Occupational Therapy Outdoors: Connecting, Growing, and Thriving in Nature
Presented By: Lindsey Stamper, MS, OTR/L, RYT-200 and Kylee Wieging, OT/S
7:00 – 8:30pm | 1.5 Contact Hours
This presentation will discuss the benefits of utilizing nature connection in the therapy process with a primary focus on pediatric populations. Considerations for taking occupational therapy outdoors as well as a variety of resources for occupational therapy practitioners will be provided.
Objectives:
- Educate occupational therapy practitioners about the importance of human connection to nature for overall health and wellbeing as well as current impacts on child nature participation today
- Inform OTP’s about how nature can be a co-facilitator in the therapy process and considerations for taking therapy outside
- Provide OTP’s with resources and practical strategies to begin offering therapy services that support nature connection
- Describe the unique experience of an OTD Capstone in a nature-based setting.
Presenter bios:
Lindsey loves helping children reach their potential with compassionate care and family collaboration. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received her master’s degree from San Jose State University. Lindsey has over 20 years of experience as an OT in pediatric settings and established her outdoor practice, Forestways OT, in Columbus, Ohio in 2022. She is a mom of two boys and has seen the benefits of sensory-rich outdoor play for her own children and those she works with. Lindsey has training in the ConTiGo Approach to nature-based therapy, Powerfully You Self-Regulation Program, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting Without Tears, reflex integration, yoga and mindfulness for children, assistive technology, and numerous sensory techniques. She is a certified provider of TimberNook nature play experiences and an experienced yoga instructor. Additionally, Lindsey has presented for numerous schools, parent groups, the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Lindsey loves to see children grow, connect, and thrive as they experience Forestways Occupational Therapy!
Kylee Wieging is a third-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student at OSU. She has a strong interest in pediatric practice and plans to work in a pediatric setting following graduation. Kylee is passionate about nature-based occupational therapy and enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors in her free time. She is currently completing her capstone experience at Forestways OT, where her project focuses on using sensory input in natural environments to support emotional regulation in children.
Hosted by Central District