Meet Jessica Johnson, OTR/L, CIMI | Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Johnson, OTR/L, CIMI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for a decade now. My career has allowed me to experience multiple avenues of reaching families, mostly through larger, hospital-based systems. Since the pandemic, the demand for pediatric therapy has grown and unfortunately, so have the waitlists and insurance limitations to access therapy. Imagine being a parent who needs help for your child who is struggling developmentally or is having difficulty eating. You needed support yesterday but are sometimes met with a 6 month wait list or insurance visit limitations when you try to access support. I think part of the problem stems from budget cuts, staffing shortages, and ineffective care models. My husband and I have dreamed of opening a private practice for years. It was hard to experience these systemic problems in our community and not do something about them. We knew there was a better way to serve these families in our community. Thrive n Play was born out of a simple passion to help good kids lead great lives. Many people don’t understand what occupational therapy is. At it’s core, it’s simply helping kids participate in the things they want to do to live a full life. In therapy jargon, we use the phrase activities of daily living (ADLs). Really these are the things that make up daily life for all of us: eating, caring for our bodies, playing with others, coping with frustration, learning to move, handwriting, and paying attention at school. Parents are the first to identify struggles in these areas because they feel the stress first-hand. Parents can’t afford sit on wait lists or sit in a waiting room once a week for months. I truly believe parents are the expert on their child and empowering caregivers is the most important part of my job. I went into private practice so I could answer questions, treat alongside the caregiver, and ensure the child receives the help that matters.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Really, I’ve know the therapy world my whole life. I grew up around therapists who helped my nephew in my home. He has autism and cerebral palsy and has been the greatest influence on my life and career. Before I even started occupational therapy school, I cared for children with special needs. After I completed my bachelor’s degree, I was trained at one of the best occupational therapy programs in the nation, Texas Woman’s University. I had the opportunity to work in a few different outpatient clinics, but absolutely fell in love with an integrated therapy team at Our Children’s House at Children’s Health. I was there for most of my career, and I learned so much from the therapists and doctors I had the pleasure of calling my colleagues. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve had a heart for a teaching. I’ve hosted numerous students and been asked to guest lecture at multiple universities: UNT, LSU, TWU, Texas Tech, St. Augustine, and the Dominican Republic. I love research, reading, and learning. I think I’m a nerd at heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gosh, I don’t know. I’m the mom of a 10 month-old baby. We don’t get out much. If you would like to come over and babysit, my husband and I would love a night out at Marty B’s or the Denton Square.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most deserving shoutout goes to my husband Nick Johnson for seeing the value of what I do as a therapist and organizing the vision that helps me bring this work to as many kids as possible. I couldn’t do any of this without him. We’ve only been in operation since August of this year. I believe our growth is a result of relationship building in the community. I’m inspired by local occupational therapy entrepreneurs like Jennifer Suggs, OTR owner of SPOTS in Dallas. I’ve been mentored by Megan Schull, owner of Building Bridges Through Communication. I also must say I’m so grateful to my church for modeling and developing a heart to serve the community. The way Christ Church serves the Irving community is how I want to serve my community, families in North Texas. All glory to God.

Website: www.thrivenplay.com

Instagram: @thrivenplay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivenplay

Image Credits
Alyssa Reyes Photography