Michele Magness – Pediatric Physical Therapist in Lakewood, NJ
Helping Kids Thrive with Physical Therapy
Hi, I’m Michele!
I’m a pediatric Physical Therapist with almost 30 years of experience helping children from infancy through young adulthood build strength, confidence, and independence. I specialize in developmental milestones, balance and posture, strengthening, coordination, and sports-related injuries, providing personalized, family-centered care in homes, daycares, and school settings. I’m passionate about empowering children and supporting families every step of the way!
Why I love what I do:
I love to support caregivers in building the confidence and skills they need to effectively support their child’s unique needs.
Why I’m passionate about in-home care:
In-home therapy allows me to work with children and their families in their natural environment while identifying their strengths, resources, concerns, and priorities to best support meaningful progress.
What does a Physical Therapist Do?
Developmental physical therapists support children in building movement and motor skills—so they can grow, explore, and move with confidence. If your child struggles with things like walking, climbing stairs, balance, or coordinating movements, a pediatric PT can help.
Pediatric PTs focus on:
- Gross motor skills – like crawling, walking, running, jumping, or riding a bike
- Balance and coordination – helping kids feel steady on their feet and move smoothly between activities
- Strength and endurance – building the muscle power kids need for play, sports, and daily activities
- Movement patterns – teaching proper ways to move that prevent injury and support healthy development
- Mobility and independence – helping kids navigate stairs, playgrounds, and their environment safely
Pediatric developmental physical therapy supports kids at home, at school, and during play—so they can feel confident and capable in how they move through their world every day.
Learn more about Physical Therapy with Coral Care, or see where we provide care in New Jersey.
My Specialties
I specialize in:
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How my practice is special
Lived Experience & Deep Empathy
With decades of experience as a pediatric physical therapist, and as a parent of a child with special needs, I bring a unique, firsthand understanding of the family journey, allowing me to provide truly compassionate and practical support.
Real-World, Natural Environment Therapy
I provide therapy in homes, daycares, and schools where children naturally learn and play so skills translate into meaningful, everyday success, independence, and confidence.
Whole-Child, Family-Centered Care
I focus on developmental milestones through a holistic, family-centered approach, ensuring progress is functional, relevant, and supportive of the child’s overall growth.
Areas I Serve
I work with families in Lakewood, and these surrounding areas: Brick, Point Pleasant, Manasquan, Howell, Freehold, and Toms River.
Brick
Point Pleasant
Manasquan
Howell
Freehold
Toms River
Local Places I love!
Amazon
Point Pleasant Beach
Spano’s Italian Restaurant
Frequently asked questions
Does Michele Magness accept insurance?
Yes. Michele Magness sees families through Coral Care, which is in-network with major commercial insurance plans in New Jersey. We check your benefits before the first session, so you know your cost up front.
How quickly can my child start with Michele Magness?
Most families start within 1 to 2 weeks of signing up, depending on Michele Magness's schedule. Book a 10-minute consultation to check availability.
Where do sessions with Michele Magness happen?
Michele Magness comes to you, in Lakewood, NJ and nearby towns like Brick and Point Pleasant. Sessions are in person, about 45 minutes, usually once a week.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis to start?
No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans need a pediatrician referral, and we'll tell you if yours does when we check your benefits.
Unsure about what your child needs?
Book a quick 10 minute consultation with me! Serving families in Lakewood near Lake Carasaljo. Easily accessible from US Route 9.
Who is Coral Care?
Coral Care supports families with exceptional in-home pediatric therapists in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Every provider in our network is thoroughly vetted through a clinical review process and receives ongoing support through monthly education, community, and access to specialized resources.
We believe the best care happens when disciplines work together. That’s why we actively support cross-specialty collaboration—ensuring kids get care that’s not just high-quality, but truly holistic.
Need more care for a child—or know a family who does?
