Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month at ACT Therapy Services

 If you’ve ever seen a child’s face light up when they finally zip their own jacket, climb a playground ladder they once avoided, or proudly show off something they worked hard to learn, then you’ve seen a glimpse of what occupational therapy is all about. Those moments of pride and independence are what we celebrate every day at ACT Therapy Services. 

During Occupational Therapy Month, we take time to recognize the profession—but even more importantly, to celebrate the children who work so hard, the families who support them, and the therapists who get to be part of those meaningful milestones. Occupational therapists (OTs) support people in doing the everyday activities that are important to them. For children, that often looks like playing with friends, learning at school, navigating daily routines, and exploring the world around them. When a child is having difficulty with these experiences, occupational therapy helps them build the skills and confidence they need to participate more easily and feel successful in their daily lives. 

At ACT Therapy Services, we believe every child brings their own strengths, personality, and way of experiencing the world. Our therapists take a neurodiversity-affirming approach, recognizing that children naturally think, learn, communicate, and move in different ways. Rather than trying to change who a child is, we focus on getting to know them, building on their strengths, and supporting the skills that help them participate more comfortably and confidently in everyday life. We also believe families are an essential part of the therapy process. Children grow and learn within their daily routines, so working closely with caregivers helps ensure the strategies practiced in therapy carry over into life at home, school, and in the community.

Supporting Regulation with the Safe and Sound Protocol In addition to occupational therapy services, ACT Therapy Services also offers the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) in Charlotte. The SSP is an evidence-based listening intervention that uses specially filtered music to help regulate the nervous system. By listening through headphones alongside a trained provider, individuals may experience improvements in sound sensitivities, emotional regulation, and social engagement. The protocol is based on Polyvagal Theory and is designed to help the nervous system feel safer and more regulated, supporting greater connection and participation in daily life.

Meet the Occupational Therapists at ACT Therapy Services! 

 Behind the work happening at ACT Therapy Services is a team of dedicated occupational therapists who care deeply about supporting children and their families. 

Sheridan Cleave, OTD, OTR/L

Sheridan Cleave grew up in the Chicagoland area before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University and her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Wingate University. During her training, she developed a strong interest in pediatric therapy and sensory integration. Sheridan has experience supporting children in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health settings. She is passionate about using evidence-based, client- centered practices to help children build skills that support everyday participation. When she’s not working, you can often find her playing ultimate frisbee or enjoying a good book. 

Jasmine Whitby, OTD, OTR/L

Jasmine Whitby is a native of Virginia who now calls Charlotte home. She earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she also received her Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Jasmine discovered her love for working with children while working as a summer camp counselor and activities manager, experiences that helped shape her passion for pediatric therapy. She values building strong connections with children and their families and believes that trust and collaboration are key to successful therapy. Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on her favorite teams— the Boston Celtics and the San Francisco 49ers. 

Maya Dupree, MSOT, OTR/L 

Maya Dupree is a Charlotte native who earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from UNC Charlotte before completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Pfeiffer University. Through her work with children across a variety of settings, Maya developed a strong interest in sensory processing, motor development, and emotional regulation. She believes in child-led therapy, where children are active participants in their growth and development. When she’s not in the clinic, Maya enjoys exploring Charlotte, hiking, reading, watching ‘90s sitcoms, and spending time with family and friends. Celebrating the Impact of Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy is often about the small moments—trying something new, learning a strategy that helps a child feel calm, or gaining independence in a daily routine. Over time, those moments build confidence and open the door to greater participation in everyday life.

 At ACT Therapy Services, we are grateful for the therapists who bring compassion, creativity, and dedication to their work every day. This Occupational Therapy Month, we celebrate the meaningful impact occupational therapy has on the children and families in our community. Curious to see how occupational therapy can make a difference for your child? From everyday milestones to breakthroughs in regulation and confidence, our team at ACT Therapy Services is here to help every step of the way. Explore our services, meet our therapists, and discover how we can support your child’s growth—visit us online today!