Lauren A

What got you interested in working as an occupational therapist?

After learning about occupational therapy when I was 17, pursuing OT as profession was always my long term goal. I have been working at an outpatient clinic for the last 2+ years and was ready to make a change. Rylie reached out at the perfect time and we quickly began discussing my passion for working with neurodivergent children and teens who have dual diagnosis. I have a mental health background and love taking a holistic approach working with children and teens with mental health challenges from an occupational therapy lens. Rylie seemed so supportive and excited about my passion. Her attitude and approach made making the change to Front Range a no brainer.    

 

What do you love most about working as an occupational therapist?

At my last clinic, I had a decent amount of adolescents on my caseload. One teen I loved working with told her mom that she enjoys going to therapy and that I always make it fun. She also told her mom that she knows it’s helping her. This patient has ASD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She was previously being admitted to inpatient psych every couple months following suicide attempts. After working together and making many changes she told me “I can’t believe I never self harm and haven’t had to go back to inpatient”. I took this as a compliment as I remember being an adolescent who had to go to therapy. It wasn’t always fun and I didn’t always connect with my therapist, but it usually helped. Helping adolescents through difficult, vulnerable, and awkward times is what I love to do 🙂

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love spending time with family and friends! I enjoy being outside and staying active. I often go to breweries or outdoor sporting events. I’m a Colorado native and love all of the Denver sports teams. I am a big live music fan and attend many shows throughout the year! Can’t forget lots of walks and hangin with my 3 year old Lab, Samson. 

 

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have recently been more crafty than I previously was! Not sure if it’ll be a new hobby or if it’s just a hyper-fixation for now. Thanks TikTok!

 

What is your favorite activity to encourage learning and growth with kids?

I really enjoy behavioral regulation, emotional regulation, and self regulation as a whole. Especially with younger children. I think it’s SO important to educate parents so they feel confident helping their child when they are dysregulated. Sometimes this means taking the time to slow down and explain the “why” so a child can have a better understanding of expectations. Sometimes it means deep belly breathing and working on regulation. Other times is the debrief following a melt down or teaching other deescalation strategies. Regardless of the activity/approach I love working with parents and their child to slow down to ultimately support them with self regulation.  

 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’m so excited for 2025 and this change professionally! Looking forward to meeting like minded therapists and collaborating in the future!