Mai Lee Payne, MS, OTR/L

Executive Director & Occupational Therapist

Mai Lee is the Owner of Advance for Kids in Calhoun and Rome. She completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, where she obtained a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Occupational Therapy. Mai Lee opened Advance for Kids with a desire and vision to meet the demands of the special needs community in Northwest Georgia. She wanted to create a clinic that put quality of care first and to provide an exceptional work environment for her employees. In 2003, the Calhoun location opened followed by the Rome location in 2010. In addition to this, she has served as the supervising OT in Chattooga County Schools (since 2007) and Calhoun City Schools (since 2023). The company has also served Georgia School for the Deaf for all their therapy needs since 2015. Mai Lee’s pediatric experience includes treating children with a variety of neurologic conditions, genetic disorders, and various developmental delays within the school system, early intervention, and outpatient settings. She has a strong passion for serving others and supporting her community. Mai Lee currently resides in Rome with her husband and three sons. In her spare time, she likes to volunteer for national and local causes, attend community events with her family, go on mission trips, craft, travel anywhere, and try new foods!


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