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Miss Tess

Hi, I’m Tess Doty, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist and the heart behind Joyful Connections. I have been an occupational therapist for coming up on 4 years. Joyful connections is centered around the belief that genuine connection is the foundation for meaningful progress.

Ever since my first experiences working with children, I’ve been inspired by their creativity, resilience, and curiosity. I love that occupational therapy allows me to build meaningful relationships with kids and families — helping each child grow in confidence while discovering joy in everyday moments.

Outside of the therapy, you can usually find me enjoying Chick-fil-A, snuggling my three dogs 🐾, or spending a sunny day at the beach!

Through Joyful Connections, my goal is simple — to create a warm, supportive space where every child feels safe to be themselves, and every family feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Background

I am a licensed and board-certified occupational therapist with a strong background in providing neuroaffirming, play-based, and family-centered care for children of all ages and developmental profiles. My clinical journey has allowed me to work with children of all ages— supporting growth in areas such as sensory processing, emotional regulation, fine motor development, and self-help skills.

My approach is deeply child-led and strengths-based, drawing on the principles of connection, curiosity, and trust. I believe therapy should feel joyful, meaningful, and empowering — where each child can explore, take risks, and celebrate progress in their own unique way.

I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston. My foundation in psychology continues to influence my holistic approach to care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each child’s emotional world and family dynamics.

To continue growing as a clinician, I have pursued advanced training in Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialization, DIR/Floortime, and Motor Planning and Praxis, along with ongoing professional development in neurodiversity-affirming practices and interoception. These areas of study shape my belief that every child is capable of connection and progress when supported with empathy and individualized care.

At Joyful Connections, my mission is to provide therapy that honors each child’s individuality while empowering families with the tools, understanding, and confidence to carry those connections into daily life.

Services

What is occupational therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the skills they need to participate fully in everyday life — from playing, learning, and socializing to dressing, eating, and expressing themselves.

At Joyful Connections, occupational therapy is about celebrating each child’s unique strengths and helping them grow in ways that feel meaningful and fun. We focus on connection first, using play as the foundation for learning, confidence, and self-regulation.

Our sessions are child-led and neuroaffirming, which means we honor every child’s natural way of thinking, moving, and interacting with the world. Through activities designed around curiosity, joy, and success, we support development in areas like:

  • Sensory processing and self-regulation

  • Fine and gross motor skills

  • Executive functioning and attention

  • Emotional awareness and coping strategies

  • Play skills, social interaction, and confidence

  • Feeding

Occupational therapy helps children discover their own abilities, build resilience, and feel empowered to engage in the world — all while having fun and feeling understood.

HOW IT WORKS

Email me to set up an evaluation today!