What is this whole thing even about?
Root-to-Rise Occupational Therapy came to fruition after several years of working with families when it’s feeling like there cannot possibly be one more thing (and then there definitely is one hundred more things) without losing your mind. I’ve been doing it for over five years and I’m a big believer in putting out the immediate fires while addressing what is providing all these fires with their kindling. New to the Bend, Oregon area, my occupational therapy practice consists of a holistic approach to family dynamics where the entire family becomes my client. We work with each member individually, ensuring that needs are met on the personal level, and then integrating these efforts into the family unit. I come to you, your home, school, work, coffee shop, soccer practice—wherever the fires are—and we work from the ground up. Diving into the roots so the collective family is empowered to rise
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
Emilee Hunter
OTD, OTR/L
Hi, I’m new here :) I recently moved to Bend, Oregon in the fall of 2023 after spending my first few decades in the midwest. While I was there, I did some being born and learned how to be in a family in Des Moines, Iowa and then moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 2010 to attend college at Creighton University. In exchange for a lot of dollars, time, and energy, I earned a BA of psychology (2014), most of my Masters of Theology (2015—long story), and my doctorate of Occupational Therapy (2018).
It was also during my time in Omaha that I got serious about my yoga practice and completed my 200hr yoga teacher training (2018), certification in children’s yoga (2018), and 300hr yoga teacher training (2021). I have been a yoga instructor and on instructing staff since 2019—one of my very favorite side quests!
In early 2020, I received my level II reiki certification as well and have since often incorporated reiki into my yoga practices as well as one-on-one sessions.
I moved to Bend because it was time—time for a shift, a leap, an adventure, and to bet on me. I love my work and I am confident in the opportunities to grow and rise together with my unique offerings—so looking forward to connecting!
“We could count on you to “be there” for each of their individual needs. You were able to put together a plan of treatment that was built on their trust and personalities. And then, you continued to listen and pivot when something wasn’t working. You collaborated with them and you shared with them. I think, one thing that was critical to your earning their trust was that you never treated them like “kids”. While you learned about them they learned about you. From cooking together to playing uno to scavenger hunts and so, so, so much more … you were a constant for over 5 years.”
-Rilla N.
TESTIMONIALS
“Working with Emilee over the past few years has had a huge positive impact on not only our oldest son, but on our whole family. Emilee has been able to connect with all of us, coaching us as parents through difficult and every day situations, building an impactful relationship with our son, and help him learn and grow through the challenges he faces. Her empathy and understanding has changed our lives for the better.”
-Amber H.
“Emilee has become part of our family. Our love for her is truly genuine, as is her love for our boys and our entire family. She approaches every situation with a kind, caring, and loving heart. And given the daily, and even not-so-daily frustrations and hardships that we all experience in life, during any session or family meeting, Emilee is always "there" for us and our boys. I asked her once how she is consistently, emotionally and professionally, so lovingly available, warm, and welcoming to our boys, as well as any other client I've seen her with. If I remember correctly, her answer was that, (paraphrasing) yes, there are some days that are harder than others, but she loves what she does, and she loves our family.”
-Bryan H.