OTTP-NorCal

09/08/2026

POV: you're a therapist trying to connect with a child who just isn't interested in the activity you planned.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is meet them exactly where they are instead.

That's the idea behind DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) Floortime, a play-based approach where a therapist joins a child in their world first, before gently expanding it. Two OTTP Occupational Therapists, Claire Mueller and Shar Naidu Creasey, just completed 14 weeks of training to bring this approach to their youngest clients, many of whom are neurodivergent.

No worksheets. No strict instructions. Just connection, on the child's terms, and from there, real growth.

Curious how it works? Learn more:

Floortime (also known as DIRFloortime®) is an approach used to promote an individual's development through a respectful, playful, joyful, and engaging process. It uses the power of relationships and human connection to encourage the development of the capacities for self-regulation, engagement,

09/03/2026

12 Sensory Bins. One Goal: Help Every Kid Feel Safe Enough to Be Themselves

This summer, a team of OTTP-NorCal occupational therapists who specialize in early childhood mental health created and ran a camp at our Oakland office for pre-K and TK students, ages 3–5. As part of the program, they designed sensory bins around each camper's own interests and sensory needs.

Every week had a theme: farm animals, under the sea, outer space, and a bin to match: muddy oobleck, dyed rice, moon sand, ice with toys frozen inside. Each one was built by hand and designed with real purpose.

For a child who struggles with messy or unpredictable textures, sensory play like this can mean everything. Instead of being forced into an overwhelming experience, they get to choose how they engage: gloves, direct touch, or simply wiping their hands when they need to. They learn that messy play can be safe, and that their body is always in their control.

Sensory bins aren't just fun, they're therapeutic, supporting regulation, social connection, communication, and joy. During the school year, many classrooms simply aren't equipped to meet every child's sensory needs. This summer, our campers had the space to be fully themselves, and the growth we saw was real: improved communication, deeper social connection, and kids playing in ways we hadn't seen from them before.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll share more about how these OTs created the camp, the amazing moments they witnessed, and the impact it had beyond summer and into the classroom.

09/01/2026

"Helping a young person not only complete their education, but gain the confidence, stability, and connection needed to imagine and build a stronger future." 💜

Last summer, one OTTP client was nearing the end of their welding program when financial barriers put their final two classes at risk. On top of that, they were navigating personal challenges they'd largely faced alone since childhood; but they stayed focused on one goal: finishing.

Thanks to donor-funded support, critical tuition costs were covered, and individualized occupational therapy helped them prepare for life after graduation. Today, they're building independence, stability, and a support network of their own, with a renewed sense of confidence they didn't have before.

This is what your support makes possible. 🙏

08/31/2026

Donor Spotlight: Steve & Betsy Block

Since 2022, Steve and Betsy Block have been monthly donors to OTTP-NorCal, and their consistent generosity has made a real difference for the young people we serve.

"Too many young people in our community struggle with emotional and mental health challenges throughout their lives. OTTP's programs make a profound difference, helping young people build resilience, improve their mental well-being, and gain the confidence and opportunities they need to succeed in life."

Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support our work. Unlike a one-time gift, recurring donations give us the steady, predictable support we need to plan ahead, respond quickly when new needs arise, and keep our programs running strong all year, not just during a single campaign or season.

Steve and Betsy's ongoing commitment reflects exactly the kind of steady, reliable support that helps OTTP keep showing up for young people, month after month.

Thank you, Steve and Betsy, for your generosity and consistency. 💜 Interested in joining them as a monthly donor? Visit www.ottp-sf.org/donate.

08/26/2026

We're Hiring: Occupational Therapist — Behavioral Health Services

OTTP-NorCal is looking for a full-time Occupational Therapist to join our Behavioral Health Services team in San Francisco. In this role, you'll provide individual and group OT interventions — assessment, therapy, and case management — to youth ages 6–21 impacted by trauma.

What we offer: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, 403(b) retirement, and pet insurance.

What we're looking for: CBOT licensure, a passion for working with youth impacted by trauma, and someone ready to bring hands-on, meaningful therapeutic work to our clients. Spanish proficiency is a plus, though not required.

Full details & how to apply: ottp-sf.org/careers
Or send your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

08/25/2026

We don't only support youth. We support the adults who show up for them too. 💜

Parents and caregivers are often navigating a system that isn't built to be easy; appointments, advocacy, managing everything, usually alone. That's part of why OTTP offers support for caregivers as well, like with parent support groups.

Hear it in a caregiver's own words, including what it meant to work with OTTP Occupational Therapist Rachel Pechter, and the rest of the team.

08/21/2026

2 Different Approaches. One Single Goal.

When a young person is avoiding school, struggling with mornings, and pulling away from friends, it's easy to assume one type of support will fix it. But at OTTP, we've found that real, lasting change comes from two disciplines working together — not one alone.

A psychotherapist explores the why: processing the anxiety and experiences connected to school avoidance, and helping a young person build insight through conversation.

An occupational therapist addresses the how: identifying sensory barriers, building workable morning routines, and creating practical strategies so getting to school becomes achievable — not just something to "will through."

Neither approach alone fully solves school avoidance. Together, they do.

This is what collaborative care looks like at OTTP — different lenses, same goal: helping young people feel regulated, capable, and reconnected to their lives. 💛

08/19/2026

4 Habits That Build Trust With LGBTQ+ Students, Every Day: A Guide for Educators

In our last post, we shared the data: LGBTQ+ students face real risks, but supportive adults at school have a measurable protective effect. So what does that support actually look like day to day?

Here are 4 simple, consistent habits any educator can build into their routine:

Use correct name & pronouns across all settings, including staff meetings and behind closed doors, not just when the student is present.
Know your referral pathways: understand your school's policies and mental health referral process, and actually use them
Interrupt biased language, every time you hear it. Silence reads as agreement to students, even when that isn't the intent
Model everyday authenticity: students consistently describe staff simply living openly and calmly as one of the most powerful supports available

Educators with 6+ supportive staff at their school saw lower absenteeism, less harassment, and higher GPAs among LGBTQ+ students. Small actions really do add up.

What's one thing you'll commit to doing differently this week? 💜

08/17/2026

Creating a Safe Classroom for LGBTQ+ Students This School Year: A Guide for Educators

LGBTQ+ students frequently carry the added weight of family rejection, housing instability, or prior disciplinary trauma alongside their identity — and it shows up in the data. 90% say recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, policies, and public debate have caused them stress or anxiety. Nearly 2 in 3 have felt unsafe at school because of who they are.

But there's a hopeful half of this picture too: supportive environments have a measurable protective effect. LGBTQ+ youth in very accepting communities attempt su***de at about a third the rate of those in unaccepting communities. And 85% report having at least one supportive, affirming adult at their school.

This is your chance to be that adult. For some students, you may be the first.

Swipe through for the full picture, and keep an eye out for our next post: 4 simple, everyday habits that help build that trust with students.

08/14/2026

Because of you, over 50 youth that OTTP-NorCal serves will have new back-to-school items this year. 🎒💜

Thank you to everyone who supported our Back-to-School Wishlist Drive. Whether you purchased an item, donated, or shared the drive with your friends and family, you've made an impact.

This is what community support looks like in action. Thank you for showing up for our youth.