occupational therapist + educator

Chelsea is the founder of Viva O.Therapy. A New Orleans native and a St. Pete transplant, she is passionate about helping people live empowered, meaningful lives.

Chelsea received her Bachelor’s of Science in Human and Social Development from the University of Miami’s School of Education. She worked as a volleyball and sailing coach throughout college and transitioned into teaching in a Montessori classroom after graduation. She launched the school’s first after-school yoga and mindfulness program for children 3-6 years old.

Chelsea returned to school to pursue a doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California where she was awarded a merit-based scholarship. With a focus on community well-being and mental health, she continuously sought opportunities to deeper her OT skillset and improve her interdisciplinary leadership abilities. Post-graduation she worked at UCLA’s Geffen Academy as a Wellness Educator for 6th-12th grade students before transitioning into a pediatric sensory-based occupational therapy clinic.

She is proud to launch her own practice in St. Pete and is passionate about bringing occupational services to the community.

Occupational therapy allows us to engage in the activities of life that are meaningful to us. For the pediatric population, this often means helping our kids be on track developmentally. Developmental delays can impact us later in life, so early intervention is important. Other common areas of OT intervention in pediatrics include self-regulation, social skills, coordination, anxiety management, and executive functioning.

Anyone! OT is suitable for anyone with challenges to engaging fully in life. Often OTs work with neurodivergent populations (ASD, ADHD, etc), but the services are suitable for anyone who stands to benefit from more independent in life.