I didn’t think I could write a year-end blog post about my wins as a pediatric Occupational Therapist in St. Peters, MO.
It felt like there weren’t enough wins to justify one.
But when I slowed down and really looked at what this year held…what I built, learned, and showed up for…I started to see things differently. And honestly? ChatGPT helped me see the bigger picture.
This is not a “no wins yet” season. This is a root-building season.
And roots?
- They don’t photograph well.
- They don’t go viral.
- They don’t feel immediately validating
- But they DO determine everything that comes next
What Root-Building Looked Like This Year at Grow Well
This year marked my first full year serving clients as a private practice pediatric occupational therapist, and that alone is something I don’t want to gloss over.
✨ I served my first clients as a private practice owner.
After 17+ years as an occupational therapist, being able to bring all of my skills into my own pediatric OT practice, supporting babies and parents in the first year, felt incredibly aligned. I truly believe this is where God is calling me to be.
✨ I learned how to create superbills for insurance reimbursement.
Not glamorous, but incredibly important for accessibility and supporting families navigating insurance.
✨ So much coffee…and even more connection.
Some of the coffee was solo, powering through workdays. But the most meaningful cups were shared while meeting with fellow healthcare practitioners and private practice owners, building real relationships and learning how others are serving our community.
✨ I supported a sweet friend during her baby’s NICU stay.
I even helped give my first swaddled bath, a beautiful and humbling experience I’ll never forget. 🥹
✨ Countless hours of continuing education.
Lactation, craniosacral therapy, infant massage, babywearing, bottle feeding…I love learning anything that helps me better support my tiny clients and their parents.
✨ Community education and outreach.
I attended and participated in multiple community events, presented to parents about feeding in the first year, connected with moms and healthcare providers, and continued learning about holistic wellness approaches.
✨ Grow Well became more visible.
My logo went up at the office, a small but meaningful milestone that made this feel more real.
✨ Consistent content creation.
I took many many photos and videos, created serious and silly reels, and increased my social media posting toward the end of the year…trying to increase visibility on socials.
✨ Website wins (even when WordPress tested me).
It didn’t come easily, but I made progress…and that counts.
✨ The biggest win: I didn’t give up.
On the days it felt slow.
When it felt too quiet.
On the days I questioned whether I was making enough progress.
I kept posting.
I kept reaching out to make connections.
I kept believing in what I’m building with Grow Well Feeding & Development.
Looking Ahead
I’m heading into the new year with excitement and grounded hope.
I can’t wait to:
- Serve more babies and families in our community
- Continue building relationships with like-minded professionals
- Keep learning, growing, and refining how I support feeding and development in the first year
