What began as one therapist’s dream in 2010 has grown into Seattle Therapy – Skills for Life, now celebrating 15 years of serving more than 2,000 children and their families.
In the spring of 2010, my life changed in a big way. With my children just one and three years old at the time, happily enrolled at the UW Experimental Education Unit, I was in my eighth year as an occupational therapist at the UW Autism Center.
Then, unexpectedly, my position — along with several of my colleagues’ roles — was eliminated.
As the only occupational therapist serving autistic children and families in the organization, I was heartbroken. I grieved the loss of the meaningful relationships I had built with children and families who often drove long distances to receive the services they needed. I struggled with the fact that these families would now face an abrupt end to their care — and I was out of a job!
I did not understand the decision. There was such a clear and urgent need for specialized occupational therapy for the autistic community in King County.
Through tears and a recognition that there was opportunity tethered to this challenge, an idea took shape: I wanted to create a family-friendly space where children would feel understood, where therapy could be collaborative, and where families could find support, and most of all, hope.
With the encouragement of my family and business-minded friends, I set out to build something new. That summer, the Seattle Police Relief Association and Guild gave me the chance to lease space in the SPRAG building on Eastlake. On August 1, 2010, my small clinic, Seattle Therapy Services, opened its doors, offering collaborative pediatric services in partnership with other dedicated practitioners.
In those early years, I had the privilege of working alongside colleagues such as Jim Mancini, Rich Garcia, Lynn Vigo, Rosalind Oti, Karen Toth, Noa Hannah, Danielle Dolezal, Megan Eastman, and many others. It was a dynamic and formative time—one that allowed me to establish my footing while providing occupational therapy and managing the clinic.
As our community grew, so did our team. I wanted every family who reached out to feel reassured with a simple, “Yes, we can help.”
Today, I am proud that Seattle Therapy – Skills for Life is a place where both our team and the families we serve feel welcome. With 11,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed spaces, including a sensory-motor gym with a climbing wall, a versatile kitchen, and stunning views, we’ve created an environment by Lake Union where joy and learning go hand in hand, and where our team, children, and families can truly thrive together.
