Back to Blogging: Growing as a Mom, Therapist, and New Doctoral Student

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted here—because life has been busy in the best (and most challenging) ways. I’ve been working on myself, pouring into my family, and making a big decision: I’m officially beginning my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) journey!

So, here’s the update: I’m back, and I’m excited to share where this blog is headed—both for me and for you.

Why I Stepped Away

Sometimes we step back not because we’ve lost direction, but because we’re gaining clarity. For me, that looked like:

• Being fully present as a mom and spouse.

• Growing in my work as a pediatric OT, supporting the children and families I love working with every day.

• Reflecting on my next steps, I've chosen to dive into my doctorate program.

  
  

This pause wasn’t an ending—it was planting season. And now I’m ready to grow this space alongside my doctoral journey.

What’s Coming Next

Here’s what you can expect as I bring this blog back to life:

✨ Fresh activities for kids & families – Practical, play-based OT activities you can try at home, in therapy, or in the classroom.

✨ Regular blog posts – Consistent content about pediatric OT, strategies for parents and caregivers, and reflections from my journey as both a therapist and a doctoral student.

✨ A CEU course in the works – I’m developing a course on the Power of Play—because play isn’t “just play.” It’s the foundation of development, learning, social skills, and emotional growth.

✨ Tracking my OTD journey in real time – Since I’m just beginning this program, I want to take you along for the ride. From coursework to capstone ideas, I’ll be sharing what I’m learning—and maybe even asking for your input along the way.

Why This Matters

As occupational therapists, we know balance is never about perfection. It’s about finding meaningful ways to engage in what matters most—whether that’s therapy sessions, family time, or starting something big like a doctorate.

I hope this space continues to be a place where parents, caregivers, and fellow professionals can find encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder of why play, connection, and creativity matter so much in a child’s development.

Let’s Grow Together

Thank you for being here—even after a pause. I’m so excited to reconnect, share what I’ve been working on, and invite you into this next chapter. Whether you’re a parent looking for ideas, a therapist seeking inspiration, or a student navigating your own journey, there will be something here for you.

And here’s where I’d love your help: as I move deeper into my doctoral program, I’ll eventually be developing a capstone project. I have lots of ideas swirling around, but this community is full of wisdom and lived experience. If there are topics you’d love to see explored, challenges you face as parents or therapists, or areas of OT you feel need more resources, I’d love to hear from you.

You can drop a comment below, send me an email, or even message me on social media. Your ideas and feedback may not only shape future blog posts—but could also inspire the direction of my capstone and beyond.

So—here’s to new beginnings, playful learning, and building brighter futures for our kids. 💛 And here’s to doing it together.

Ms. Haley