Our
Story
Get to Know Us
Hi my name is McKenna and I am a co-founder of Resilient Roots OT. I’m a board-certified occupational therapist, additional certifications in nature-based therapy, and Love Your Brain Yoga. I received my master's in occupational therapy from New York University and have spent the past six years working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and early intervention, supporting children and families across a wide range of needs.
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My passion for this field is deeply personal—growing up with a brother with special needs allowed me to witness the meaningful impact occupational therapy can have on a child’s life. This foundation shaped my commitment to providing evidence-based, neuro-affirming, child-centered, and holistic care.
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Over time, I felt pulled toward the outdoors as a therapeutic space. During this last year, I had the privilege of volunteering with and being mentored by nature-based therapists trained in the Contigo Approach. This experience opened my eyes to the beautiful ways nature supports children’s social, cognitive, and motor development, deepening my commitment to bringing therapy outdoors.
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As an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming, and biking —I know firsthand the power nature has to lift moods, spark joy, and encourage growth. I bring that belief into every session, creating meaningful, engaging, and effective therapy experiences that support each child’s development in a joyful and grounded way.
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Hi, I’m Susan Santana. I am a certified occupational therapist and the co-founder of Resilient Roots OT. With over 23 years of experience, I bring a calm, thoughtful presence to my work, helping children feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves.
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I earned my Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University and have worked with children from birth through age 21 in a wide variety of settings, including early intervention, public schools, specialized autism schools, inpatient and outpatient programs, and aquatic therapy. I have experience supporting children with diagnoses such as Autism, ADD/ADHD, Visual Impairments, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome, always honoring each child’s individual pace and strengths.
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I have extensive training and experience in sensory processing, cortical visual impairment, and self-regulation, and I am also certified in aquatic therapy. My sessions are child-led and thoughtfully designed to be both playful and grounding, allowing children to explore, move, and connect in ways that feel natural and enjoyable to them.
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As an outdoor enthusiast at heart, I personally experience the calming and regulating effects of nature. When I’m not working, I can often be found hiking, swimming, biking, or kayaking—or simply spending time outdoors with my dog. My love for nature is woven into every aspect of my work, creating gentle, nurturing experiences that support growth, confidence, and connection for children and their families.
The ConTiGO Approach
Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors,
a pediatric approach developed
by Dr. Laura Park Figueroa
Con: Connection
​Children grow through connection—to caregivers, peers, and the environment. We bring all of these elements together to support emotional growth and co-regulation.
T: Transformation
​​By blending evidence-based therapy with nature, children are invited to explore challenges, think creatively, and follow their curiosity—creating experiences that foster resilience, coordination, and self-regulation.
In GO: In the Great Outdoors ​
Natural environments are inherently motivating and rich in sensory experiences. Therapy in the great outdoors allows children to engage authentically and gives them freedom to play and discover their strengths without ever feeling like they’re “in therapy.” It’s where real-life skills naturally transfer into everyday moments.