Hi there! I’m Jamie. I’m the founder of Functional Roots, a Licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Mom of 2.
With experience as an Occupational Therapist in many different settings—outpatient, inpatient, early intervention, school, virtual—I saw the need for more holistic and family-inclusive support. My work aims to bridge these gaps, empowering caregivers to confidently support their children in everyday activities.
My background in Exercise Science and Psychology, combined with my natural love for nature, revealed how nature serves as a stress reliever and calming place for me and for my own children. This insight has guided me to simplify life and enhance development using natural items found in homes, making therapy accessible and effective.
As a mom, I understand the frustrations of having concerns dismissed and feeling isolated. This drives my passion for creating Functional Roots, where we blend science, creativity, and connection to help families thrive together.
I’m passionate about being proactive in child development, especially in the areas of feeding, sensory integration, and functional play. I believe that there is a place for all families to have the support they need to build confidence and resilience.
Hi I’m Julia! I’m a Licensed Pennsylvania PK-4 Educator and lead the Wild Wanderers Preschool Enrichment Program at Functional Roots.
I am a forest lover, the woods have been my sanctuary ever since I was little. I never lost that feeling of being able to let go and just be my whole, unapologetic self when I entered the woods after just playing school with my stuffed animals and whiteboards.
At Functional Roots, I get to combine my love of nature and passion for early child development. My goal is to nourish the wholeness of the individual child through art, stories, imaginative play, friendship, movement, and exploration. Through gentleness and intention, we supplement their growth by equipping them with the social-emotional skills and confidence to thrive beyond the trails and trees.
Hello! I’m Amy. I am a licensed occupational therapist and mom to a sweet toddler.
I started my career working with adults in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and I then switched to pediatrics where I have worked in both a school and outpatient setting.
With all the increased demands placed on children and their families, I have a passion for helping ease those demands and make both childhood and parenting feel more peaceful. With my own son, I have found that parenting outside is a literal and figurative breath of fresh air.
At Functional Roots, I look forward to supporting the growth of your child through functional play in an outdoor environment, which naturally promotes so many important skills such as sensory and emotional regulation, coordination, balance, problem solving, and more. I hope to bring connection, support, and empowerment to both you and your child.
Hi! I’m Cheri. I am a licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist and mom of 2.
My experience in occupational therapy has spanned school-based practice, early intervention, and pediatric outpatient services. My background is in elementary and special education. As a former teacher who transitioned to OT, it is my passion to teach parents and my little friends new things, but with an OT twist!
My journey with my own littles in motherhood is what brought on my love for nature. I now have a great understanding of how outside time provides the ultimate sensory experience to help us adults and kids relax and focus our minds, move our bodies to learn, and grow in many ways!
At Functional Roots, I’m excited to support families in developing their children’s sensory processing and motor skills, self regulation and mindfulness, and feeding with a fun, holistic and family-centered approach.
Hi, I’m Cara! I am a mom of 2 and a licensed occupational therapist. I received my degree in Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. I have worked in a variety of settings including with the geriatric population in skilled nursing facilities to pediatrics for outpatient and most recently school-based.
Being an OT is truly a way of life. Since becoming a mother this has become even more evident. I routinely incorporate my pediatric OT skill set with my own kids that it has become integrated in how I raise my children. My OT expertise has been such an unexpected benefit to being a mom that I would love to share all my tips and tricks with all of you!
As a parent, I empathize that raising kids can be so joyful one moment and chaotic the next. The mental load can be stressful and isolating. Being outside and exploring nature has been a calming presence in my life for myself and my family.
At Functional Roots, my goal is to bring that centered awareness to our natural surroundings in a fun way with a community of support from myself and other families. I get to utilize our natural surroundings as a tool in a focused manner to encourage growth and development in self-help skills, motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation and so much more!
Hi, I’m Holly! I am a licensed occupational therapist and a mom of 3 under 3. Yes, you read that right, 3 under 3.
I have experience in a variety of OT settings including school-based, pediatric outpatient, and inpatient (adult rehab).
Raising 3 kids, I understand and empathize with all of the feelings that come with parenthood. Lots of love with lots of stress. The best part of my day is spent outdoors with my kids. Nature, imagination, fresh air, and Vitamin D are the best combinations to play, learn, and de-stress for everyone.
At Functional Roots, I can help families with independence in daily activities, visual motor skills, social skills, sensory processing, and growing a support system. After all, it truly does take a village and I want to be a part of yours. Helping children grow and learn should be fun for you and them.
Contact us to learn more about one-on-one Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Nature Play Groups, or our Preschool Enrichment Program.
