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Shannon Rolph Occupational Therapy, Guelph, ON (2026)

09/18/2025

Have you ever seen your child hanging back at recess or birthday parties — on the outside looking in? Maybe they want to join, but don’t quite know how.

At Kids in the Woods, we meet kids right there. We don’t force or cajole. Instead, we get curious about what feels safe, and create bridges into play that honour their needs. It might be handing them the role of group photographer. It might be giving them the job of “clue keeper” in a scavenger hunt. Little by little, kids learn they can join in authentically — and when they do, their confidence soars.

These groups are feel truly magical - maybe it's being immersed in the incredible land of the Old Growth Forest, or maybe it's the way we see kids grow and change and really settle into themselves over the course of the 10 weeks we're together. Either way, it's one of our favourite ways to do OT!

Registration for fall closes TOMORROW. There are still a couple of spots in our Tuesday and Thursday morning groups. If your child has ever felt on the outside, this could be the place where they discover they belong.

Learn more and grab a spot at the link in my bio!

(If you don't see a time for a meet and greet call on my calendar, drop me a DM and let's chat!)

09/16/2025

One child weaving a crown of leaves. Another scavenging for the perfect stick. A small group creating a bug hotel. Every child engages differently, and that’s the beauty of nature. There’s no single “right” way to join in. Each activity becomes a chance to practice flexibility, problem-solving, and leadership.

For kids who often feel like they don’t quite fit in typical group settings, this freedom is a breath of fresh air — literally. It’s where they learn, “I belong here. I can do this. My way of engaging matters.”

Our fall Kids in the Woods program is where confidence grows naturally (and through the support of highly skilled facilitators who have loads of experience supporting neurodivergent and anxious kids!).

We still have spots in both morning groups, starting Sept 22. Registration closes Sept 19.

Learn more and snag a spot at the link in my bio!

09/15/2025

Parents often ask: “If I’m not at the sessions, how will I know what my child is learning?”

We strongly believe that parents are an essential part of success in Occupational Therapy - so we’ve built parent connection right into our Kids in the Woods program!. Each week, you’ll receive updates in our private Google Classroom — complete with photos of what your child explored and reflections on the skills we’re building together. When possible, we also share extra resources so you can deepen your own understanding and help support your child’s growth at home.

Parents from past groups often say it feels like they were right there in the woods. And best of all, it equips you to carry the learning forward — because real change happens when skills practiced in the forest are also noticed, celebrated, and reinforced at home.

Our fall 10-week program begins Sept 22. There are still spots in Tuesday and Thursday morning groups, but registration closes Sept 19.

09/14/2025

Not every child feels ready to jump right into group play — and that’s very okay with us!

Last year, one of our quieter friends stood on the edges while others built a giant fort. Instead of pushing them to join in before they were ready, we leaned into their interests and invited them to be the group photographer.

Suddenly, they weren’t on the outside looking in anymore. They were documenting the action, laughing alongside peers, and contributing in a way that felt right for them. Over the weeks, that small but powerful invitation built confidence — and by the end of the session, they were stepping into play more often, and more willingly.

This is what we mean by neurodiversity-affirming support: honouring each child’s way of engaging, while gently stretching their comfort zone at the right pace.

If you see your child on the edges of play, wishing to join but unsure how, this program was designed for them. Our fall session begins Sept 22. Morning groups still have space — but only until Sept 19.

Learn more and register at the link in my bio🌳

09/13/2025

Picture this: the group bursts into laughter as they dash through the forest, searching under branches and lifting stones to uncover hidden puzzle pieces. Piece by piece, they reveal the message of the week.

It looks like simple fun, but here’s what’s really happening: kids are learning how to collaborate, communicate, and solve problems together. They’re practicing flexibility when a clue doesn’t make sense, and celebrating each other’s discoveries along the way. These are the skills that don’t come easily to every child — but when learned through play and guided by supportive adults, they stick.

That’s what Kids in the Woods is all about: building social skills and confidence through experiences that feel like adventure.

Our 10-week fall session starts Sept 22. We still have spots in our Tuesday and Thursday morning groups, and registration closes Sept 19. Drop a 🌳 in the comments if you’d like more details.

09/12/2025

Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that show the biggest growth. 🌿 A child pauses to marvel at a snail crawling slowly on a log. In that quiet moment, you see focus, calm, and curiosity all come alive. These aren’t just “nice” moments in nature — they’re opportunities for regulation and connection.

When kids are immersed in nature, their nervous systems settle into a calm and alert state. This “just right” place is where learning, problem-solving, and relationship-building really happen. Add in the guidance of skilled OTs, and in groups of their peers, kids are supported to stretch into new skills in a way that feels authentic, safe, and even fun.

Our fall Kids in the Woods program begins Sept 22. It runs for 10 weeks, with groups on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Registration closes Sept 19, and we still have 2 spots left in each morning group. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time.

Learn more and register at the link in my bio🌳

09/11/2025

Kids in the Woods is a unique program where kids come together to be their true selves, cultivate friendships with peers, and discover their leadership qualities.

Through a powerful combination of nature, play, and fun we strategically plan sessions to help enhance their social skills and self-confidence!

At Kids in the Woods, we harness the power of the great outdoors to help your child grow socially and emotionally. We blend structured learning, planned activities, and child-led play to tailor our approach to each group's unique needs.

Our mission? Build communication, teamwork, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities, all while enjoying the regulating and engaging power of nature.

WHO'S KIDS IN THE WOODS FOR?

Starting the week of September 22, this 100% outdoor program is perfect for kids in JK - grade 6 eager to boost their social skills and confidence.

Our afternoon groups are full, but spaces remain in our morning JK - Grade 2 groups!

These groups have small ratios and a super knowledgeable and dedicated team – a registered Occupational Therapist, an OT Assistant, and often a volunteer

Are you curious about whether this program is the right fit for your family? Just drop a 🌳 in the comments, and we'll send you more details!

09/10/2025

Did you know that spending time in nature has a profound impact on children's well-being, both in the short and long term? Studies have shown that time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function.

But the benefits of nature connection go beyond just feeling good in the moment. Studies have also shown that children who spend time in nature are more likely to develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment and take action to protect it. 🌳

At Kids in the Woods, we believe in the power of nature to support children's well-being. Our evidence-based approach combines the best of occupational therapy with the magic of the great outdoors to help children build social and emotional skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Through structured learning, planned activities, and child-led exploration, we help children develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills that will serve them well into the future. And by fostering a connection to nature early on, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Our fall session is just around the corner, and we have ⭐️2 spaces remaining!⭐️ We would love for your child to join us to build their connection to both nature and their peers!

Learn more and register at the link in my bio

09/04/2025

Kids in the Woods is a unique program where kids come together to be their true selves, cultivate friendships with peers, and discover their leadership qualities.

Through a powerful combination of nature, play, and fun we strategically plan sessions to help enhance their social skills and self-confidence!

At Kids in the Woods, we harness the power of the great outdoors to help your child grow socially and emotionally. We blend structured learning, planned activities, and child-led play to tailor our approach to each group’s unique needs.

Our mission? Build communication, teamwork, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities, all while enjoying the regulating and engaging power of nature.

WHO’S KIDS IN THE WOODS FOR?

Starting the week of September 16th, this 100% outdoor program is perfect for kids in JK - grade 6 eager to boost their social skills and confidence.

These groups shine with small ratios and a super knowledgeable and dedicated team – a registered Occupational Therapist, an OT Assistant, and often a volunteer.

We pride ourselves on being a neurodiversity affirming space, and work hard to promote peer relationships in a truly authentic way (no masking here!).

Our afternoon groups are full, but we have some spaces remaining in our JK - Grade 2 morning groups!

Are you curious about whether this program is the right fit for your family? Click the link in my bio for more information, or drop your questions in the comments below!
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09/02/2025

🌿 I'm so excited to introduce Emilee, a super valued member of our team! 🌿

Growing up, Emilee spent weekends camping and exploring the outdoors with her family, where she found a deep connection to nature. As an adult, she continues to prioritize time outside, finding that it brings her a sense of calm and balance.

But what really sets Emilee apart is her holistic approach to therapy. She believes in looking at the whole person, not just the symptoms or behaviours, and is passionate about helping others live meaningful lives, regardless of their abilities or challenges. Her approach goes beyond the typical medical model, focusing on what truly matters to each individual.

We’re thrilled to have Emilee as part of the team and can’t wait for you to experience the care and expertise she brings to our practice.

08/27/2025

I'm not sure that a 'calm' morning routine is actually an achievable goal for families, but I do believe that a bit of mindful planning can make a difference in how the morning feels.

Here’s how you can create a morning routine that supports success:

- Start with a Visual Schedule: Outlining expectations for the morning can help to reduce stress. (Download a free customizable visual schedule at the link in my bio!)
- Build in Extra Time: Avoid the rush by allowing a bit of extra time for a smoother start.
- Add Connection Time: Spend a few moments connecting with your child to help them feel secure.

Shannon Rolph Occupational Therapy

09/18/2025

09/16/2025

09/15/2025

09/14/2025

09/13/2025

09/12/2025

09/11/2025

09/10/2025

09/04/2025

09/02/2025

08/27/2025

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