Occupational therapy and play groups

nurturing little humans

Welcome to Happy and Growing!

Our mission is to help all families and children find confidence and joy exploring their worlds. Whether connecting with other new parents, discovering ways to engage with their baby, sparking curiosity in toddlers, or helping a child become comfortable in and proud of their unique sensory system, we approach all individuals and services with a neurodiversity affirming lens and a belief that children are capable and competent.

Individual OT services

We meet all children where they are to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their daily lives from the playground to bed time. We work with children who are experiencing sensory regulation challenges, as well as those with more complex genetic and neuro diagnoses.

Neurodiversity affirming Social Groups

We provide a welcoming and safe space for children to build and practice the life long skills needed to navigate social dynamics and challenges. Groups are centered around shared interests and experiences to facilitate authentic friendships.

sensorimotor play

Come join us to move, build, create, and get messy with opportunities from story time to open play with caregivers, and a new parent and baby group.

Meet Becca

Becca berick, MOT, OTR/L

Owner, Occupational Therapist

Becca is a pediatric occupational therapist based in Northern Virginia. She has worked as an OT with children and their families for thirteen years in a variety of settings including private clinics, schools, early intervention, and outpatient pediatric hospitals. She is passionate about continuing her learning, with additional training in early development, feeding, vision, reflexes, and sensory integration, including a Level 1 mentorship through the STAR Institute.

Becca cultivates connections with each of her clients as a foundation for building meaningful and successful growth. She approaches her work from a neurodiversity affirming lens and believes strongly in the beauty and joy that our diverse selves bring to the world.

  • a fervent belief in his capabilities

    "...for seeing him for exactly who he is, caring for him with kindness, love and a fervent belief in his capabilities."

    ~ E

  • "it’s been such a game-changer"

    I can't thank Becca enough for all the incredible work she's done with my son over the past year. After his ADHD and ASD diagnosis, we started OT, and it’s been such a game-changer. She’s helped him with everything from regulation to sensory needs to fine motor skills, and the progress he’s made is amazing. Her patience, support, and genuine care for his growth have meant the world to us. We’ve seen such huge improvements, and I’m beyond grateful for all the positive changes she’s helped him achieve!

    -K

  • "she connected with our son in a way we had never seen before."

    She truly sees the whole child, not just the challenges, and works tirelessly to support and celebrate their strengths…. She partnered with us to find strategies that were uniquely suited to our son’s personality and needs…. Her support extended beyond our child, she guided us with so much compassion and care, making us feel seen, heard, and empowered.

    Becca’s dedication and heart shine through in everything she does. We are endlessly grateful for the impact she’s had on our child and our family.

    -B

“Sensations are Food for the brain.”

~ Jean Ayres

Are You Ready to join us?

Jump in to a group or reach out for a phone call to discuss how we can best support your family!

Sensorimotor play

Visit our drop-in classes page for more details about current schedules and register for drop in sessions.

Individual Therapy Inquiries

Click the link below to initiate an intake phone call and start the process.

Interest Based Social Groups

Groups are in the works around specific topics as interest indicates (including art, trains, weather, and baking). If you think your child would like to connect with peers around a special interest, please reach out with topic requests and consideration as groups are formed.

Follow @happyandgrowing

There is a loud conversation happening right now about autistic individuals’ right to show up as themselves and the value of a neurodiverse society. There have been, and continue to be, efforts to mold all children into whar society believes is
I know the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s true. It is impossible to coregulate a small child when your system is maxed out. However, taking care of our own systems is much easier said than done. This weekend
We hit a wall with lunches this week. Even the feeding therapist mom hits a wall at some point. On day 8264538 of packed lunches, with all the preschool restrictions, in need of approval from 2 and 5 year olds with some pretty specific tastes, we hit