Coming Soon!

OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS

NATURE-BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PLAYGROUPS

Providing programs and support for children and families in the foster adoption community.

Designed by an adoptive mom and occupational therapist who understands the needs of families and children from hard places because she experienced it first hand.

Connections therapeutic play programs are run by an occupational therapist and designed especially for foster and adoptive children. Meeting the unique developmental needs of these children through evidence-based, trauma-informed care, this program is designed to foster healthy brain development, empathy, physical growth and connection through outdoor play and activities, in a context of acceptance and trust. The outdoor environment provides an enriching background for holistic growth of children, including sensory, motor and social-emotional development

OUR APPROACH

Children who come from hard places often have unique needs that make navigating life a bit more challenging. Here at Connections we are committed to using trauma informed practices to provide safe and comfortable environments to engage in fun and motivating therapeutic activities.

We use concepts from interpersonal neurobiology and the neurosequential approach to meets children where they are developmentally and guide them to make brain connections that will translate to improved function and quality of life. This is accomplished through sensory play, movement, games and personal connections. We believe that regulated kids develop in the context of nurturing relationships.

We aim to create CONNECTIONS at all levels:

Brain

Self

Family

Peers

Community

Because much of the lower brain develops in utero and up to the age of 4, children who have experienced early maltreatment, deprivation or stress are at great risk of having their brain development impacted.

“It is a time of great malleability and vulnerability as experiences are actively shaping the organizing brain. This is a time of great opportunity for the developing child: safe, predictable, nurturing and repetitive experiences can help express a full range of genetic potentials. Unfortunately, however, it is also when the organizing brain is most vulnerable to the destructive impact of threat, neglect and trauma.

— Bruce Perry, Md, PhD in The Boy Who Was Raised By A Dog”

One of the programs we offer is a one day therapeutic program to give kids a chance to play, in a nurturing environment. We include sensory-rich, repetitive movement in the context of relationship as a way of promoting healthy, regulated development. Parents can feel good about dropping off their kids so they can have some time to rejuvenate.

One Day Program

Ages 5 - 11

$120/child

This one day program will give families a taste of what Connections programs are all about. Group activities and games not only provide fun, but will be aimed at building healthy connections. Parents can enjoy an often needed respite, while their children are engaged in active, healthy activities that engage all aspects of the child.

If you would be interested hosting this event, please contact me at ann@goskippingstones.com.