Blossoming Roots Occupational Therapy

Meet Your Occupational Therapist!

Hi! First of all, thank you for visiting my site, I am so glad you are here!

My name is Kelsey Hernandez and I am a pediatric occupational therapist in the Portland, Oregon area. I specialize in pediatric care with an emphasis on early intervention care for children five years and younger, though I have experience working with children 0-21 years old. I have worked in various settings since graduating with my masters degree in occupational therapy in 2021. These settings include pediatric private outpatient clinics, school based early intervention, home and community based early intervention, and pediatric home health care.

I encourage caregiver participation in all of my sessions and I love getting to work alongside both the caregivers and children while we come up with strategies together that may assist your every day needs. I am here to walk along this journey with you every step of the way.

In my free time I enjoy being a mom to my own little one, being an outdoorsy pacific north-westerner (hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding), tending to my mini homestead including two corgis, three chickens, and a growing garden.

I look forward to having the pleasure to work with you!

Kelsey Hernandez, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist, Owner

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on all skills needed to complete activities of daily living. What is a child's occupation? PLAY! Using in-depth activity analysis and learning about each child's individual and unique needs, occupational therapy can help children address areas that my be causing difficulty to appropriately engage in daily activities and play. Is your child having a difficult time paying attention at home or school? Are they having a difficult time regulating their emotions? Do you notice any sensory differences that present in your child? Are there any motor concerns you have for your child? All of these can be addressed with occupational therapy and I am here to help!

Autism

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Sensory Processing Disorder

Down Syndrome

Cerebral Palsy

Global Developmental Delay

Dyslexia

Developmental Disorder

Fine Motor Delays

Spina Bifida

Delayed Milestones

Feeding Disorders

Genetic Disorders

Cognitive Disorders

If any of these resonated with you but you are still unsure if occupational therapy is right for your child, click below to connect. I would love to chat further!

Here is a list of some reasons a child may benefit from occupational therapy:

Here is a list of some common diagnoses that occupational therapy can treat:

Decreased Attention Skills

Difficulty Regulating Emotions

Sensory Differences which may include:

• Seeking behaviors

• Low awareness of surroundings

• Avoids certain textures

• Bothered by certain noises

Fine Motor Skills which may include:

• Handwriting skills

• Using various grasps

• Visual motor skills

Feeding Difficulty which may include

• Picky eating

• Oral motor challenges

• Sensory differences

Difficulty with Daily Routines including common areas of concern:

• Dressing

• Sleeping

• Grooming (bath time, hair washing, cleaning/trimming nails)

• Toilet training

• Following routines (i.e. morning and night routines)

Difficulty with Transitions