Classes & Camps 

GroWild, in partnership with Optimal Therapy Works, is excited to offer signature class series & day camps led by Dr. Courtney McIntyre, OTD, OTR/L a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with advanced training in Ayers Sensory Integration, child lead play therapy, and parent coaching. Our groups and workshops bring a hybrid m

Groups: Designed for caregivers and their children, these developmental based groups blend child-led play with real time parent coaching. Guardian Groups support coaching caregivers through different developmental stages with focuses on motor development, emotional resiliency, emotional regulation, sensory exploration, social connection, and so much more. Groups are intimate with no more than 8 children, allowing families to build peer support groups and playmates for children all while learning evidence-based parenting strategies to carry home.

Workshops: Child and Adolescence enrichment classes are small inclusive cohorts targeting creativity, self exploration, sensory motor integration, social exploration, confidence building, and self-advocacy. Thrive and grow workshops, often centered around crafts and collaborative creating, can be adapted on the fly by an occupational therapist to meet each learner’s needs. Workshops are a safe and engaging place for children and adolescents to build friendship, explore new interest and grow into the best version of themselves while building skills that carry over to home and school.

Optimal Therapy Works

Holiday Pop Up

Holiday Pop Up

Maker Space Pop-Ups

Calling all young creators!

Join us for our Maker Space Pop-Ups, a fun and inspiring time for school-age kids to craft, explore, and make new friends. Kids can dive into guided art and craft projects or let their imagination run wild with self-directed creations.

Whether they’re making handmade gifts for friends and family or experimenting with materials in their own unique way, there’s something for every young maker.

Come create, connect, and celebrate the joy of making!

Sensory Smart Start

Empowering caregivers. Engaging children. Growing together.

Sensory Smart Start offers developmentally tailored caregiver–child group classes that blend expert insight with playful learning.
Guided by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and neurodevelopmental specialist, families explore their child’s sensory-motor, emotional, and social growth in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Each session nurtures developmental skills through movement, play, and connection, while giving caregivers the tools and understanding to confidently support their child’s needs at home and in the community.

Our classes also provide a space for caregivers to ask questions, gain individualized guidance, and learn practical strategies to meet their child’s sensory and developmental needs in everyday life.

Course Details

4-Week Class Series: Each series meets once a week for 4 weeks.

Class Time: Monday – Friday | 9:00 – 10:00 am

Winter Enrollment Dates:

Session 1: January 5 – 26

Session 2: February 2- March 6

*no class the week February 16

Why Families Love Sensory Smart Start

  • Designed for both caregivers and children to learn and grow together

  • Combines sensory-motor play, emotional connection, and community learning

  • Led by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with advanced training in sensory integration, play-based learning, and parent coaching.

  • Builds caregiver confidence through hands-on practice and real-time support

Class Schedule by Age & Developmental Focus

  • Foundations of Connection

    Monday

    Birth – 18 Months

    At this stage, the focus is on early sensory exploration and attachment. Activities focus on:

    Building secure relationships through responsive play and co-regulation

    Supporting early motor milestones (tummy time, rolling, sitting, crawling)

    Introducing sensory-rich experiences to promote body and spatial awareness

    Answering questions about feeding, sleeping, and overall child development. Helping caregivers learn how to use everyday moments and materials to support development

  • Movers and Explorers

    Tuesday

    18 Months – 3 Years

    This group supports toddlers in developing independence, balance, and emerging communication through play.
    We focus on:

    Expanding sensory-motor skills like climbing, jumping, and coordination

    Encouraging curiosity, imitation, and early problem-solving

    Fostering early social participation and parallel play

    Teaching caregivers how to guide regulation and transitions through sensory strategies

  • Plan, Play, & Participate

    Wednesday:

    Preschool Age

    Preschoolers learn best through imaginative, cooperative play that strengthens both body and mind.

    Building motor planning, bilateral coordination, and fine motor readiness

    Supporting self-regulation and attention through sensory play

    Encouraging turn-taking, collaboration, and flexible thinking

    Developing foundational skills for kindergarten and community participation

  • Skills for Everyday Success

    Thursday

    School-Age Homeschool Group

    This group blends social learning, sensory regulation, and functional independence within a supportive community setting.
    We focus on:

    Strengthening postural control, balance, and endurance for learning activities

    Enhancing executive function, attention, and organization through movement

    Practicing social communication and teamwork through games and group projects

    Exploring self-awareness and self-advocacy in learning environments

  • Confidence, Connection, and Community

    Friday

    Middle & High School Homeschool Group

    Our adolescent groups emphasize self-regulation, identity, and social belonging during this important stage of growth.
    We focus on:

    Supporting sensory regulation and stress management strategies

    Encouraging leadership, problem-solving, and cooperative learning

    Building life skills for independence and participation in the community

    Fostering confidence, resilience, and peer connection through meaningful, hands-on activities

Evening Workshops

Collaborative Library

$300

6-Week Workshop

January 8th- February 12th

Meets Once Weekly:
Thursdays | 3:30 – 5:00 PM

This six-week course series invites school-age children to collaborate on a meaningful, community-centered project: the design, construction, and curation of a Free Little Library dedicated to neurodiversity education and celebration.

Participants will work together to build a physical library structure using accessible carpentry tools and collaborative design practices. Alongside hands-on building skills, children will explore topics of identity, inclusion, and diverse ways of thinking and learning. Each week, the group will also select, review, and curate children’s books and resources that reflect the rich spectrum of neurodivergent experiences—such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more—with a focus on respect, empathy, and empowerment.

In addition to teamwork and creative problem-solving, this course integrates occupational therapy principles, using the Allen Cognitive Levels framework to tailor executive functioning support and developmental goals. Children will receive personalized take-home strategies to help generalize these skills into daily routines.

This inclusive, social learning environment fosters leadership, creativity, and community impact. The finished Free Library will be installed and unveiled at the end of the course, offering children a proud and lasting contribution to their community.


Suggested 7 years and up

ENROLL NOW

Fabric Arts & Forest Friends

$300

6-Week Workshop

January 5th - February 9th

Meets Once Weekly:
Mondays | 3:30 – 5:00 PM

This six-week course series is designed for school-age children seeking a creativity, sawing skills and meaningful way to build social connection, self-identity, and executive functioning skills.

Each week, participants will handcraft their own forest animal doll, learning sewing and crafting techniques while exploring themes of identity, culture, and self-expression. Guided by Melissa Lowry’s book Handmade Dolls, each child will bring one unique “forest friend” to life over the six-week session.

As participants design their doll’s personality, story, and wardrobe: including choices about gender and cultural expression. We emphasize itself-awareness, confidence, creativity, and perseverance.

In addition to creative skill-building, the course integrates occupational therapy principles to strengthen executive functioning. Each participant will receive custom take-home strategies to extend learning beyond the group and support daily routines and life skills.

This course fosters a welcoming and inclusive community where children can connect, express themselves, and grow together in a culturally respectful environment. It’s ideal for families seeking an enriching experience that combines therapy, creativity, and social connection.

Suggested 6 years and up

Enroll Now