Parallel Play
Who are we
Meet the team
Rachel Lawrence is the founder and owner of Parallel Play, and is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist from Texas. She has a Bachelor degree in Exercise Science from Texas Tech University and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Texas Medical Branch. She has practiced as a pediatric OT for 11 years, providing services to children of all ages and abilities. She is especially passionate about getting children moving in functional ways, as well as working with caregivers and serving as a sounding board for navigating challenges that may arise in each family’s life.
Rachel has over 16 years of gymnastics experience including coaching, judging and competing. In 2014, she received her Big Fun certification and began to combine her love of gymnastics with traditional therapy principles to help children unlock their potential. She founded Parallel Play in 2015, and opened Parallel Play’s first sensory gymnastics gym in the fall of 2019. Rachel is an Ironman triathlete, marathoner, dreamer, schemer, wife and mother. She looks forward to empowering both you and your child to live your biggest life possible!
Love of movement began when I was young and further grew while participating in, and later coaching, recreational gymnastics. This experience inspired me to attain my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Fransician University of Steubenville in 2004, and not coincidentally, introduced me to occupational therapy. Upon learning I could help kids through movement, I eagerly completed my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2008. Since graduating, I have worked with children of many needs and have focused my training in Sensory Integration, including attaining the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test certification through the University of Southern California.
My name is Kristen Hoyt. I value supporting children and their families and am passionate about helping kids succeed, build confidence and reach goals through joyfully play based movements.
I stay busy as a wife and mother to three wonderful boys and one fur baby. I enjoy swimming, yoga, crystals, anything chocolate, dogs and perpetually striving to have a green thumb. I am beyond grateful to be part of such a dedicated team here at Parallel Play and am excited to share the power of movement to grow, heal and inspire!
Colette Gilbert is a licensed occupational therapist from NJ. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. During her program, she served as president of Clarkson’s Student OT Association and organized the Inaugural Racquette River Dragon Boat Festival which benefited the Lewis School Health Science mission trips. Colette received her Bachelor of Science from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia where she led the women’s varsity college tennis team.
Colette was previously a behavior therapist and substitute teacher for typical and special education classes and has over 5 years of experience working in pediatrics. She has enjoyed fieldwork and involvement in schools, hand therapy clinics, hospitals, memory care, behavioral health, early intervention, home health and outpatient settings. Currently, Colette works for a skilled nursing facility with a sensory integration emphasis. She has 20 years of tennis experience and has taught tennis to all ages and abilities for over a decade. She is thrilled to utilize her gymnastics and tennis backgrounds with sensory integration and movement. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, weightlifting, swimming, camping and visiting national parks.
My name is Amy Riedel and I have enjoyed being an Occupational Therapist for 17 years. I started my career working in Buffalo, New York in the Buffalo Public School District. I currently split my week between Parallel Play (Mondays and Tuesdays) and Goddard MIddle School in the Littleton Public School District. I love helping all children reach their fullest potential, focusing on appropriate, purposeful and productive activities. Working with children to find successes and build overall confidence that can be carried over into the home and school environments is the main focus of my OT sessions. Calm brain - creates focus - allows learning to occur! In my spare time I like to hike, bike, ski and spend time with family and friends.
Dani Pasquarelli is a licensed occupational therapist from Connecticut. She received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. A love of the outdoors brought Dani to Colorado to begin her occupational therapy career. She has worked with children of all ages in clinic, school-based, camp, and aquatic settings. She’s passionate about building connections with clients and their families to best support them as they navigate their daily routines and favorite activities.
At a young age Dani quickly found a passion for gymnastics leading to years of competitions and later on coaching. As the daughter of a preschool teacher, Dani knew early on she wanted to work with kids. Upon shadowing an occupational therapist, the familiar gymnastics-like equipment, emphasis on movement, and what she later learned to be sensory input, felt like the perfect match. Dani continues to be personally passionate about movement through gymnastics, rock climbing, hiking, skiing and is always exploring.
Jenna Westby is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and loves serving children and their families at Parallel Play. Jenna graduated in 2018 with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy and Pediatric Specialization from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. Before going to OT school, Jenna volunteered at a local pediatric hospital in NJ and was inspired by occupational therapists and their roles in facilitating children's participation in every day life and what is meaningful to them. Seeing a smile and increased independence from a child made her realize OT was going to be her passion!
Jenna also grew up as a competitive dancer and always viewed movement as a way to express oneself, develop confidence, and find a sense of calm and regulation. As an occupational therapist, Jenna makes it a priority to partner alongside children and their families and empower learning and growth through movement. Outside of Parallel Play Jenna loves to cook, read, exercise, and take adventures with her husband and mini goldendo
A note from our founder:
Hi y’all! As the founder of Parallel Play, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. Parallel Play was born out of the realization that there was a different way to provide occupational therapy- one that prioritized movement as the catalyst for a child to develop the skills needed to thrive. I like to say that our sensory gym is my happy place and I want it to become that for your family as well- a place where your child is met with the just right challenge to develop the skills needed for life while you receive coaching and support to guide you on your journey. Here we work on cognitive flexibility, problem solving and self advocacy. We use sensory rich movement to develop coordination, motor planning, strength and body awareness. We coach and encourage parents with real-life suggestions that make sense for your family’s unique rhythm. Here at Parallel Play, you’re not just a number. We strive to be a place where you feel heard and seen, where your family can develop tools and strategies to make your day-to-day life feel easier and more successful.
New for Fall, 2024: Parallel Play has grown! We now have a 1400 square foot sensory gym at the Stanley Marketplace, in Aurora, Colorado. We proudly serve 65+ families weekly, and look forward to serving our community even more with our new expansion. Our team boasts therapists with backgrounds in gymnastics, kickboxing, dance, tennis, weight lifting, rock climbing, soccer, running and more. Each of these occupational therapists bring a unique perspective and is passionate about using movement to help your child unlock their full potential. We can’t wait to make an even bigger impact on our community and beyond.
It is a privilege to get to know such amazing families, to witness firsthand the transformation that comes when children AND caregivers feel seen, heard and empowered. Whether your child is struggling with focus and attention, motor skills or coordination, emotional outbursts, anxiety, resilience or social skills, we’re here to address these challenges in a way that feels meaningful and fun. Thank you for trusting us to serve your family- your support and trust means the world to us!
With so much love,
Rachel
Executive Function
Children need a range of skills to engage and participate successfully in everyday activities. We specialize in helping children develop essential executive functioning skills, including problem-solving, sustaining attention on adult-directed or non-preferred tasks, and self-advocating to meet their individual needs. Our approach empowers children with the tools to thrive in various environments.
Sensory Processing
Our team is passionate about helping children and families gain a deeper understanding of sensory processing and each child’s unique sensory needs. Occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting sensory processing by teaching self-regulation strategies and offering personalized interventions. We work to develop proactive approaches that help regulate the central nervous system, enabling children to process sensory input more effectively. This leads to improved focus, emotional regulation, and greater participation in daily activities.
Movement
We believe that a moving child is a learning child, and that every child deserves to move their body in a way that feels best for them. Movement is a vital part of pediatric occupational therapy, as it helps children develop strength, coordination, balance, and motor planning—key skills for navigating daily life. By exploring movement within their 'just right challenge' range, children build confidence and improve essential abilities needed for tasks like dressing, writing, and play. Through movement and play, we empower children to engage more fully with the world around them, supporting their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.
Parent Coaching
We believe parents are the experts on their children, and we’re here as skilled professionals to guide and empower them. Through coaching, we provide parents with the tools and strategies to overcome daily challenges, problem-solve with their child, and celebrate the wins. Our goal is to foster independence, self-understanding, and confidence in both children and parents, helping families advocate for their needs and realize their highest potential. We’re on your team, walking beside you every step of the way, with unwavering support.
Social Emotional
Pediatric occupational therapists play a vital role in helping children develop social-emotional skills, which are essential for building relationships, managing emotions, and navigating social situations. Through movement and play, we help children learn how to recognize and express their feelings, understand the emotions of others, and develop empathy. We also teach strategies for emotional regulation, impulse control, and problem-solving, which enable children to handle challenges with greater resilience. By fostering these skills, we support children in building confidence, improving self-esteem, and thriving in both social and academic environments.
Parallel Play Core Values
Movement
We believe that a moving child is a learning child, that movement is therapy and that all children should have the opportunity to move in their own unique way.
Empowerment
We exist to empower. To help children and their parents recognize and realize their highest potential. To foster independence, self-understanding, self-advocacy and confidence.
Support
We’re here to hold your hand and walk beside you. You have our support, we’re on your team, we’re part of the solution.
Structure
We believe in intentionality, consistency and setting expectations. We believe that boundaries and routines allow a child to feel safe and that structure is a foundation for play.
Respect
We value integrity, accountability and respect- respect for the therapeutic process, respect for our community, respect for time, self, effort and each other. We act in accordance to this value.
FAQ
You’ve got questions, We’ve got answers
My child doesn't have a diagnosis. Would they still benefit from Parallel Play?
Yes! Even children without diagnoses can struggle in areas such as coordination, self regulation, behavioral or sensory challenges, strength, endurance and more. Adapted gymnastics services can help! Our goal at Parallel Play is to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle and to help children of all abilities develop skills required to integrate fully into their homes, communities and peer groups.
What ages do you work with?
Parallel Play specializes in skills development for children starting newborn up to age 19.
What diagnosis or conditions do you work with?
Our services are recommended for children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Developmental Delay
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Decreased Strength
- Decreased Endurance
- Sensory Integration Deficits
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Apraxia
- Seizure Disorders
- Visual or Hearing Impairments
- Behaviorial Issues
- Physical, Mental or Emotional Deficits
What does Parallel Play help my child improve?
Our specialization is proven to improve.
- Sensory Processing
- Coordination
- Balance
- Strength
- Motor Planning
- Fine Motor Skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Social Interaction Skills
- Range of Motion
- Task initiation
- Sequencing
- Endurance
- Cognition
- Problem Solving
- Play Skills
- Confidence and More!
Does my child need to be able to walk to participate?
Nope! We have experience working with all functional abilities, and have various pieces of equipment to provide a sensory rich experience for children who are unable to walk.
How long are the sessions?
50 minutes, with 5-7 minutes of transition, parent education and cleaning time.
What do sessions look like?
Sessions at Parallel Play, whether therapeutic or adapted in nature, focus on empowering children through movement. Utilizing traditional gymnastics equipment and occupational therapy principles, children will be provided with sensory rich activities such as rolling, climbing, balance beam, swinging and traditional gymnastics movements. Children will practice following directions, controlling their bodies, advocating for their wants/needs and more through the use of obstacle courses, activities and gymnastics based stations.
How much do sessions cost?
Here’s our pricing sheet.
We already have an occupational therapist. Can we still work with you?
You can! Although insurance and Medicaid only allows a patient to have one occupational therapist at a time, it may be possible to use state waivers, HSA accounts or private pay funding sources to cover adapted gymnastics services.
Do you take insurance?
Currently, Parallel Play is in network with CO state Medicaid. If your child has Medicaid as a primary or secondary provider, let’s make it happen!
How do we get started?
Send us an email at info@parallelplay.today! From there we can set up an inquiry call to determine if Parallel Play is a good fit for your child and family. Please note, if your family is utilizing Medicaid or state waiver funding, there may be several weeks of wait time between the evaluation and your first official session, as we process paperwork and obtain prior authorization.
Therapists
Years Of Experience
Happy Clients
Weekly Sessions
Award Winning Practice and Therapists
Skills for life
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Develop Basic and Advanced Motor Skills
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Build Strength and Balance
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Leave with Confidence to grow
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Contact Us
info@parallelplay.today
Phone
720-900-5331
Address
2501 Dallas St, Aurora CO 80010
Not sure where to start? Book an inquiry call with us today.