Just how did Blossom Beyond Boundaries come to be and what exactly do we offer?
Let's talk about the how first!
I have worked in pediatric OT for a LONG time - a little over 20 years at this point. I've worked in just about every pediatric setting you can think of between employment and fieldwork opportunities. There were many times over the years that I wanted to own my own practice, but there was always an excuse or something holding me back. We needed the benefits. I would have to do my own taxes. What if no one comes to me? What if I FAIL?
As my career path changed and shifted over the years, so did my life, and to be blatantly honest, my health. I was diagnosed with my first autoimmune disorder in 2021 while I was teaching in academia. My medical team was able to help me manage it fairly well until summer of 2022. I found myself on a leave of absence, driving further for care, trying medications that made me feel awful and exacerbated my migraines, and not being able to do what I was used to doing. After a year on a leave, I realized I wasn't going to be able to return to academia nor any other job that did not offer at least some bit of flexibility. I tried other part time jobs that were not "OT jobs" but utilized my skills, but never seemed to work out. In the midst of this, enter autoimmune diagnoses 2 & 3 of dysautonomia and orthostatic intolerance. Not to mention during this time I had a significant exacerbation of my mental health diagnoses and related symptoms. After countless hours of appointments and being on the road to a better place, as well as seeing my own kiddos struggle with mental health, I knew I wanted to do something out of the box to utilize my OT skills - AND, maybe realize that dream my of own OT practice in the process.
With lots of continuous research and learning, I began the lengthy process of completing all of the background steps that need to happen before beginning your own private practice. I started making lists, thinking about processes, and much more and got the ball rolling!
So what do we offer?
I didn't want to be like every other OT practice out there. While there is a need for traditional OT (and I do offer that), there is also such a need for services that PROMOTE development, well-being, and health for all individuals, not just those with a diagnosed need. This has especially become apparent in the post-COVID world and just the culture and society we live in today. Mental health has also come to the forefront of what I want to address.
Traditional OT services are available both virtually and in-person. In addition, I offer ergonomics and executive function consultations, as well as car seat evaluations. Infant massage classes/lessons will be added in the near future, as well as virtual groups to promote a variety of skills. Parent coaching and education sessions to promote typical development will be included, as well as a resource library and shop of materials that I have personally designed and made. My service menu is a work in progress, with lots more to come so be sure to follow along with me on this journey!
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