Occupational Therapy in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and surrounding areas specializing in pediatric evaluation and treatment.
Hi There!
I’m Heather, a licensed and board-certified pediatric occupational therapist with 10 years of diverse experience. My career has taken me through various settings, including inpatient, acute, and neonatal care, as well as academic and clinical environments. I’ve also worked with the Easter Seals of Florida’s Early Steps program.
I’m especially passionate about bringing therapy into the natural settings where families live, learn, and play! Whether at home, school, or in the community, I focus on integrating support into daily routines for practical, meaningful progress.
As a Florida native, I’m delighted to call Palm Beach County home. Outside of work, you can often find me at the beach or enjoying time outdoors with my husband, Josh, and our energetic German Shorthaired Pointer, Willy. I love a good book or podcast, and I believe that music makes everything better!
1
Reach Out
You’ll speak directly with Heather to address any questions or concerns about therapy. She will provide the necessary recommendations to get you started with services.
Let’s Get Started!
2
Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation will take place in the child’s natural environments, such as home, school, and community settings. This process includes the administration of standardized assessments, observations, and interactions with the child and family to create a personalized care plan.
3
Start Sessions
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes and occur 1-3 times per week, in the child’s natural settings. This approach ensures seamless integration into daily routines, helping both the child and family confidently utilize available resources.
Services
Will my Child benefit from Occupational Therapy Services?
A consultation will help determine if occupational therapy is right for your child. Common indicators include:
Struggling with developmental progress
Falling behind peers or siblings
Difficulty with schoolwork, such as handwriting
Challenges with attention or following directions
Seeking frequent sensory input (e.g., “crashing” or “jumping”)
Avoiding sensory input (e.g., fear of playground equipment)
Picky eating habits
Avoiding messy play
Difficulty opening food packages or containers
Appearing “fidgety”
Struggles with transitions or changes in routines
Areas of Occupational Therapy Treatment can include:
Developmental Progression
Sensory Processing and Integration
Independence in Activities of Daily Living
Executive Functioning Skills
Parent Coaching
Reflex Integration
Handwriting and School-Related Skills
Gross, Fine, and Visual Motor Integration
Parent Education and Coaching
The Who & Why
As a pediatric occupational therapist, my mission is to seamlessly integrate interventions into your child and family’s daily routines. I aim to coach and educate caregivers, supporting your child’s strengths and areas for growth with a fun and meaningful approach. I individualize interventions to fit within home, school, and community settings, ensuring a tailored and effective support system.
Pricing & Billing
Heather the OT, LLC is a private pay provider offering cost-effective services while maintaining high quality. Payment for evaluations and sessions is due on the day of the appointment.
Heather the OT, LLC can provide a Superbill/Statement for self-filing with your current insurance provider. We also participate in the Step Up For Students Scholarship program.
Treatment Approach
The goal of therapy evaluations and treatment sessions is to be conducted within the child’s “natural environment.” This approach allows the therapist to offer individualized support tailored to the family’s resources and daily routines.
Testimonials
"She taught us so much about sensory needs, how to adjust things to help our son, and accommodations that could be made at home and school.”
-Happy Parent
"She incorporates sensory activities and movement breaks into her sessions. She has collaborated with my daughter’s teachers and is always available to answer questions and offer advice.”
-Happy Parent
“Heather’s dedication and personal touch have not only helped our son thrive, but have also made us feel supported every step of the way.”
-Happy Parent
FAQs
Do you accept insurance?
Heather the OT, LLC does not accept insurance at this time. However, we can provide a Superbill/Statement for you to self-file with your current insurance provider. We also participate in the Step Up For Students Scholarship program.
Are you able to provide a diagnosis?
Heather Engel, MS, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor, and is not authorized to provide diagnoses. For a diagnosis, please consult your pediatrician or other medical specialists. Heather Engel, MS, OTR/L is qualified to provide therapeutic treatment and care based on her assessments.
Do I need a diagnosis to start occupational therapy services?
You do not need a medical diagnosis to begin occupational therapy with Heather Engel, MS, OTR/L. However, if you are seeking insurance coverage, a diagnosis code may be required. A formal evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist can help tailor the therapist's assessments, care plan, and recommendations. As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to withhold or share information about previous evaluations and diagnoses.
Do I need to be present for my child’s session?
Presence during sessions depends on the family’s and child’s preferences, as well as the therapist’s recommendation. While therapist coaching supports day-to-day carry-over, direct 1:1 attention may be more effective if your child is easily distracted. For school-based sessions, updates and reviews will be coordinated with teachers, and parents or caregivers will receive session reports via phone or text.
What ages do you treat?
Heather the OT, LLC provides services for children ages 3 months to 12 years. Infants under 3 months and children over 12 years are considered on a case-by-case basis.
When are therapy sessions provided?
Sessions are available Monday through Friday, with specific hours based on the therapist’s availability.