Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Juli Polder

MA, OTR/L, CLC

Bio

I am a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with experience in various settings and across a wide range of areas. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience working in hospitals, sensory-based clinics, private practices, home-based services, schools, grant-based preschool programs, and early intervention programs. My work has encompassed children from birth to high school age.

Over the years, I have witnessed the profound impact of therapeutic interventions and the remarkable adaptability of the brain when provided with the right sensory input. My passion lies in assisting families in proactively addressing their child's specific needs in a targeted manner to optimize development and help children and families thrive. As a mother myself, I have experienced the transition into parenthood and faced challenges along the way. This personal experience fuels my dedication to supporting families and parents, offering education (as we often don't know what we don't know), and assisting families in establishing realistic rhythms and routines to simplify daily life. Parents and caregivers spend every day and night with their children, making them the experts on their child's needs. I firmly believe that working together as a team leads to the best possible outcomes for both the child and their family.

Education and Practice

Texas Women’s University:
Masters of Arts - MA, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Speciality

Creighton University:
Bachelors of Science - BS, Occupational Therapy

Specialties

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Balance and Posture Issues

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Developmental Coordination Disorder

  • Developmental Delay

  • Down Syndrome

  • Early Childhood Development

  • Executive Functioning

  • Feeding and Oral Motor Difficulties

  • Fine Motor Delay

  • Handwriting Difficulties

  • Motor Delays

  • Motor Planning and Coordination

  • Play Skills

  • Self-Care Skills

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Sensory Seeking or Sensory Avoidance Behaviors

  • Tongue Thrust

  • Transition and Routine Difficulties

  • Visual Motor Integration Problems

  • Visual Perceptual and Visual Motor Integration Difficulties

"Kinspire focuses on the entire family by involving the caregivers and other service providers in a seamless and cohesive way. When families are an integral part of the care team, the best outcomes are possible! All of a sudden children are getting therapeutic activities frequently throughout every single day rather than once a week. I also love that Kinspire makes occupational therapy services accessible to families who live in rural areas and/or areas where the availability of practitioners is limited. The Kinspire model also works so well for busy families who want the on-going support of a therapist to work their child's program into their daily rhythms and routines, allowing for optimal outcomes."

Family Story

"Juli has been incredibly caring and thoughtful in her approach and truly goes above and beyond to help her patients. My daughter has sensory issues and Juli has been a lifesaver, providing valuable guidance and support throughout the entire process. She has a great way with kids, making therapy sessions fun and engaging. Thanks to Juli's dedication and expertise, my daughter has made significant progress and I am forever grateful."