy. Kathleen has specialized in pediatrics and equine assisted therapies since 1998. Kathleen is both a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and AHA registered therapist. In 2012, Kathleen won the Gail Hills, PhD, OTR, FAOTA Award for Scholarship in Occupational Therapy from the Department of Health Sciences at Florida International University. Kathleen served for 14 years as our Executive Director and retired in 2016. She currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors.
Our Horses
Get To Know Our Horses
Contact Us
Whether you’re interested in learning more about donating to our organization or exploring our programs and facilities, we’re here to provide all the details you need. Your questions and support mean the world to us, and we’re committed to assisting you every step of the way. Simply fill out the form below, and one of our dedicated team members will reach out to you shortly. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about how you can make a difference!
