Meet our Spotlight OT Entrepreneur… Kelsey! She is a Registered Occupational Therapist, with experience in geriatrics and pediatrics. Kelsey says, "I love working with both ends of the spectrum! Of course, the baby cuddles, toddler giggles, and funny kiddos are wonderful but it’s also hard to beat the sassiness and spunkiness of the 80-year-old ready to get back to her weekly Friday beauty shop appointments post stroke!"
- What led you to pursue Occupational Therapy as a career?
I wanted to find a career where I could help people but didn’t necessarily want to be a nurse. When my grandmother had a knee replacement, I took her lunch one day to the SNF she was receiving rehab at and went to her OT session with her (at this point, I had never heard of OT) and knew after her treatment session, I wanted to pursue OT as a career.
- What is your favorite thing about being an Occupational Therapist?
This career is SO MUCH FUN!!! Being an OT is so rewarding that it doesn’t even feel like a job! You know you’re in the right profession when you love what you do!
Helping others increase independence or regain independence so they can live their life to the fullest and achieve quality of life.
At the Play Hut we offer Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and feeding therapy with picky eaters. Seeing the emotions from the parents when their child eats something new for the first time, zips their jacket for the first time, says their first word, walks for the first time etc. is so rewarding.
- What settings and populations do you have experience working with?
I have experience with geriatrics and pediatrics. I love working with both ends of the spectrum! Of course, the baby cuddles, toddler giggles, and funny kiddos are wonderful but it’s also hard to beat the sassiness and spunkiness of the 80-year-old ready to get back to her weekly Friday beauty shop appointments post stroke!
- What sparked your idea to start a side hustle?
I am constantly searching for ways to help others in my community and to offer needed services where there is a need. In my small town, children’s services are very limited.
I also love to keep adding to my plate and challenging myself to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone. We never know what we are capable of until we try!
- Explain what your business is for those that don't know!
Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Clinic and Kids Play Gym (offers open play to the public, developmental play groups, birthday parties, special holiday events, etc.)
- How long have you been in business?
1 crazy wild adventurous year
- What is one long term goal you have for your business?
Of course, there are many goals you want to achieve for your business to be successful and to grow, however, the most important goal for my business is to help as many kiddos as possible to reach their fullest potential through all aspects of life despite obstacles that come their way.
- What is the most challenging thing about running your own business?
Accepting insurance! Dealing with insurance would be the most challenging part of owning a therapy clinic. However, accepting insurance allows all children to benefit from needed services.
9. What does a typical week look like for you?
No week looks the same as a business owner! Between being a mom, wife, and business owner, life is very busy! Most of my time is spent dealing with insurance. We have a great team at The Play Hut who keeps everything running smoothly!
- What advice do you have for Occupational Therapy Students or New Grads?
Reach past the stars! This career allows you so many opportunities! Never did I think I would be owning my own business and especially a pediatric therapy business, but here I am! Do not be afraid to ask others for help! As a new grad OT and even after 6 years of experience, I learn new things from the COTA’s I work with every day! Even on the toughest days with the most challenging patients, always be kind and be your best self you can be because you never know what that child is going home to and that hour you just spent with them may be the only hour of love, they receive all week.
Connect with her!
@theplayhutva - Instagramtheplayhut.net - Website