Dr. Courtney McIntyre, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, researcher, and neurodiversity-affirming innovator who has dedicated more than two decades to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. She holds a clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University; a graduate certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration from the University of Southern California, advanced training in Behavioral Analytics from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a bacehlors in behavioral science and biology from San Jose State University.

Courtney holds advanced training including as an American Hippotherapy Certified OT, SOS- sensory-based feeding intervention, DIR®/Floortime™, SCERTS®, Pivotal Response Treatment, and the Early Start Denver Model. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to blend neuroscience, sensory-motor development, relational models, and lived-experience-informed practices into a distinctly warm, playful, and evidence-based therapeutic approach.

Her research and professional interests center on health equity; neurodevelopmental health; culturally relevant care; metabolic influences in neurodiversity; medical foods; and the neuroscience of physical space design.

During COVID Dr. McIntyre spent time in health industry, leading large-scale research initiatives, critical incident management program for medical food, and expanded DME and medical food coverage through policy reform and revenue cycle operations.

Rooted in a deep belief in equitable access and community-centered care, Courtney founded Growild Boutique Playroom and Optimal Therapy Works—a neuroinclusive community hub designed to restore the power of sensory integration, connection, play, and evidence-based support. She also leads The Fathom Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing equitable access to the outdoors and horses for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Beyond her clinical and research work, Courtney provides lecture series, professional mentorship, and sensory-informed space design consultation, helping organizations, schools, and clinicians create environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive authentically.

When she’s not creating sensory-rich experiences at Growild, coaching parents, or holding space for teens during Teen Night, you can usually find her outside with her kids—riding horses, exploring trails, or embracing the joyful messiness of nature. Supporting families in discovering connection, confidence, and meaning through sensory-motor play is not just her expertise—it’s her passion.

As an AuDHD woman, Courtney brings authenticity, curiosity, and lived experience to every space she enters, advocating for a world where neurodivergent people are understood, supported, and celebrated.