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
Welcome to Play and Purpose! I’m so glad you’re here.
As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent (2e/ADHD) occupational therapist, my own journey has shaped the way I approach my work. I understand what it feels like to navigate a world built around expectations that don’t always reflect how your brain works, and how many strengths and struggles can go unseen along the way.
This is why I’m so passionate about helping children grow up knowing their brains aren’t broken, their differences aren’t deficits, and they don’t have to become someone else to deserve understanding and support.
Too often, children are expected to change their behavior to fit into systems that weren’t designed for them, without anyone stopping to ask why something is difficult in the first place. I believe in doing things differently. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-based, and child-led, focusing on understanding each child’s unique experience, honoring their autonomy, and supporting their emotional well-being alongside skill development.
Ultimately, I want children to know they are not a problem to be fixed. They deserve to understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and build lives that work for them—not just learn to fit into someone else’s expectations.
A Little About Me
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me traveling, taking Pilates classes, creating art or reading as many books as possible. I’m endlessly curious about people, the ways we experience the world, and what helps us feel more connected to ourselves and one another.
Areas of Focus
- ADHD and autism
- Anxiety and demand avoidance (PDA)
- Neurodivergent and high-masking girls
- Sensory processing and interoception
- Emotional regulation and alexithymia
- Executive functioning
- Social participation and self-advocacy
- Parent coaching and family support
- School support and Independent Educational Evaluations.
- Educational trainings for teachers
Credentials & Training
- Masters of Science Occupational Therapy
- DIR®/Floortime® Certified
- Continued education in interoception, including Kelly Mahler’s work
- Continued education in alexithymia and trauma-informed practice
- Continued education in childhood trauma
- Intermediate Spanish
I am currently accepting telehealth clients only.
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
Lauren Mead
M.A, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren received her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. Lauren enjoys the variety of workplace settings in the field of speech-language pathology, and she has experience working with populations from early intervention to adults. She has worked in many different settings including private practice, skilled nursing, acute care, inpatient pediatric, schools, and home health. Lauren is passionate about providing client- centered care and believes that empowering parents to be facilitators in their child’s communication growth is a vital component. Lauren’s favorite part of being a speech and language pathologist is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of her clients.
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.
Tawnya Helbig
Special Education Teacher
Tawnya Helbig is a passionate special education teacher dedicated to supporting students and families throughout their educational journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s degree in Education. Tawnya provides personalized support with IEP reviews and writing, special education advocacy, parent coaching, student observations, and organization and executive functioning skills. Her goal is to help students build confidence, independence, self-advocacy, and practical skills while helping families navigate the special education process with clarity and confidence.
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.