Nature-Inspired Occupational Therapy Services
& Nature Connection Programs
TestimoniAls
From The Families We Serve
A Rare and Beautiful Opportunity
for True Inclusion
My non-speaking, autistic son started receiving nature-based occupational therapy at Willow Tree OT as a two year old in June of 2021. In January of 2024 he started receiving that therapy when the Nature Connection Program for 3-10 year old children was meeting with a goal of integrating him into the group.
Laura, his occupational therapist, both follows his lead to allow for weaving in and out of the group and observing from afar as well as encourages him to fully participate. Since September 2024 my son has stayed past his occupational therapy time for the whole program. My son joins the group for stump circle, takes his turn waiting for the swing, drinks tea with peers, and genuinely anticipates his "Nature Group" days. Recently I observed him working cooperatively with a peer, navigating sharing the water spicket and filling a bucket with water. What a beautiful thing!
The environment at Willow Tree is peaceful and welcoming. This opportunity for my son to join peers in open-ended play time is incredibly rare and special, valuable beyond words for him, but also valuable for the neurotypical children. I have seen tremendous development and growth in my son since he has joined the group, especially in awareness and interest in other children, following instructions, and compromising. I get emotional thinking or talking about my son's integration into the Nature Connection Program because I know how lucky we are and how impactful this experience is for him!
-Wendy S.
Finding Healing, Growth,
& Belonging at Willow Tree
My son has been receiving services at Willow Tree OT for several years. He is autistic, non-speaking, has sensory processing challenges, and often struggles with self-injurious behavior in uncomfortable or social settings. These behaviors have prevented him from attending typical special education programs, much less nature camps or groups.
But nature is so healing, and our time at Willow Tree has only reinforced that belief. The progress he has made over the years has been amazing. We started with one-on-one sessions on his own, and now he participates in nature groups.
He has often had an extremely challenging time being around other children, sometimes bothered just by their presence. It was Laura who came up with the idea to have his therapy sessions run concurrently with the nature groups. This approach has made all the difference, allowing him to gradually experience social situations while still having time for himself when needed.
Laura and all the staff at Willow Tree are caring, hardworking, and passionate about helping children. They offer child-centered services and believe everyone deserves access to nature, regardless of their abilities. Willow Tree’s purpose is to help children, and I know any resources they receive go toward that goal.
Receiving services at Willow Tree has profoundly changed my son’s life, and I will always be grateful to Laura and the wonderful staff.
-Ashley F.
