Get to Know Carley: Occupational Therapist
I was born and raised on my family’s 300+ acre dairy farm — a place where creeks, fields, pastures, and woods weren’t just scenery, but shaping forces.
Life was built around early mornings, hard work, and deep connection to the land. I grew up raising dairy cows, dogs, cats, and even a few seasons of show pigs.
My family also tends to large vegetable gardens every summer. My parents still sell produce at a little roadside stand and spend countless hours canning tomatoes, mustards, salsas, and freezing sweet corn for the winter.
These rhythms of planting, preserving, and providing nurture not only my body, but my sense of purpose and patience—qualities that I carry into my work as an occupational therapist.
Carley at Garrett Chapel
In 2014, I earned my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Keuka College. I intentionally chose Keuka for its rural Finger Lakes setting over the urban convenience of Buffalo, closer to home. It was a decision rooted in instinct and one that continues to serve me well.
That region quickly became a personal sanctuary, deepening my connection to nature as both a lifestyle and a healing space. I still return several times a year to the Finger Lakes for rest, reflection, and inspiration (& fun!)
Professionally, I’ve worked in both school-based and skilled nursing settings, beginning in education before shifting to a rehab facility for three years to strengthen my biomechanical skills.
Eventually, I returned to school-based OT for the environment and the rhythm of the schedule, especially once I became a mother. I also worked per diem evaluating clients at a small-town nursing home, where I continued to see the value of individualized, practical care.
In 2018, we bought a home outside East Aurora, got married in the fall of 2020, and welcomed my son in 2021 and my daughter in 2023.
Now working in a small rural school district, I intentionally integrate nature into my sessions—especially with many students who, like me, are “farm kids” at heart.
Whether we’re regulating outside with deep breaths in the wind, working on motor skills in a grassy yard, or exploring sensory play in the dirt, nature remains my most versatile co-therapist.
In addition to my school-based work, I’m passionate about addressing the growing nature deficit in today’s youth. I organize and lead enrichment programs and therapeutic nature-based consults that help children connect meaningfully with the outdoors.
Whether it’s guiding outdoor sensory play, supporting families in integrating nature into their routines, or attending community events to advocate for accessible, inclusive nature experiences, I aim to create opportunities where kids can build resilience, regulation, and confidence through natural exploration.
These side projects allow me to expand my impact beyond the school walls—because every child deserves a chance to thrive outside.
I love being an occupational therapist because it’s where science and creativity collide. The older I get, the more curious and driven I become, diving back into topics like neuroanatomy, physiology, and holistic wellness with fresh eyes.
My childhood gave me grit and gratitude, and my profession gives me the platform to pass that along. Years ago, before retiring, a beloved college professor told me, “Farm kids make great OTs.” I’ve been proving him right ever since—through every garden row, every therapy session, and every child whose growth begins right where their feet hit the earth.
Outside of therapy, I’m also a lifestyle photographer (since 2010) specializing in candid portraits, sporting events, and nature. Capturing authentic moments—whether it’s a family connection, an athlete’s determination, or the quiet beauty of the outdoors—is another creative outlet that keeps me grounded and inspired.
At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s therapy, photography, motherhood, or community work—is a deep belief in the healing power of connection: to self, to others, and to nature. I’m committed to creating spaces where people, especially children, feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. My roots in the land continue to guide my path, and it’s an honor to blend science, creativity, and soul in the work I do each day. This journey is ever-evolving, and I’m grateful to walk it with purpose, presence, and passion.
