About us.
Rachel is the founder of Minichiello Therapy Services, where she provides individualized care tailored to the unique needs of each family. Rachel is a Virginia licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP), International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMT) and Cranial Sacral Therapist (CST). Rachel has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology & Language Sciences from Virginia Polytechnic University and a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Old Dominion University.
With a strong foundation in evidence-based care and a heart for holistic, family-centered support, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge to her work with clients across the lifespan. As a wife and mother of two, Rachel deeply values the importance of serving the entire family unit, recognizing that supporting one member often benefits all. Her passion lies in walking alongside families during the early newborn period, throughout childhood, and even into adulthood - navigating challenges such as oral ties, feeding difficulties, airway concerns, and swallowing disorders with compassion and expertise. Rachel is committed to helping families experience lasting improvements in function, connection, and overall quality of life. Rachel serves her community in Virginia Beach, Virginia and surrounding areas.
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Rachel specializes in working with individuals with TOTS (tethered oral tissues), orofacial myofunctional disorders, feeding/swallowing, breast/bottle feeding, dysphagia, and aphasia.
Rachel has additional advanced training specifically in adult/geriatric dysphagia (swallowing), aphasia, infant/pediatric feeding & swallowing, breastfeeding & bottle-feeding, myofunctional therapy, speech sound disorders, cranial sacral therapy/bodywork.
Rachel Minichiello, M.S. Ed., CCC-SLP, IBCLC, CMT, CST
Alex is our Physical Therapist at Minichiello Therapy Services.
She is a board-certified physical therapist (PT) who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Penn State University in 2016 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Thomas Jefferson University in 2019.
After relocating to Virginia Beach and marrying her high school sweetheart in 2020, Dr. Alex’s family has grown. Her personal experiences as a parent have deepened her understanding of the challenges families may face during the early stages of their infant’s life. This perspective has further strengthened her commitment to supporting families through similar concerns.
Alex is passionate about delivering compassionate, individualized care and partnering with families to create a positive, supportive therapy experience.
Certifications/Courses
Alex in trained in torticollis, developmental delays, manual therapy, cerebral palsy, and other pediatric-specific diagnoses and treatments. She is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association Pediatrics section.
Dr. Alex Acton, PT, DPT
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