Meet Kara Rice, MOT, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist | Reflex Integration Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Rice, MOT, OTR/L and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I initially created my business because I knew I had to share this information. More parents needed to know that they could make a big difference in their child’s future by doing simple movements at home. It took me years of therapies and research (not to mention having a Master’s in therapy) to realize I didn’t know the most cutting-edge neurologically-based treatment techniques to help children with developmental delays & learning challenges. If I had didn’t know this information then how would other parents? Creating my business in a virtual world has made it possible that I’m able to help families from all over the world. On a regular basis I talk to families from Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, India, and other countries that have zero access to professionals trained in reflex integration. But they are able to learn and see significant gains in their children via our method.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In my business, Brain Connex Therapy, I coach parents/caregivers to help their children with developmental delays by addressing the root cause of their learning, sensory, and/or behavior challenges. I started my business just to help share information and it quickly turned into a full-fledge coaching business when covid came and businesses were shut down. I feel honored to help families and get so much joy when I receive messages that their child has done something they never did before, like ride a bike or say “mom” or get all ‘A’s’ on their report card. It makes me so happy to know that I had a part in their journey, although the parents are the ones that do all the hard work.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to be authentic and genuine. People can feel that, even through a screen. I am excited for the future of my business as I’m about to launch a membership program geared towards “brain training” or developing the cerebellum. The cerebellum is not only important for motor movements, but also speech, social skills, memory and more. The membership is a movement-based program that will help both kids and adults. I plan to do research on two populations (children with delays and adults with memory loss) to see how the program helps.

The one thing I want parents of children who struggle is that your child’s diagnosis is just a label – it’s not their future. When we pursue treatment beyond the traditional medical model we can see great improvements. The brain controls everything from digestion to thoughts to motivation to learning. When we change the brain we can change their future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow! This is a great question but we just recently moved to the area from Flagstaff so I may take a whirlwind trip. I’d for sure be hiking in Sedona and take a dip in Oak Creek, followed by margaritas at Javelina’s Cantina. Before hiking I’d fuel up with a Powerful coffee drink at Local Juicery (also in Sedona). Then on our way back to the valley, we’d stop in Camp Verde area to kayak with Verde Adventures. Being back in the valley I personally like staying in nature and away from the crowds. I love hiking & mountain biking the preserve off of Dove Valley. Then evening fun downtown Cave Creek is always a blast.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off my son deserves the biggest shoutout. Without him being here I would have never gone down this path or created this business. Helping him has been my biggest struggle in life, but also my biggest accomplishment. He has taught me more than anyone about how to see the world with curiosity, playfulness, and to never judge a book by its cover. Professionally, Dr. Robert Melillo, gave me insight into a world of treatment for children with developmental delays that I would have never known about. He gave me hope for my own child and continues to be someone I look up to as to how I want to carry myself as a professional.

Website: www.brainconnextherapy.com

Instagram: instagram.com/brainconnextherapy

Facebook: Facebook.com/brainconnextherapy

Youtube: @brainconnextherapy