Rooted Occupational Therapy

03/09/2026

😴💤 It’s National Nap Day! 💤😴

At Rooted OT, we know that rest isn’t lazy — it’s powerful! Sleep plays a huge role in emotional regulation, attention, memory, and overall body regulation. When kids are well-rested, their brains and bodies are better ready to learn, play, and grow. 🌱

So we’re celebrating National Nap Day with a PAJAMA DAY at the clinic! 🎉

Wear your coziest PJs, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and get ready for a day filled with calming sensory activities, movement breaks, and maybe even a little “rest and reset” time. 🧸✨

Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do… is take a nap. 💙

03/07/2026

“Compliance” is 🪴ROOTED🪴 in felt safety. ✨CONNECTION✨ leads to engagement rather than compliance

03/06/2026

😴💤 National Nap Day is MONDAY! 💤😴

At Rooted OT, we know that rest isn’t lazy — it’s powerful! Sleep plays a huge role in emotional regulation, attention, memory, and overall body regulation. When kids are well-rested, their brains and bodies are better ready to learn, play, and grow. 🌱

So we’re celebrating National Nap Day with a PAJAMA DAY at the clinic! 🎉

Wear your coziest PJs, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and get ready for a day filled with calming sensory activities, movement breaks, and maybe even a little “rest and reset” time. 🧸✨

Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do… is take a nap. 💙

02/26/2026

I am thrilled to announce our new publication in the Journal of Research in Neurodiversity: Sensory-processing informed autism practice for child-centered therapists!

This paper emphasizes the need for flexible, sensory-informed, and child-centered approaches, and provides practical strategies to create supportive environments, strengthen interoception and emotional understanding, and foster connection without compromising the child’s agency.

And what fun to write with this group: Dee C. Ray, Kade Sharp, Kim Clairy, Sean M. Inderbitzen, Amy C. Laurent, Jacquelyn H. Fede, and Jonathan T. Delafield-Butt . An extra special thank you to lead author Stuart Daniel for spearheading this article and for his amazing patience and encouragement to think deeply about interoception in relation to this topic. I am so honored to be amongst all of these amazing co-authors.

Read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305057982600001X?dgcid=coauthor

02/23/2026

It’s National Tootsie Roll Day and at Rooted OT we’re stretching the celebration ALL week long! 🍫🎉

Who knew a little chewy treat could pack such a powerful therapy punch? This week our Tootsie Roll–themed crafts and games are targeting:

🤎 Fine motor strength (all that unwrapping!)
💙 Bilateral coordination
💛 Visual motor skills
🧡 Hand endurance
🩷 Following directions & sequencing
❤️ Sensory exploration

From sweet-themed crafts to movement games that keep our kiddos engaged, we’re turning this classic candy into hands-on, skill-building fun. Therapy is always better when it’s a little chewy and a lot of fun!

Stay tuned to see what we “roll” out next 😉

02/13/2026

We would love to have you join us!! Look at the kiddies offering you plants to be ~Rooted~ at your next favorite workplace. They definitely aren't bribing you, but they are cute. Feel free to send any questions our way!

02/05/2026

Super thankful for EVERY PIECE MATTERS and their awesome donations to the clinic, we are SUPER excited to play on/with our new toys! (Swipe to the end for a surprise 😆)

01/26/2026

In following Florence and Muscle Shoals city schools, we will primarily be closed tomorrow. If roads are safe tomorrow afternoon, there may be an option for a few sessions in clinic. You will be contacted if your session is an option for an in-person visit. These sessions are only made by therapist and family agreement. No penalization for any cancels made due to safety concerns. Stay safe and warm!! Who's ready to play??

01/25/2026

Stay safe and warm!! Plan to resume Tuesday as weather permits. Check in tomorrow afternoon to be sure! We will reach out to reschedule where possible.

01/24/2026

So cute!!

We can’t get over how cute our new fundraiser tees turned out!

Make sure you order yours in time for April 2nd, National Autism Awareness Day.

Your support helps us continue providing resources, scholarships, and hope for local families.

Youth & Adult S–XL: $15
Adult 2XL–5XL: $18

Sizes available: Youth XS- Youth L
Adult S-5XL

Order here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-epm-fundraiser-tee

12/18/2025

Rootie says, “Go big before going home.” 🎄
So obviously he chose a high-wire act for his final appearance before reporting back to the North Pole. 🎅🏼✨

No harness. No fear. Just vibes, holiday chaos, and one last dramatic stunt to make sure Rooted OT remembers him during the new year.
We’ll miss his daily shenanigans (and the trouble he definitely didn’t cause 😅), but it’s time for this elf to clock out.
Safe travels, Rootie — you’ve officially peaked. 🎄

🎄✨

12/16/2025

🎄🌀 Rootie’s game plan for today 🌀🎄

First, I’m warming up with my elf-size Twister—tiny dots, BIG focus, zero dignity.
Then… I’m unleashing the real Twister for the kids because balance, coordination, and crossing midline are way more fun when someone inevitably falls over laughing.

We’ll be spinning, stretching, problem-solving, and pretending this was all very planned.
Rootie will be nearby making the calls and absolutely not taking responsibility for the chaos.

Ready… set… TWIST.