about playful palms
It’s therapy, with a nature twist!
At PPT, we specialize in enhancing children's sensory processing skills, social participation, emotional regulation, fine and visual motor abilities, handwriting, primitive reflex integration, and executive functioning skills. We often see diagnoses including ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia/Dysgraphia, Anxiety, or motor coordination challenges.
Our services include personalized 1:1 treatment sessions, nature-based social groups, and summer camps. These sessions take place at local beaches, parks, and even your own backyard!
We utilize an approach called ConTiGO, which stands for Connection and Transformation in the Great Outdoors. As the first and only practice in Charleston certified in this approach, we take pride in paving the way for kids learning in a one-of-a-kind way.
About contigo
The ConTiGO model stands for Connection and Transformation in the Great Outdoors. We use evidence-based OT strategies paired with forest school principles to use nature to support our therapy.
Playful Palms Therapy is committed to excellence and expertise in our nature-based therapy services for children. We are proud to be Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapists™. Certified therapists have completed advanced training in nature-based pediatric therapy and have access to ongoing mentoring in the ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) Approach™ - an evidence-based framework for best practice in pediatric nature-based therapy.
our sessions leave kids feeling
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Calm
Calm covers our work toward improving sensory modulation and self-regulation skills.
navigating transitions
managing feelings of frustration and disappointment
labeling and communicating emotions
keeping safety and control of their body
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coordinated
This encompasses our work to improve fine-motor, visual-motor, and gross-motor coordination skills.
using eating utensils
handwriting and homework
opening lunch containers
climbing on playgrounds
moving without falling over or bumping into things
improving core strength
endurance through activities
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confident
How we facilitate metal health support, improved self-confidence, and executive functioning skills.
using problem-solving skills
persevering through hard tasks
demonstrating flexibility in routine
trying things outside of their comfort zone
improving focus and attention
having feelings of self-worth and contribution
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Connected
This summarizes our goal to create caring kids who seek out connection and social experiences with others.
following directions
making friends
cooperating with others
helping as a team member
sharing opinions with a group
connecting and caring for nature
positive adult relationships
About our founder
Hi! I’m Katie, a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of PPT located in Charleston, South Carolina.
A little about me…I moved to Charleston a little over two years ago totally on a whim! I left behind the midwest (an original St. Louis native) not knowing a soul here, and quickly fell in love with Charleston. Me and my dog, Denver, have found our home here, and continuously enjoy all the low-country has to offer.
I graduated from Missouri State University where I received my Master of Occupational Therapy degree, a bachelor degree in psychology, and a minor in disability studies. My experience with pediatrics involves a variety of settings; outpatient, inpatient, early-intervention, hippotherapy, and school-based! I am the first and only certified ConTiGO practitioner in Charleston, and have advanced training in Autism intervention, primitive reflex integration, early childhood intervention, Handwriting Without Tears, pediatric feeding disorders, learning disorders, ADHD strategies, & sensory integration and processing modalities. I currently work part-time in the school system as an OT, where I provide advice and accommodation recommendations for IEP and 504 plans as well as tools for success within the classroom.
I have always craved being in the outdoors, and found myself feeling my best after enjoying my favorite hobbies related to being outside. After brainstorming how I could combine my two favorite things, a love for the outdoors and a passion for OT, I leaned into the idea of taking my job outside, and thus PPT was born.
