Pathways to Independence, Occupational Therapy

05/03/2026

Concepts of time are one of the last executive functioning skills to develop, typically towards the late teens or early 20s. I think all of us adults can identify with that: figuring out how much time to leave for a commute, estimating how long something will take to do, and managing multiple people’s schedules!

Using an analog clock is a great way to teach children about time. If they are playing a video game and have 10 minutes left, you can draw on the glass with a dry erase marker to show them what 10 minutes looks like. Or, use one color to show five minutes of playing time and another color to show five minutes of finish up/cleanup time. This also helps avoid battles during screen time when a child says they “just have to finish a level” for example. That last five minutes is their finish up time so they know to get to a save point, finish what they are doing in the game, etc.

If your child is consistently going over the time allowed, then you can make the decision that they are not ready for screen time at all. Or, shorten the next screen time duration so that they have even more time to finish up their level and end on time. If they can do this consistently, then they may be allowed to return to their original time limit. 🕰️ 🎮

05/03/2026

☀️ Summer Adventure Awaits! 🌟
Little adventurers, get ready for a week full of purposeful play, big laughs, and real growth! Our Pathways to Independence Occupational Therapy Summer Camp is back for rising 2nd–5th graders (kids heading into 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade this fall 2026)!
🧠 OT-led small groups
🏊 Therapeutic swimming + pickleball
🌲 Hiking, scavenger hunts & hilltop games
❤️ Building independence, confidence, friendships & joy!
📅 June 2026 Sessions (Mon–Fri, 9AM–3PM)
• June 1–5
• June 8–12
• June 15–19
• June 22–26
💰 $1,500 per week • Limited spots!
📍 Local to the Roswell, GA area
Tag a parent who needs this for their kiddo! 👇
📞 (770) 630-8676
✉️ [email protected]

04/28/2026

🍞 Introducing Made by Madeline – Artisan Sourdough & Fresh-Baked Goods
I’m excited to share my friend Madeline’s outstanding sourdough bakery with you. She handcrafts beautiful loaves using traditional methods — resulting in that perfect crusty exterior and flavorful, airy crumb you expect from real artisan bread.
In addition to a variety of sourdough breads, she offers fresh cookies, muffins, and other sweet treats — all made from scratch with quality ingredients.
Perfect for everyday meals, special occasions, or simply treating yourself and your family.
👉 Explore her current offerings and place an order here:
https://made-by-madeline.square.site/
Highly recommend supporting this talented local baker. If you try anything, I’d love to hear what you think!

Artisinal Sourdough and Baked Goods

04/13/2026

🌟 A Peek Inside Our Therapeutic Summer Camp Day! 🌟
Hey families! Want to see what a typical day at Pathways to Independence Occupational Therapy Summer Camp looks like? Here’s our sample daily schedule — full of purposeful play, skill-building, and lots of joy! ❤️
Daily Schedule (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
❤️ 9:00–9:30 AM – Arrival & Sensory Play
A gentle, calming start to help kids feel regulated and ready.
❤️ 9:30–10:00 AM – Morning Meeting & Planning
Group time to connect, set goals, and practice turn-taking.
❤️ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Movement, Play & Outdoor Exploration
Fun outdoor games and activities that build coordination, strength, balance, and teamwork.
❤️ 12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch & Mealtime Skills
Supported lunch where kids practice independence and social conversation in a relaxed way.
❤️ 1:00–2:00 PM – Pool Time & Water Play
Safe, fun water activities to build confidence and body awareness.
❤️ 2:00–2:30 PM – Fine Motor Fun & Social Games
Hands-on games that strengthen skills while encouraging cooperation and turn-taking.
❤️ 2:30–3:00 PM – Reflection & Pickup
A calm wrap-up with reflection and sharing successes.
Every moment is thoughtfully designed by pediatric therapy pros to support independence, confidence, and social-emotional growth in small groups (1:4 staff ratio) for ages 5–10 (rising 2nd–5th graders).
Why families love this camp: ✅ Small, supportive groups
✅ OT-designed activities
✅ Real focus on life skills and friendships
✅ So much fun while kids thrive!
2026 Sessions: June 1–5 | 8–12 | 15–19 | 22–26
Cost: $1,000 per week (limited spots!)
If this sounds like the perfect summer adventure for your child, drop a ❤️ below or message me! I’d love to chat and see if it’s a great fit.
📞 (770) 630-8676
📧 [email protected]

03/31/2026

Do you remember the last time you saw a child roll down a hill just for the joy of it?

When we were growing up, no one scheduled that for us. We just did it. We climbed trees without anyone spotting us from below. We swung so high we thought we might go all the way over. We built cubbies out of whatever we could drag from the backyard. We caught balls until it was too dark to see them coming.

Nobody called it therapy. Nobody called it brain development. But that is exactly what it was.

Now look at the children in your classroom.

The one who cannot seem to sit still no matter how many times you gently redirect them. The one who bumps into desks, knocks over drink bottles, and trips over their own feet on a flat surface. The one who freezes when the bell goes or the room gets too loud. The one whose body just seems to be working so much harder than everyone else's just to get through a Tuesday.

These children are not naughty. They are not behind. Their brains are simply missing the input that rolling down hills and swinging until your arms ached used to provide.

The vestibular and proprioceptive systems, the two systems most shaped by the physical play of our childhoods, are responsible for focus, body awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to feel calm in a busy room. When they are underdeveloped, everything from holding a pencil to sitting through a lesson becomes an enormous effort.

My rhythm and movement programs are built on this science. Short, structured video sessions that children can follow from anywhere, designed to give their brains the input they have been missing.

If this sounds like a child you know, share this with their family. It might be exactly what they need.

Comment RESEARCH below and I will send you the evidence behind the program.

03/10/2026

🚀 Engage & Energize Saturday Groups! 🚀
Parents, boost your child’s confidence and skills with our fun, small-group occupational therapy and fitness sessions! Led by Heidi the O.T. and Coach Doug, these weekly adventures focus on movement, coordination, and independence in a supportive environment.
📅 Saturdays, 10-11am
🎉 Grades 3rd-5th
🗓️ Starting March 14th
🏠 Hosted by Pathways to Independence in Roswell, GA
Message us for details, registration, and to secure your spot! Spots are limited—let’s get moving! 💪

02/25/2026

More Signs Your Child May Need Occupational Therapy + Next Steps!
If you’re noticing these, OT can help:
👀 Visual or hand-eye coordination difficulties (trouble copying shapes, tracking objects, or spacing letters)
👥 Play & social challenges (trouble joining peers, turn-taking, or imitative play)
🧠 Attention/focus issues or big reactions to change (fidgeting, meltdowns, trouble following directions)
🍽️ Oral motor/feeding aversions (strong texture dislikes, chewing issues, or picky eating)
What to do next?
Talk to your pediatrician about a pediatric OT evaluation. Early intervention through fun, play-based therapy builds independence, confidence, and daily skills your child needs!
Full signs list in the first image 👆
You’ve got this, parents! 💪🌈

02/25/2026

Key Signs Your Child May Need OT: • Fine motor struggles (pencil grip, buttons, scissors, puzzles)
• Sensory sensitivities (textures, sounds, movement) or constant seeking/crashing
• Self-care delays (dressing, feeding, routines)
• Balance/coordination issues or clumsiness
• Attention/focus challenges, meltdowns over changes
• Play/social difficulties or visual/hand-eye coordination problems
If several signs persist and affect daily life, talk to your pediatrician about an OT evaluation. Early support builds confidence and independence! 💪🧩🌈

02/05/2026

Teamwork makes the Dream Work!