About Us
PlayStrong Intensives is a pediatric occupational therapy practice dedicated to helping children build meaningful, functional skills through targeted, strength-based intensive therapy. We believe that when a child’s body is strong, aligned, and well-supported, confidence and independence naturally follow. Our programs focus on improving postural control, coordination, stability, and everyday functional abilities within a motivating, supportive environment.
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Our Approach
We specialize in short-term, intensive therapy programs designed to accelerate progress through highly individualized, hands-on sessions. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practice and strengthened by specialized tools and techniques, including:
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TheraSuit Method
We utilize TheraSuits to improve alignment, facilitate correct movement patterns, and activate underused muscle groups. The suit provides the external support children need to move more efficiently and confidently.
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Universal Exercise Unit (UEU)
The UEU allows us to target specific muscle groups, build strength, enhance endurance, and improve motor control in ways traditional weekly therapy often cannot achieve.
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Primitive Reflex Integration
When retained reflexes affect a child’s motor control, emotional regulation, or independence, we incorporate reflex integration strategies to help create a stronger neurological foundation for progress.
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Together, these tools help children develop functional strength, better body awareness, improved coordination, and increased independence across daily activities.
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Who We Support
We work with children and young adults who benefit from focused support in areas such as:
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Core strength, postural control, and endurance
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Motor development and movement coordination
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Sensory processing and regulation
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Fine motor, self-care, and functional mobility
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Primitive reflex integration
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Whether a child is building foundational skills or working toward advanced functional goals, we meet them exactly where they are and guide them toward measurable, meaningful improvement.
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Family-Centered Partnership
Families are at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate closely with parents and
caregivers through consistent communication, practical home strategies, goal-setting, and progress reviews—providing support that continues beyond the intensive.
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Our mission is not only to help children grow stronger, but to empower families with the tools and confidence they need to support ongoing success.
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Our Commitment
Every child deserves to feel powerful, capable, and confident in their own body. At PlayStrong Intensives, we’re here to make that possible—one strength-building moment at a time.
Rachelle's Occupational Therapy Background
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Rachelle earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where her clinical fieldwork focused on pediatrics across a variety of
settings, including hippotherapy, outpatient pediatric services, and community-based support programs. These experiences provided a strong foundation in child development, functional
movement, and family-centered care.
Since graduating in 2011, Rachelle has worked exclusively in pediatrics, beginning in private practice and continuing with 12 years at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Her long-term clinical experience has allowed her to support children with a wide range of developmental and neurological needs, shaping a practice approach centered on foundational strength, alignment, and nervous system organization.
Advanced Pediatric & Neurodevelopmental Training
Rachelle pursued advanced training beyond her formal education through extensive continuing education in pediatric development, neuro-motor control, and primitive reflex integration. After completing numerous reflex-focused courses, she developed her own primitive reflex integration
program to address foundational motor and regulatory challenges more effectively.
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She is a certified TheraSuit Method Instructor and travels internationally to train other therapists in this specialized intensive therapy model. Her advanced training also includes
pediatric aquatic therapy certification, allowing her to integrate water-based interventions when appropriate to support strength, regulation, and functional movement.
Ongoing Professional Development
Rachelle is committed to lifelong learning and continues to pursue advanced education to refine her clinical reasoning and treatment approaches. This dedication ensures that PlayStrong Intensives remains grounded in current evidence, best practices, and individualized care tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Together, Rachelle’s education, clinical experience, and advanced training have shaped the strength-based, neuro-informed intensive therapy model used at PlayStrong Intensives.