Our Story
After hearing from many families that their child “just didn’t fit in” with traditional group programs, I knew there had to be another way. A way where children of all abilities could feel supported, included, and free to be themselves—especially outdoors.
FUNdamentals in Nature OT Services was founded in 2023 with that vision in mind. Based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, we serve children and youth ages 4–22 with varying abilities through a strengths-based, nature-centered occupational therapy approach.
We offer year-round individual occupational therapy evaluations and sessions, as well as nature-based therapeutic groups designed to meet children where they are. Services are provided throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding metro suburbs, with groups held at thoughtfully chosen pop-up locations such as nature centers, natural play spaces, and local farms.
Nature provides the perfect backdrop to support foundational skills including social engagement, emotional regulation, motor development, and sensory processing—all through meaningful, playful, real-life experiences.
Our programs run rain or shine, warm or cold, and are continually evolving to meet the unique needs of the children and families we serve. If you have an idea for a potential partnership or new location, we’d love to hear from you.
About Alycia
FUNdamentals in Nature OT Services was founded by Alycia Tadt, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience working with children and families across a variety of settings, including in residential treatment, hospital-based care, outpatient pediatric therapy, and schools. Alycia earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from St. Catherine University.
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With a lifelong love for the outdoors, Alycia felt called to bring her OT work outside—creating supportive, engaging spaces where children can build skills through play, connection, and real-life experiences. She values collaboration with families and believes that when caregivers feel supported and understood, children are better able to thrive. Alycia lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota with her husband, young son, and their pets, and enjoys spending time outdoors together in all seasons.
Why OT in nature?
There is a growing body of research showing that time in nature supports both mental and physical health in children. For many kids, especially those with sensory, emotional, or social challenges, outdoor environments can feel more regulating, motivating, and supportive than traditional indoor settings.
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From an occupational therapy perspective, nature offers something that simply can’t be replicated in a clinic. The outdoors naturally provides the “just right challenge”—inviting children to climb, balance, problem-solve, explore, and adapt at their own pace. Along the way, children are immersed in rich multi-sensory input (movement, touch, sound, visual input), which supports the brain’s ability to organize and process sensory information.
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Nature also increases engagement and motivation. When children are genuinely interested and having fun, they are more likely to practice skills, persist through challenges, and build confidence. This increased motivation often leads to quicker skill development and a greater willingness to try more complex tasks.
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Unlike highly structured indoor environments, nature presents real-life, unplanned challenges—a muddy trail, a fallen branch, shifting weather, or a group problem to solve. These moments create meaningful opportunities to build flexibility, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and resilience in ways that feel authentic and relevant to everyday life.
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Finally, nature provides open-ended, accessible materials that encourage creativity and independence. Sticks, rocks, dirt, water, and natural spaces are free, abundant, and endlessly adaptable—allowing children to learn, play, and grow without pressure or perfection.