Noreen Zulaica began TOTS like many companies do—with an idea. What made it special was her vision: to create the kind of pediatric therapy practice she would want for her own child if she were a special needs parent.
Humble Beginnings
In 2003, Noreen—founder, owner, and sole clinician of the newly formed TOTS—was working out of her car and treating patients in their homes. While TOTS was new, Noreen brought 15 years of experience as a physical therapist (PT). She quickly stood out for both her exceptional clinical skills and the deep care she showed her patients.
In many ways, however, TOTS in those early days resembled other single-provider therapy practices.
A Turning Point: Innovation in Care
The turning point came when families of her patients showed interest in a novel intervention: the intensive therapy model. Driven by her commitment to meeting their needs, Noreen recognized the value of this approach and took a leap.
She became certified in the Therasuit model, purchased a universal exercise unit along with the Therasuit and other necessary equipment, and began offering intensive therapy sessions—in her basement. In doing so, she became the first provider in Georgia to offer this model.
Growth and Expansion
As demand grew, so did the team. Noreen hired occupational therapists, including Rosie Donahue and Marion Viar—both of whom are still with TOTS today. The practice soon moved into its first office space, a 1,400-square-foot facility.
Not long after, Noreen hired her first patient care coordinator, Melanie Sudge, who also remains part of the TOTS team.
The reputation of both Noreen and TOTS continued to grow. Patients began traveling not only from across the state, but from across the country—and even internationally—to access both intensive and traditional therapy services.
In 2007, TOTS expanded into a larger 5,000-square-foot space at the Teron Trace Hamilton Mill location. Continued growth led to the addition of new services, including speech therapy, camps, aquatic therapy, paddleboarding therapy sessions, and specialized programs such as OT intensive therapy, CIMT, and feeding therapy.
Reaching New Communities
Recognizing the need to serve more families, TOTS expanded into new communities, opening a Gainesville location in 2018 and a Brookhaven location in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Hamilton Mill location continued to grow, eventually occupying multiple suites totaling over 9,000 square feet to meet increasing demand.
A New Chapter: The Veranda Location
This growth led to the realization of another dream: building a custom, brick-and-mortar space designed specifically for TOTS. In September 2024, TOTS opened its second Dacula location—now known as Veranda.
With 10,000 square feet of treatment space and additional outdoor areas, the Veranda location represents the culmination of 20 years of growth, as well as an expansion of the original vision.
Staying True to the Mission
While TOTS looks very different today compared to the original “Tiny TOTS” team and office, its growth has allowed Noreen to extend her founding vision and core values—excellence, innovation, teamwork, community, and care—to a much broader group of patients.
Noreen continues to strive toward building not only the kind of practice she would want for her own child, but also a place that feels like a home away from home for her staff.
Looking Ahead
It will be exciting to see where the next 20 years take TOTS.
