
Our Team.
Welcome to the pediatric OT team at ECT! Led by our founder and supervising therapist, Steven Strouse, our dedicated team includes Elliott, who transitioned from a COTA to an OTR/L, and Hayley Dotson, a passionate COTA/L who joined us right after graduating. You can feel confident knowing you are in excellent hands with any of our therapists. We are committed to finding the perfect match for your therapy needs!


Steven Strouse, OTD, OTR/L
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Founder & Co-Owner
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Pediatric Occupational Therapist
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Early Intervention Specialist
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Feeding Specialist
Steven Strouse, OTD, OTR/L, is the founder and lead occupational therapist of East Coast Therapies. A native of Brunswick County, North Carolina, Steven began his career as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant before becoming an occupational therapist in 2022. His educational background includes degrees in occupational therapy, psychology, and gerontology, culminating in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University with a focus on pediatric feeding.
Steven specializes in early childhood development, feeding, sensory regulation, self-care, and motor skills. He believes therapy should be purposeful, playful, and practical while empowering caregivers with strategies that support their child’s continued growth. Outside of work, Steven enjoys science fiction, fantasy, video games, family time, and life with his Golden Retriever, King.

Elliott Rodgers, MOT, OTR/L
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Co-Owner
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Pediatric Occupational Therapist
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Early Intervention Specialist
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Feeding & Mealtime Support
Elliott is a pediatric occupational therapist with more than six years of experience serving children and families, beginning his career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant before becoming an OTR/L. He is passionate about early intervention and supporting children with developmental delays, autism, sensory differences, and challenges affecting participation in everyday routines. Elliott brings creativity, playfulness, and practical problem-solving into each therapy session. Becoming a father has further strengthened his ability to connect with young children and understand the needs of their caregivers.
Outside of work, Elliott enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, video gaming, and spending time with his wife, Britta, their two-year-old son, Hudson, and their two dogs.

Hayley Dotson, COTA/L
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Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant
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Early Intervention Provider
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Feeding & Mealtime Support
Hayley is a pediatric Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who graduated from Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s OTA program in December 2025. After completing a full-time clinical rotation with East Coast Therapies, she was hired immediately following graduation and has been serving children and families ever since. Hayley primarily works with children from birth to age three in homes and daycares throughout central Myrtle Beach, while also treating older children. She especially enjoys supporting children with developmental delays, feeding challenges, and functional difficulties through creative, playful activities.
Hayley lives in Myrtle Beach with her fiancé and their many pets—be sure to ask her about them! Her extensive animal-care knowledge grew from caring for numerous types of animals and from her previous career at PetSmart. Outside of therapy, Hayley owns a bakery and sells her delicious cakes, breads, and other treats at the Myrtle Beach Farmers Market near the Carolina Forest Library on Wednesdays.
