Imagine if your family was
rejuvenated by life again


Why do occupational therapy outside?

At Thrive OuTside, we do occupational therapy differently. We trade the four walls of the clinic for the open space of nature. Here’s why it works.

Your child will:

Thrive. Outdoors, immersed in the awe and wonder of nature, I’ve observed how children become more joyful, curious, confident and focused. They’re able to bring the skills they learn from playing and exploring back into their everyday life—into the home and classroom.

Be reinvigorated. We live in a world where children are increasingly drawn to sedentary activities like video games and screen time. The outdoors naturally sparks curiosity, draws children to explore their environment and ignites a child’s nervous system so that they may engage in full-body sensory experiences.

Be motivated. In the outdoors, children are naturally motivated to move, play, climb, swing and explore their environment. I support them in building the confidence and skills to do so. I engage children by using real tools when we play outside. This motivates them to learn and develop new skills.

Be transformed. Children are transformed by the calming effect of nature—especially their ability to manage their anxieties and big emotions. The outdoors ignites their senses, connecting and grounding them to the earth.

Recipe to Thrive

When you work with our team, you’ll:

Transform your parenting. We’ll problem-solve, collaborate and partner with you to find customized solutions for you and your child’s needs.

Destress. We’ll help you reduce stress at home and create a more connected, loving and supportive family unit.

Build confidence. We’ll equip you with the insights and strategies to confidently support your child’s growth.

Find your joy. We’ll coach you to find more joy in parenting by finding balance and prioritizing self-care.

Want more joy in your family’s life?

Meet The Team

  • occupational therapist for kids in oregon

    Sheli Singleton, OTR/L (she/her)

    Sheli Singleton, OTR/L, is a dedicated and accomplished occupational therapist specializing in pediatric occupational therapy from a play-based model. She holds a Master's in Occupational Therapy from Chicago State University and works from a Play-Based modality. Sheli actively contributes to the field through her research articles, as well as holding a background in inclusive education and classroom preparation.

  • therapy for kids for regulation skills and social skills

    Dr. Diana Honorat, OTD, RYT 500 (she/we)

    Dr. Diana Honorat is a professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific University and holds a background is in pediatrics and community health. She is also a yoga teacher (RYT 500) for children, adults, and postpartum women, and a Reiki Master. Dr. Honorat is passionate about international OT, program development geared around novel community-based practice that promotes occupational and social justice through health promotion and wellness, and perinatal support for marginalized communities, especially Black mothers. She has had extensive training in interpersonal neurobiology and believes that the experiences of childhood form a foundation for resilient adults, and thus her work with children is intentional, intuitive, and follows the needs of the child.

    Two fun facts about Dr. Honorat; 1. Karaoke is a joy!; 2. Crafting and making healing potions is a blast.

  • Therapy for Kids in Portland Oregon

    Claire Buhler (They/Them)

    Claire is a student of Speech-Language Pathology at Portland State University. In the coming year they will be beginning a SLP Master's program with plans to specialize in neurodivergent communication and ecotherapy. Claire has extensive experience in outdoor education through their work in educational gardens, outdoor schools, and Oregon State Parks. They have a background in Reggio Emilia early childhood education.

    Trainings and Certifications:

    Wilderness First Aid

    , Reggio Emilia Trained

    A fellow neurodivergent human :)

    Age Range: 3-15

  • nature based therapy for teens and tweens in portland oregon

    Liz Ash, LPC Associate (They, She)

    Liz integrates brain science, art therapy, nature-based work, and expressive arts and movement into her practice with kids and teens

    Age Range: 7-17

    Lis often supports children and teens navigating Anxiety, Mood differences, regulation challenges, adjusting to big transitions and changes, grief and loss, sensory differences, fears and phobias, relationship challenges, trauma.

Rebekah Springs, LMFT, RPT, ITMH-S

OWNER/CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF THRIVE OUTSIDE (she/her)

Credentials:

Rebekah is a licensed child therapist, infant mental health specialist, and the owner at both Thrive and a The Real Work, a child therapy collective in Beaverton, OR. Here is a snapshot of some of the approaches she uses to work with children and families:

  • Sensory Integration

  • Polyvagal Theory

  • Social Emotional Learning

  • DIR/Floortime

  • Child-Centered Play Therapy

  • Trauma-informed therapy

  • Interpersonal Neurobiology

Erin Taylor

FOUNDER OF THRIVE OUTSIDE (she/her)

Credentials:

Erin has been an occupational therapist since 2007. Here is a snapshot of some of the approaches she uses to work with children and families:

  • Sensory Integration

  • Polyvagal Theory

  • Social Emotional Learning

  • ConTiGo approach

  • Montessori Medical Partnership for Inclusion

  • Trauma-informed OT

  • Qualified Mental Health Professional

Fun Stuff:

Erin loves connecting with children to help them harness their superpowers. Working alongside nature, she helps them build their confidence to explore, discover, and learn about themselves and the world around them.

Her dedication to the families and to her team at ThriveOuTside is incredibly admirable. Erin believes that everyone should have a sturdy toolbox to help them through any challenge or obstacle they encounter. She strives to educate others on life tools and how to use them, allowing them to be more successful in their connection to themselves and their relationships as they follow their life’s path.

Erin’s passion for guiding families to lean into nature and relationship-based parenting through connection and understanding neuroscience lies deep within as she too is on the journey.

Kind Words About Thrive Outside

I highly recommend Erin. She is energetic, thoughtful, knowledgeable and an advocate for my child. She offers a wide array of services and has extensive experience with sensory issues. Her parent coaching sessions are extremely helpful and provide strategies for daily life. My child and I made amazing progress with Erin. She goes above and beyond!

-Happy parent

I greatly value Erin’s advice and opinions about my twins’ well-being. Sometimes being a parent puts me too close to the issue to see a way forward. Erin helps us get back on track with a wonderful mix of education, practical experience and personal experience, being a parent herself. You’re in good hands!

— Portland parent