We have a wonderfully unique team of therapists. We encourage them to be creative and authentic in providing individualized treatment to each client. To learn more about the team, check out their bios below!
Meet the Founder
Samantha Rothman, MS, OTR/L
Founder, Occupational Therapist
Hello and Welcome!
I am honored that you are considering Play and Purpose to support your family.
About Me
As a neurodivergent (2E/ADHD) therapist, I truly “get” you and your family’s needs. Whether you are seeking therapy for your child or yourself, you deserve to work with someone who understands you on a deeper level and will meet you where you are. I enjoy using a "whole child" approach, including all aspects of being human, especially focusing on emotional and mental health. I am passionate about using child-led and non-compliance-based techniques to promote engagement and self-advocacy skills.
Outside of work, I enjoy travel, pilates, art/museums and reading as many books as possible.
I am currently only accepting telehealth clients.
My Approach
Neurodiversity-affirming • relationship-based • sensory-informed • strengths-based ᐧtrauma-informed
I Specialize In:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Anxiety
- PDA
- Neurodivergent/high masking girls
- Sensory processing
- Executive functioning
- Emotional regulation
- Social participation
- Interoception
- Parent coaching
Who I Work With
- Children, teens and young adults.
- Parents and educators.
Credentials & Training
- DIR Floortime Certified
- Extensive self study and continued education in Kelly Mahler’s interoception protocols
- Continuing education in alexithymia
- Continued education and personal experience with childhood trauma
- Intermediate Spanish
Services
- Individual OT
- Parent coaching
- Sensory consultations
- School consultations/IEP reviews
- Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
- Parent/educator educational webinar series
- Girls social groups
- Private practice coaching for other therapists
Bentley
Chief Happiness Officer
Bentley is a 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with years of experience supervising virtual meetings, demanding snack breaks, and reminding everyone that work-life balance includes plenty of cuddles. As our self-appointed Chief Happiness Officer, he takes his job very seriously. While many people assume Bentley is my emotional support dog, the truth is it's the other way around—I'm his emotional support human. Bentley has a little anxiety of his own, so he occasionally requires unscheduled cuddle breaks and must be held to recharge before returning to his important duties of supervising sessions, napping, and keeping everyone smiling.
Meet Our Team
Amber Robinson
COTA/L
Amber is a licensed and nationally certified pediatric occupational therapy assistant. She graduated from San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. Her experience in pediatrics includes working in schools, outpatient clinics, and in-home care. She enjoys using an individualized play-based approach, focusing on sensory regulation. Outside of work, Amber enjoys spending time with family, going to hockey games, and exploring the beautiful state of Arizona.
Kendyll Taylor
MR, CCC-SLP
Kendyll is a licensed and board-certified pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. She has been practicing speech therapy in the valley since 2018 and finds her greatest passion in helping children improve their communication skills. The majority of her experience has been working in interdisciplinary outpatient pediatric clinics and providing private services across a variety of settings. Kendyll is also a 2-time Baylor University Alumna but grew up here in Scottsdale. She is looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside your family!
Kailee McCown
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Kailee is a pediatric occupational therapist with a passion for supporting children’s growth and independence. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. With over 7 years of OT experience and a background in both school-based and home health settings, she has created sensory rooms, developed individualized programs, and partnered with families and educators to promote meaningful progress. Her certifications include ASD Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), Myofascial Release (MFR) Level 1, 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 200), Level 1 Reiki Practitioner, and Primitive Reflex Integration. Outside of work, Kailee enjoys going to car shows with her teenage son, reading, practicing yoga, hiking, and traveling
Emily Ryan
Occupational Therapist
Emily is an occupational therapist licensed in New Jersey and Arizona with 14 years of experience working across the lifespan, including children, adults, and older adults. Her clinical background includes home health and outpatient pediatrics, giving her a broad perspective on supporting individuals and families in everyday life. Emily is also a certified lactation counselor, expanding her ability to support families during the early stages of parenthood. Her interests include art, music, and raising her 2 young children. She is currently available for virtual consultations and parent coaching.
Rochelle Atayde
Admin Assistant
Rochelle resides in the Phillipines and has a BS in Physical Therapy. She supports the team by managing scheduling, billing, and all other exciting admin tasks. She is a self-described introvert and enjoys spending her free time exercising, watching movies and spending time with her dog.