Mickey Ears & Milestones: OT Beyond the Clinic with Samantha Stiles

Episode 5: Mickey Ears & Milestones: OT Beyond the Clinic with Samantha Stiles


What’s Inside This Episode

What’s Inside This Episode
What if your therapy didn’t stop when the session ended? Erin chats with Samantha Stiles, CEO of Empower Kids Therapy in Orlando, FL, about building bridges between clinic-based strategies and real-world experiences—from kitchen tables to roller coasters. With a strong foundation in sensory integration and feeding therapy, Sam shares how her OT roots evolved into empowering families to create carryover that actually sticks. Whether it’s Disney, dinnertime, or the dreaded school transition, Sam breaks down how predictable routines, parent collaboration, and thoughtful environments make all the difference. Let’s discover how to embrace the magic of everyday moments.

Episode Highlights

This week we talk about:

  • Why supporting families matters just as much as supporting kids

  • How home-based OT sessions uncover the real puzzle pieces

  • The unexpected sensory layers of feeding therapy

  • From Disney queues to SeaWorld snacks—real-life therapy in action

  • The power of language: what we say vs. what they hear

  • Back-to-school tips that go beyond the backpack

  • Simple routines and strategies that help kids—and parents—feel prepared, not panicked

Connect with Sam

Guest Links

🔗 Follow Sam on Instagram → @empower.kids.therapy

🔗 Check out the Website → Empower Kids Therapy

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