The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center is proud to announce Healing Synergy LLC as the recipient of the 2026 VGCC Small Business of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding small business that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, community impact, and entrepreneurial excellence.
Founded by Dr. Kavitha Krishnan, OTD, OTR/L, Healing Synergy was established with a simple but powerful mission: to ensure that children and families in rural communities have access to specialized, evidence-based pediatric therapy services close to home.
Located in Franklinton, Healing Synergy provides pediatric occupational therapy, feeding therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), NeuroFit cognitive training, Therapeutic Listening, and individualized family education. The practice is distinguished by its family-centered approach, evidence-based care, and commitment to treating every child as an individual.
With more than 30 years of experience in occupational therapy, leadership, research, and education, Dr. Krishnan recognized that many families in the region were traveling 45 minutes to an hour to receive services for children with autism, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and other specialized needs. Healing Synergy was created to eliminate those barriers by bringing high-quality care directly to communities in Franklin County.
“Healing Synergy represents everything this award is designed to recognize,” said Carolyn K. Perry, Director of the VGCC Small Business Center. “Dr. Krishnan has built a business that not only delivers exceptional care to children and families but also strengthens our region by creating jobs, expanding access to healthcare, and investing in the future of our communities.”
Growth and Impact
Over the past year, Healing Synergy has experienced significant growth, expanding its occupational therapy team from two therapists to five and rapidly growing its ABA program to meet increasing demand. The business continues to invest in innovative services while planning future offerings, such as animal-assisted therapy, expanded social skills programs, and additional wellness initiatives. Healing Synergy currently has eight staff members and anticipates creating two additional positions over the next 12 months.
Beyond its clinical services, Healing Synergy actively partners with schools, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations to promote autism awareness and create more sensory-friendly environments throughout the region. Dr. Krishnan has also been selected to participate in a national advocacy event in Washington, DC, where she will represent both healthcare providers and small businesses while highlighting the needs of rural communities.
Dr. Krishnan credits the VGCC Small Business Center as an important partner throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
“The Small Business Center has provided practical tools, educational opportunities, and ongoing support that have helped strengthen our business foundation and growth strategy,” said Dr. Krishnan. “Small business ownership can feel overwhelming at times, but the Center reminds entrepreneurs that they don’t have to navigate the journey alone.”
The VGCC Small Business of the Year Award celebrates entrepreneurs who demonstrate business success while making meaningful contributions to the local economy and quality of life throughout the communities served by Vance-Granville Community College. Past winners include the following:
About the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center
The Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College provides free, confidential counseling, educational seminars, and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and expand successful businesses across Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties. It is headquartered at the College’s South Campus in Creedmoor.
For more information about the VGCC Small Business Center and its services, visit www.vgcc.edu/small-business-center or call (252) 738-3240.
