Philosophy

Our Philosophy at kidSHINE

Strengths Based Approach: At kidSHINE, we offer support, guidance and a positive, forward- thinking vision aimed at improving physical, emotional, and regulatory outcomes for children and families.

Unique Frameworks: Creating a secure environment for children to explore, develop, and flourish through movement, we employ a distinctive philosophy and evidence-based occupational therapy approach.

Self Awareness and Confidence: Our focus is on instilling self-awareness, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy in children to enhance their success and confidence in daily activities and life.

Creating Communities: As a cohesive team, we cultivate a community that promotes camaraderie and friendships, facilitating meaningful connections for both children and caregivers.

Professional and Evidence-Based Care: Committed to ongoing education and professional development, our team stays at the forefront of interventions to achieve rapid and optimal results.

Recognizing Each Child As An Individual

Children experience enhanced development through a personalized approach that integrates meaningful activities aligned with their specific interests, undiscovered strengths, and talents. The occupational therapists at kidSHINE excel in tailoring support to each child’s unique learning style, empowering them to reach motor milestones and attain functional independence.

Through thorough OT evaluations, kidSHINE identifies both strengths and areas for growth that impact a child’s engagement in daily activities such as self-care, school, and play/leisure activities.

In our weekly treatment sessions, we employ a sensory-informed and individualized approach, incorporating play and social experiences with an exercise-based element. Our team members specialize in various areas, including sensory-informed interventions, trauma-informed care, feeding interventions, fine and gross motor skill enhancement, retained reflexes, early intervention, torticollis, executive functioning, and more.

Motor Learning, Confidence & Empowerment

Engaging in daily structured physical activities has been shown to boost children’s strength, focus, and regulatory skills. Research also highlights the positive impact of collaborative group activities, showing improved confidence, problem-solving abilities, and flexibility in novel situations.

kidSHINE Rowley is the hub and founding location of the EXERSHINEkids POWER Bootcamp Program, which was designed and researched by kidSHINE’s owner, Dr. Amy Wheadon. This evidence-based program, firmly rooted in occupational therapy, uses high-intensity exercises to enhance strength and regulation skills while fostering confidence and camaraderie for children of all ages and abilities. Our child-friendly approach values positive reinforcement, creating a supportive environment where children feel happy, safe, connected to other peers and motivated to achieve developmental milestones.

What We Offer

Children thrive when engaged in play, exercise, and meaningful activities. Physical movement fosters strength, focus, self-regulation, and confidence. Our group and individualized sessions at kidSHINE offer motivating experiences that promote peer interaction, teamwork, and skill building. Whether it’s our EXERSHINEkids POWER Bootcamp Program, 1:1 OT treatment sessions, or a combination of both, children can choose a path that aligns best with their goals.

Emily B.

OT, MS, OTR

Emily is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2022, from American International College in Springfield, MA. She gained clinical experience working with children with ADD, ADHD, SPD, ASD, and a variety of other diagnoses. She has her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and considers fitness a passion. Emily is enthusiastic about incorporating the use of therapeutic exercise and movement in her treatment sessions to help bring confidence and success to children and their families. 

In her free time, Emily enjoys exercising, playing with her dog, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.