Educational opportunities
We believe that all good things begin with connection
especially in the face of adversity
We believe that all good things begin with connection
especially in the face of adversity
Welcome to rhizome! From the founder of The Lotus Tree Sensory Integration Center, Laurie Appel, we present a place for educational opportunities that are collaboration driven. We have experiences for parents, caregivers, paraprofessionals and therapists. Experiences with rhizome are organic processes that will develop into individualized programs for your family, your professional growth or your organization.
You've read the books.
You've tried the strategies.
You've sat in the waiting room hoping this time it would be different.
Your family doesn't need another theory. What you need is practice - real, in the moment experience alongside a sensory trained OT who can show you in real time what co-regulation looks like when your child is having big feelings or pushing every boundary you set.
The Roots to Connection is a 7 week, one-on-one program where you and your child work with a pediatric Occupational Therapist - so you can stop reading about what to do and start doing it.
This program is for families who...
Have tried behavioral plans, reward charts and consequences - and watched them backfire
Walk on eggshells because one child's emotions control the household
Struggle with transitions - getting out the door, leaving school, switching activities - every single day
Have a child who is highly sensitive, emotionally reactive, or resistant to directives - with or without a formal diagnosis
Want to stop managing behavior and start building connection and intrinsic motivation
4 core principles
Led by Laurie Appel, OTR/L — a pediatric occupational therapist with 25+ years
of experience and founder of The Lotus Tree.
Language
Shifting the words you use so your child can make their
own choices within clear, consistent boundaries.
Co-Regulation
Learning to regulate together — when you ground
yourself first, you create the safety your child needs to
find their calm alongside you.
The Pause
Giving your child time to process and giving yourself time to respond from a grounded place instead of a reactive one.
A Sensory-Rich Home
Understanding how the environment affects your child's
nervous system, and how furniture, lighting, daily
routines, and sensory tools can support regulation.
See it. Do it. Be it.
Watch the techniques in action. Practice them together.
Then take them home with greater ease and the space to enjoy life.
Testimonial
"I felt completely alone with my son's struggles with his ADHD and social anxiety. I knew I was failing him and didn't know where to turn. Laurie created a safe, supportive space for him while giving me the tools to help him regulate, rebuild confidence, and thrive. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have my happy, thriving child back."
-Rhizome parent