Pine Tree OT

10/01/2025

Here’s an example:

I have been working with a child whose family values his school readiness skills and his ability to participate in learning. This is very important to his future and his independence. He however sees any sort of typical “school” related work and it’s one giant trigger wrapped up in a nice package.

🔴Based on the definition above- If I were to use EXTRINSIC motivation to get him to participate in OT sessions I may suggest a reward for completing each step of OT. I may suggest to the parent a reward system for each task he completes.

🛑 However… this works until it doesn’t. Because this neurodivergent child loses buy in after a while when the reward isn’t too great, or maybe not as consistent as we’d like it to be. He also goes through the motions, speed racer through it all enough to get it done to get his reward.

⚪️An INTRINSIC motivation based session looks much different. I will make it my first goal to know his strengths, to figure out what he loves to do and I will use it to guide my sessions so that he can build skills organically while doing something he already enjoys doing.

👍🏼 Why does this work better? I get to grow a trusting relationship with him and continue to learn about him. We aren’t fighting through battles of participation and constant correction or redirection. He learns I am consistent and trustworthy, and heck, maybe even fun!

🌲 He gets to learn and develop skills as a byproduct of joy- instead of being left feeling depleted and overwhelmed in order to get a short lived reward.

09/23/2025

🌈 Neurodivergence is not the issue. Ableism is.

09/20/2025

✨ Did you know kids learn and regulate best when more than one sense is engaged at a time?

This is called a multi-sensory approach — and it’s backed by brain science. 🧠
When vision, hearing, movement, touch, and body awareness all work together, the brain builds stronger pathways. More pathways = stronger learning, better attention, and more flexible regulation.

That’s why multi-sensory play is especially powerful for neurodivergent kids (autism, ADHD, sensory differences). Their brains thrive on movement + hands-on, whole-body learning. 💪🌈

Multi-sensory = not “extra” — it’s essential.

09/02/2025

✨ Back-to-School Support for Little Ones ✨

Is your child struggling with sensory processing, emotional regulation, or adjusting to back-to-school routines?

You’re not alone 💛

As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with 9 years of experience—and a mom of 3 who has also directed a childcare center—I understand how important connection and chaos reduction are. My goal is to support families with practical, personalized strategies that make daily life easier.

📩 Send me a message if you’d like guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Together, we can help them feel calm, confident, and ready to thrive!🌲

08/29/2025

🌟 Pediatric Occupational Therapy – In Your Home or Community! 🌟

Do you have a little one (ages 0–5) who are neurodivergent and/or have developmental differences?

I would love to work with your family!

I’m a licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 9 years of experience supporting children and families. I provide home and community-based therapy—so I come to you!

✔️ Play-based and family-centered
✔️ Special training in Autism & ADHD
✔️ Support with daily routines, play skills, motor skills, and regulation
✔️ MaineCare accepted

🤍My goal is to help your child thrive while making therapy fun and stress-free for your family.

🌲Message here on Facebook or send an email to pinetreeot@gmail.com

08/06/2025

🏡 Homeschooling a neurodivergent child is an amazing opportunity — but it can also come with unique challenges. As a pediatric OT who is a certified Autism and ADHD specialist, I help families create supportive, regulation-based learning environments that honor your child’s brain and body.

Here’s how I can help your homeschooled child thrive:

🌈 Individualized Sensory Support
→ Tailored strategies to help your child stay calm, engaged, and regulated throughout the day.

🧠Executive Function Coaching
→ Build routines, time awareness, flexible thinking, and organization in neuroaffirming ways.

🎯 Strengths-Based Learning Tools
→ Adapt tasks to match your child’s natural strengths and interests—boosting motivation and confidence.

💬 Communication & Self-Advocacy Skills
→ Support for using visuals, AAC, or scripts to express needs and navigate challenges.

🎧Nervous System Regulation
→ Incorporating sensory-motor breaks, using evidence based modalities
Pland movement routines that actually work with your child’s nervous system.

💡 Parent Coaching & Environmental Adaptation
→ You’ll feel empowered with practical, compassionate tools that align with your homeschool goals.

🌱 Whether you’re new to homeschooling or need fresh ideas to support your neurodivergent learner, I’m here to walk alongside you—neuroaffirming, collaborative, and strength-focused.

🌟 The best part? I can travel to your home or wherever you are with your learner!

📩 DM me to learn more

08/05/2025

I’ve had a unique perspective being on all sides of things over my career. In schools, preparing for school, and treating children outside of school. There are so many amazing providers and educators across these environments, but there are also many stories shared that leave me speechless.

Know your rights.
Know your child’s rights.
There is no “that parent.”
You are their biggest advocate.🌲

07/20/2025

06/24/2025

Over the last few years I have found one of the most frequently missed items in all the testing children have had before are primitive reflexes.

Think about a ladder. You CANNOT get to the top of that ladder without climbing each rung first.

Like a ladder, the brain cannot get to the highest level of thinking if we have parts that are still wired for infancy or toddlerhood.

The body is incredible and the brain and the body work together to make adaptations- but there will always be signs 🚩 that a primitive reflex may be retained.

Today I’m highlighting ATNR (Assymetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) because it is hands down the most frequently retained reflex I’ve seen.

Many children:
-May have diagnosed ADHD or Autism
-Can be considered clumsy
-Have diagnosed dyslexia
-Have balance difficulties
-Have fine motor delays
-A very tight pencil grip and/or heavy pressure
-Difficulty with shifting from the board to their paper at school
-Tasks like riding a bicycle may be extra challenging

If this sounds like this could be your child, I am excited to be offering a customized home exercise program so you can work on these skills at home through play!

Message me for more information.

06/23/2025

I have a couple days per week off with my children this summer and I know we needed a way to have some structure to our fun while still having fun!

I combined my 7 years in early childhood education, my 10+ years working with children and my 6+ years of momming to come up with the sample schedule at the end.

🔑 Keep it consistent in time and duration but flexible enough with the activities that you aren’t pulling your hair out.

🔑 Your activities don’t need to look like a Pinterest board. Simple is better.

🔑 Don’t buy anything if you don’t need to. Use household items and nature.

🔑 Go outside!! This is where that flexibility comes in. You have blocked outside time but activity time can be outside too.

🔑 Use free local experiences- the library, parks, ball fields, arboretums, splash pads, etc

🔑 Eat when they do. A nourished parent is a regulated one 😉

06/20/2025

If you are:
-Hoping to avoid medication for your child as long as possible, or want to try everything possible first
-Want to help your child with self regulation skills
-Feeling stuck because you don’t know how to help your child’s anxiety
-Are stuck on waitlists for therapies but want to be able to do something right now

I have been a Safe and Sound Protocol Certified Therapist for years now, and I have seen firsthand, the positive impact it has had on children.
Ive seen:
-Increase in impulse control
-Enhanced language skills
-Decreased emotional outbursts and increased states of calm
-Increased motor control
-Increased sensory stimuli tolerance

I’ve used it with children who:
-Have ODD
-Have severe tantrums and outbursts
-Are Autistic
-Have ADHD

And there was at least one positive outcome for them all.

How this works:
1. You start with a free virtual consult with me, and we talk about your concerns and if the program is appropriate.
2. I send you access to the program and you fill out an extensive pretest so we can go back and compare the end results
3.You start the program on the individualized manner I provide for you
4.We check back in at the end of the program where you complete your post test and we decide how to move forward from there

What you need:
-Headphones that go over the ear
-A device such as a laptop, iPad, phone that you can download the app on
-A comfortable space within your home that is free from distractions
-A few items for your child to manipulate during the program: coloring tools, fidgets, play doh, etc.

If you are interested please message me or email at pinetreeot@gmail.com

05/20/2025

A workshop for parents to help them stay sane this summer, learn some new and relevant parenting skills, and getting time to connect with other members of the community.

Sometimes a “me too,” adult conversation, and empowerment to do our best is exactly what we need.

Drop a comment if you’re interested!!