Our Story: How it all began
Owning our own business wasn’t something either of us initially envisioned—but the more we learned professionally, the more we saw a need for something different. We often felt limited in the kind of support we could provide when working within larger organizations. We wanted to create a space where care could be more flexible, personal, and truly centered around both the child and their family.
Alie’s story
SPECIALITIES
Sleep specialist
Confidence Building & Empowerment Guidance
Family Resources Coordination
I’ve been a practicing occupational therapist since 2016, with a strong foundation in early intervention and family-based therapy. From the very beginning of my career, I was drawn to the unique, powerful connection that forms when caregivers are actively involved in a child’s therapeutic journey. Working in early intervention taught me that progress doesn’t happen behind closed doors, one hour a week—it happens in the everyday moments, at home, and through the people who know the child best.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my clinician experience across pediatric outpatient clinics and school settings, gaining a broad perspective on the challenges and situations that families face throughout their child’s development. I’ve also had the chance to manage a larger company, which gave me valuable insight into leadership, systems, and the importance of individualized care.
Along the way, I had the incredible luck of meeting my business partner, Jenalee, while we worked together in an outpatient pediatric clinic. From the start, besides sharing a love for the beach and happy vibes, it was clear that we shared a passion for providing play-based, holistic therapy and a deep respect for caregiver involvement.
Jenalee’s story
SPECIALITIES
Toilet training specialist
Emotional regulation support
Bike riding coaching
I began my career in the Sunshine State, FL, where I quickly discovered my passion for working with the pediatric population in the field of occupational therapy. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the incredible impact that personalized treatment sessions—crafted around each child’s unique interests and needs—could have. I realized that this work doesn’t just change the lives of the children and families we serve; it also profoundly shapes those of us lucky enough to be part of their journey. Celebrating both the small steps and big milestones alongside my clients has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
As I continued to grow in the field and moved from FL to MA, I gained valuable insight into the inner workings and unique benefits of both large and small outpatient clinic settings. One theme continued to stand out: the disconnect that often exists between the clinic and the home. I began to truly see how essential family education and active participation in sessions are to a child’s progress. The power of empowering families—helping them feel confident and equipped to carry over goals outside of therapy—became clear as a key factor in consistent, meaningful growth across settings for kiddos and families.
Throughout my journey, I had the incredible opportunity to not only be interviewed by—but eventually work alongside—my amazing business partner, Alie, in an outpatient clinic setting. From the start, our personalities and shared passion for delivering holistic, high-quality care aligned seamlessly. Little did we know that, beyond our mutual commitment to the field, we also shared a special connection to our favorite city: St. Petersburg, FL. What began as a professional relationship has grown into a true partnership—one that now powers our very own pediatric practice.
Creating Connections was born!
As we collaborated more, our values and vision began to align—creating the foundation for what would eventually become our shared practice. Together, we’ve created a practice rooted in connection, community, and care. Our shared goal is to bridge the gap between child-center care and success, to family-centered intervention and empowerment to create harmony and cohesiveness across all environments. Our mission is to build a close-knit, supportive community that prioritizes family wellness, meaningful engagement, and long-term success. Therapy works best when caregivers are empowered and actively involved.
