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Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services

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Montevideo, MN
Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services

Serving the Montevideo area in MN.

Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services provides pediatric and mental health occupational therapy services, specializing in infant massage, mental and social skills, motor delays, self-regulation, and sensory processing.

03/22/2026

I’ll be honest: lately, I’ve been feeling the need for a serious mental reset. We talk a lot about self-care in therapy, but practicing it isn't always about quiet meditation—sometimes, it’s about a change of scenery and a little bit of "llama drama." 🦙

My family and I decided to lean into the adventure this weekend with a trip to Carlson’s Lovable Llamas. There is something incredibly grounding about walking a llama; they require you to be present, patient, and—let’s be real—a little bit playful. After spending the morning taking care of our new wooly friends, we capped off the day with a playground, shopping, and visited some local wineries to toast to a day well-spent. 🍷🥰

Why a "Mental Reset" Matters:
• Breaking the Routine: Stepping out of your daily environment helps "unstick" repetitive stress loops.
• Animal Connection: Interacting with animals is proven to lower cortisol levels and increase feelings of calm.
• The Power of Play: Adventure reminds us that we aren't just workers, parents, or partners—we are explorers, too.

This trip was exactly what I needed for my own mental health. It’s a reminder that even when we’re dedicated to helping others find their Sisu (that inner strength and grit), we have to take the time to refill our own tanks first. 💪

A Note to You: What does your "reset" look like? Whether it’s a llama trek, a quiet hike, or just a day of permission to do nothing—make sure you’re carving out that space.

03/17/2026

Mother Nature is a tease! Just as we were dreaming of spring, we were gifted another storm. Since the snow is back for the next few days, it’s the perfect time to try an activity we loved earlier this winter: Snow Painting!

We brought the "winter wonderland" inside by filling a wagon with fresh snow to create art with food dye. It’s a great way to work on:

• Fine Motor Skills: Detailing with brushes and steadying those pours.
• Grip & Coordination: Mastering "dump and fill" motions.
• Imaginative Play: I even got a colorful "birthday cake" that made me 16 again! 🎂✨

Not a fan of food dye? No problem! Over the next few days, try using these alternatives to add color to your snow:
• Washable Liquid Watercolors (vibrant and easy to clean!)
• Bath Drops/Fizzy Tints
• Crushed Chalk
• Beet or Berry Juice (for a 100% natural option)

It’s time to grab some snow and start creating!

03/06/2026

🍷 Meat Hotdish & Muddy Magic

Tonight’s menu at the finest 5-star outdoor bistro: “Meat hotdish from a cow, broccoli, chocolate cake, and wine with special lights.” 🐄🍰✨

While the "chef" (in the red jacket and yellow gloves) was busy whipping up this culinary masterpiece, he was actually engaging in a powerhouse of developmental work. At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, we love outdoor muddy play because "messy" is just another word for "learning!"

Why do we prescribe a little mud for the soul? 🪵💧

• Sensory Processing: Feeling the squish of "meat hotdish" and the grit of "chocolate cake" helps children regulate their tactile (touch) systems. It’s the ultimate way to desensitize picky eaters or children who are sensitive to different textures.

• Fine Motor Coordination: Using a ladle to scoop mud into a pan or gripping a fork to "serve" dinner builds the hand strength and dexterity needed for things like handwriting and buttoning clothes.

• Executive Functioning: Designing a multi-course meal requires planning, sequencing (first we mix, then we bake!), and working memory.

• Bilateral Integration: Holding the bowl with one hand while vigorous stirring with the other helps the two sides of the brain talk to each other.

• Language & Social Skills: Labeling "broccoli" and "wine" while role-playing "supper" expands vocabulary and helps children understand social roles and routines.

Sometimes, the best Occupational Therapy doesn't happen at a desk—it happens at the picnic table under the string lights with a bowl of dirt and a whole lot of imagination.

Does your little one have a signature mud dish? Tell us your thoughts or what’s on their menu in the comments! 👇

03/01/2026

So grateful for a day of learning and connection! ☀️

Annika had the pleasure of attending a conference today by her dear friend and colleague, Mel Homan, in Rosemount, MN. Mel is a skilled Occupational Therapist who is doing big things in the world of regulation and coaching.

We spent the wellness day exploring Sensory Ladders and finding new ways to help our community thrive. Annika is so excited to bring these tools back to you and incorporate them into practice!

Give Mel a follow and see what she’s up to:
https://www.melhoman.com

02/21/2026

What a week! 😅✨

First, a huge THANK YOU to everyone for your patience as Annika caught up on new referrals, phone calls, and texts. It’s been a whirlwind in the best way possible!

Annika had the absolute honor of being a guest speaker at the Dawson-Boyd ECFE & Preschool event this week. She spent the evening presenting on fine motor skills and, her favorite part, getting hands-on with kids and parents! We played, practiced new techniques, and shared the magic of Occupational Therapy.

Between presenting on fine motor skills and playing with some amazing kiddos, it was a week to remember. There is nothing better than promoting OT through play!

Wishing you all a restful and wonderful weekend! ☀️

02/13/2026

✨ How to Become a Client at Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services ✨

Many people have been asking about the process of becoming a client at Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services — so here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help!

1️⃣ Contact your medical provider (pediatrician, doctor, or nurse practitioner).
Ask them to fax a referral to Annika at 320-321-5735.
Recent office notes, psychological evaluations, social worker documentation, etc. are also very helpful!

2️⃣ Referral Received
Once Annika receives the referral, a parent/guardian will be contacted with instructions to register through our secure, HIPAA-compliant Electronic Medical Record system.

3️⃣ Complete Paperwork & Insurance Information
Fill out the intake forms and submit your insurance details through the portal.

4️⃣ Insurance Verification
Annika and/or her biller will verify your insurance benefits and coverage.

5️⃣ Schedule Your Evaluation
Once everything is confirmed, Annika will reach out to schedule your child’s evaluation and get started!

At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, we are here to walk alongside families every step of the way 💙

If you have questions, feel free to reach out — Annika is happy to help!

02/07/2026

I hopped on the trend, and honestly? Spot on. ☕️🍷😅

In Occupational Therapy, self-care is a necessity, not a luxury—especially for parents. You can’t pour from an empty cup!

At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, I’m working on that balance: coffee for the workday and an occasional glass (or two 😉) of wine for the evening. OT is about the art of living well. Don't forget to refill your cup today, and have a great weekend! ✨

01/22/2026

Welcome, MN Winter! 🥶 With anticipated -45 wind chills heading our way, it looks like many of us will be hunkering down inside. And for those of us with kids, that often means getting creative with indoor play!

As an Occupational Therapist and a mom, I know firsthand how important it is to keep little bodies and minds engaged, even when the weather keeps us indoors. And honestly, isn't it kind of fun to have an OT as your mom sometimes? 😉

One of my favorite, parent-friendly ways to get those wiggles out and boost development is with an indoor obstacle course! You don't need fancy equipment – just use what you have around the house: pillows to climb over, blankets to crawl under, chairs to weave through, or even a line of tape on the floor to balance on.

I have so many conversations with parents about the amazing benefits of obstacle courses for kids:

• Gross Motor Skills: They get to practice climbing, crawling, jumping, and balancing, strengthening those big muscles!

• Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to navigate each "obstacle" is a fantastic brain workout.

• Motor Planning: Kids learn to plan their movements in sequence, which is a crucial skill for everyday tasks.

• Sensory Input: They experience different textures, movements, and body positions, helping their brains organize sensory information.

PRO TIP for extra sensory input: Have your child go through the obstacle course barefoot! It’s a simple way to integrate more sensory feedback through their feet and can be really calming and organizing for some kids.

So, embrace the cozy indoor days and set up an adventure for your little one! They'll be having a blast while building essential skills. What are your favorite indoor activities? Share them below!

01/13/2026

Monday Morning Makeovers! 💄✨

Happy Monday from Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services! Our very own Annika got a fresh new look today, courtesy of a very talented and determined four-year-old "stylist."

While the makeover was the star of the show, the real magic was happening in the "in-between" moments. Behind the scenes of the makeup and play, our young friend was working hard on some big OT goals:

• Sensory Bravery: Working through "socks and textures" to help make getting dressed a little easier. 🧦
• Routine Success: Using a brand-new visual schedule to help master the steps of dressing and daily transitions. 📅

At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, we know that progress happens best when kids are having fun. Sometimes the path to independence starts with a little bit of play and discovering a lot of "Sisu" (extraordinary perseverance)!

Whether it's tolerating a new pair of socks or following a morning routine, we are so proud of the steps our friends are taking.

Does your little one have a "tricky" clothing item they are working on wearing? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!👇

01/11/2026

Our 2026 Word of the Year: CAPABLE 👣🏔️✨

As parents, we spend a lot of time worrying about the "can'ts."

• “They can’t sit still.”
• “They can’t tie their shoes yet.”
• “They can’t handle loud environments.”

At Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services, we want to change the conversation in 2026. Our focus this year is helping every child—and every parent—feel CAPABLE.

In the Finnish tradition, Sisu is that "extra" bit of bravery that shows up when things get tough. In Occupational Therapy, we see Sisu every time a child tries a difficult task one more time, or when a parent learns a new way to support their child’s unique needs.

This year, "Capable" means:

• Celebrating the Small Wins: Seeing the magic in a successful morning routine or a brave new try at the playground.
• Building Independence: Giving kids the tools to say, "I did it myself!"
• Parental Confidence: Helping you feel equipped and empowered to navigate your child’s journey.
• Focusing on Strengths: Looking past the diagnosis to see the incredible potential inside.

We don't just want your child to "get through" the day. We want them to feel like they can conquer it. Because when a child feels capable, their whole world opens up.

Let’s discover Sisu together in 2026.

What is one "big win"—no matter how small—that you want your child to feel capable of this year? Share it with us below! 👇

12/31/2025

🌟 Happy New Year from Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services! 🌟

As I wrap up an incredible 2025, my heart is full of gratitude. "Sisu" is all about extraordinary determination and resilience, and I have seen that spirit shine through in every single one of my clients this year.

It has been a year of growth, hard work, and—most importantly—supporting the community pursue what matters most.

2025 Impact:

🎇 551 Outpatient Visits: I am so proud of the progress of my clients!

🎇 Local Schools: I was honored to provide dedicated OT services to the Montevideo Public Schools, supporting students in their development and classroom success.

🎇 Community Partnership: I proudly assisted Johnson Memorial Health Services, providing essential OT coverage within their hospital and care center settings.

To my clients, their families, and healthcare partners: thank you for trusting me with your care. Watching you reach your goals is why I do what I do.

I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in 2026! 🥂✨

In health and Sisu,
Annika, Occupational Therapist

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! 🕊️

We are so grateful for our wonderful community. May your holiday be filled with joy, rest, and connection. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year! 🌟

With gratitude,
Annika | Discover Your Sisu Therapy Services

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Montevideo, MN
56265

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+13203210432

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