Erin DeNola

MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Founder

Hi, I'm Erin DeNola, and I'm so glad you're here.

I founded Skilled Therapy & Play Services with a simple mission: to create a place where children, families, and therapists feel truly supported. We provide Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Behavior Therapy through a family-centered, play-based and individualized approach that helps children and caregivers build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in everyday life.

My journey began as a behavior therapist in a school serving neurodivergent children. It was there that I discovered occupational therapy and immediately knew I had found my calling. Since then, I've dedicated my career to helping children reach their fullest potential while empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support progress beyond the therapy session.

When I started STPS, I wanted to build the kind of practice I wished existed. One that prioritizes meaningful relationships, exceptional clinical care, family education, and true collaboration. We believe the best outcomes happen when everyone involved understands the "why" behind a child's strengths and challenges. Our goal is not only to help children make progress during therapy, but to create lasting change at home, at school, and within their community.

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with children and young adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, learning differences, developmental coordination challenges, and cerebral palsy. My clinical interests include sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive function, motor development, handwriting, social participation, independent living skills, and behavior through a neurodevelopmental and neurodivergent affirming lens.

At STPS, we believe therapy should be something children look forward to. We strive to create an environment where every family feels heard, every child feels understood, and every treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to the individual's unique needs. Through movement, play, and the "just-right" challenge, we help children develop the skills they need to participate more fully and confidently in everyday life.

Certifications & Advanced Training

  • Astronaut Training

  • Social Thinking® Curriculum

  • Brazelton Touchpoints Approach

  • Julia Harper's H.O.P.E. Protocol (Reflex Integration & Emotional Regulation)

  • Wilbarger Brushing Protocol (trained by Julia Wilbarger)

  • Sensory Integration & Primary Movement

  • Bal-A-Vis-X

  • Handwriting Without Tears®

  • Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT)

  • Safe and Sound Protocol®

  • Therapeutic Listening® (Vital Links)

  • Rhythmic Movement Training for ADHD

  • Brain Gym®