Hello, I’m Chelsea Ellison MS, OTR/L, CLC, and I’ve dedicated the past 8 years to pediatric occupational therapy. My path to this profession was unconventional yet deeply fulfilling.
During my undergraduate years, I volunteered for a hippotherapy program, led by a physical therapist. Witnessing the profound impact of equine movement as a therapeutic tool ignited my passion for occupational therapy. I pursued specialization in this area and achieved certification as an American Hippotherapy Board Certified therapist. Today, I’m proud to run my own business, offering specialized hippotherapy services.
However, my journey wasn’t without its challenges. Like many therapists, I experienced burnout within the traditional outpatient treatment model that prioritizes productivity over quality of care. Frustrated with the constraints imposed by insurance companies and productivity requirements, I embarked on a soul-searching journey to align my work with my values.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, I expanded my expertise to include lactation consulting, inspired by my own breastfeeding experiences with my two sons. Through extensive training, I became a Certified Lactation Consultant with help from the Healthy Children’s Project and the Lactation OT and integrated these services into my company, Nature & Nurture LLC.
Despite my introverted nature, I found confidence in my specialized skills, deriving great joy from providing tailored interventions to my clients.
My approach to lactation consulting integrates my occupational therapy background, offering specialized techniques in positioning, infant/maternal massage, fine motor skill development, sensory processing, and calming methods. With a deep understanding of both typical and atypical infant development, I strive to empower families to achieve their feeding goals while prioritizing their unique needs.
Additionally, I hold certifications in hippotherapy, utilizing skilled manipulation of equine movement to further assist children and adults in reaching their goals related to activities of daily living. As an American Hippotherapy Association Board Certified and PATH Registered Therapist, I merge my passion for helping others with my love for animals and the outdoors.
Located in Suffolk, Virginia, I am committed to serving families in the local community. Whether you’re seeking support for lactation, occupational therapy, or hippotherapy services, I’m here to help nurture your natural abilities and promote holistic well-being for you and your loved ones.
Contact me today to explore how I can best support your family’s journey toward optimal health and development!
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