Ali Samuels, MOT OTR/L

Hi, I'm Ali!

I'm a pediatric occupational therapist with 7 years of experience helping children and families thrive through play, movement, and meaningful everyday experiences.

I grew up on the East Coast, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Allied Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Connecticut (Go Huskies! 🏀 ). I went on to earn my Master of Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University in Massachusetts before completing my clinical fieldwork in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, California.

My OT journey officially began in Northern Nevada at a therapeutic riding center, where I provided pediatric occupational therapy using hippotherapy, therapy that incorporates the movement of the horse as part of treatment. Working alongside children, families, horses, and the outdoors sparked something in me. I saw firsthand how powerful nature can be in supporting regulation, confidence, connection, and growth.

From there, I provided home-based occupational therapy to children & families throughout the Carson City and Reno communities before taking travel contracts in both rural and urban school districts across the country.

Every setting, every family, and every child taught me something new and helped shape the therapist I am today.

Along the way, I met my husband, and together we fell in love with Colorado's Western Slope. It didn't take long before I knew this was where I wanted to plant roots.

While working in Colorado schools, my passion for nature-based occupational therapy continued to grow. In the summer of 2025, I partnered with another nature-based OT in Boulder to co-facilitate outdoor enrichment camps for neurodivergent children. Watching children build confidence, friendships, regulation, and independence through joyful outdoor experiences confirmed what I'd always believed: nature isn't just a beautiful backdrop.... it can be an incredible therapeutic partner.

Wild Heart OT was born from that vision.

Today, my husband and I are embracing our newest adventure: parenthood! We recently welcomed our first child into the world, and right now I'm soaking in this season of motherhood. As much as I dream about opening a nature-based pediatric OT practice on Colorado's Western Slope, I also know these early years with my family are something I'll never get back.

So, for now, Wild Heart OT is growing in a different way.

Here you'll find practical resources for parents, educators, and fellow therapists, thoughtful blog posts on pediatric occupational therapy, and a place where I can continue sharing my passion for helping children flourish through play, connection, and the natural world.

One day, Wild Heart OT will become the outdoor therapy practice I've dreamed about for years. Until then, I'm excited you're here to follow along on the journey.

After all... the best adventures rarely happen in a straight line.