About

Our Vision:

Heart of Nature OT is an innovative outdoor pediatric occupational therapy practice focused on social, emotional, motor, and sensory challenges to propel children towards days filled with joy and achievement.

Our services include personalized outdoor 1:1 therapy sessions, nature-based social groups (coming soon!), designed to empower children to achieve their goals and unleash their full potential.

Pediatric occupational therapy is instrumental in enhancing gross motor and fine motor skills, fostering self-regulation, refining sensory processing abilities, and igniting creativity and imagination in children.

About Marissa:

Marissa, the owner and operator of “Heart of Nature,” embodies a profound commitment to enriching lives through her unique approach to occupational therapy. As a pediatric occupational therapist residing and practicing in Basalt, Marissa has seamlessly transitioned her career from conventional indoor settings to the expansive wonders of the outdoors.

Equipped with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Health Studies and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, both earned from Western Michigan University, Marissa possesses a formidable foundation of knowledge and expertise. Her academic achievements underscore her dedication to understanding holistic health principles and applying them in innovative ways to benefit her clients.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marissa embraces the role of a devoted spouse and mother to two amazing boys. She finds immense joy in sharing her love for biking, hiking, and exploring nature with her children, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Marissa’s passion for fostering connections, community and witnessing personal growth is in every aspect of her practice. She specializes in Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflex, Executive Functioning, and Head Injury rehabilitation, leveraging her specialized training to tailor interventions that facilitate optimal development and well-being for her clients.

At the heart of Marissa’s mission is a steadfast commitment to helping individuals unlock their fullest potential. Whether guiding a child through sensory challenges or supporting a child with executive functioning skills, Marissa’s empathetic approach and unwavering dedication ensure that those under her care not only thrive but also rediscover their innate capacity for growth and resilience. Through her work at “Heart of Nature OT,” Marissa continues to inspire hope and transformation, one client at a time.

Specialty trainings: Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflex, Executive Functioning and Head Injury