Great Kids Place
Specialty: Pediatric Occupational Therapy / Counseling
At Great Kids Place, each of the vibrant themed rooms at the practice’s one-of- a-kind sensory gym is designed to promote rich, sensory motor play. With certification in sensory processing and training in early childhood mental health, the team of therapists provides occupational therapy for families with challenges with sensory processing and integration, social-emotional development, ADHD, anxiety and dyspraxia.
“The way that we process sensations and move our body impacts the emotions that we feel and the way we act and interact,” says Michele Parkins, founder of Great Kids Place. “This is the foundation of our therapy model: The Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference (SEEM).”
The therapists work closely with families to help them understand the impact of sensory processing differences on social-emotional development and overall health and wellness. “The most fulfilling part of our work is helping families discover how to connect with each other in new ways, and watching the challenges they came to us with disappear,” she says.
Great Kids Place
21 Pine St., Ste. 205, Rockaway
973-586-8396
greatkidsplace.com
“Laura is amazing! She has so much playful energy and she always dives right in with my daughter. Her insights are invaluable and she is so kind, compassionate, and loving.” – E.Z., Montclair
“Laura has been a lifesaver! She understands our son, helps us to understand him better, and has helped with his anxiety and social skills so much.” – K.S., Denville
“Miss Laura is so kind and patient. She knows how to help my daughter feel comfortable and have fun while working on hard topics and emotions. She has grown so much and that is all due to Laura’s compassion and understanding. Every week my daughter looks forward to her time at Great Kids!” – A.D., Blairstown
“We love Catherine! There are o many fun rooms, who knew play could be so effective? This is the place to go for evidence based, compassionate OT services.” – C.L., Morris Plains
“Great Kids Place and Miss Carrie have been life changing for my children! Their approach incorporates the whole child, both sensory and emotional pieces to help promote positive change. My children have been able to access their best qualities as a result. We love GKP!” – J.B., Denville
“We absolutely love Miss Carrie! She is warm, kind, caring, patient, and fun, and she helps children (and parents) connect and bring out our best selves. She’s a wonderful therapist and human being.” – A.M., Pompton Plains
“Ms. Tori has been such a support to our son. We started OT with her right before the holidays and so quickly it became his favorite day of the week. He looks forward to his sessions every week. We have seen him become more confident, braver, and organized with Ms. Tori’s support. We are so grateful to her support, the suggestions she offers us for work at home and school. Ms Tori and all the staff at Great Kids Place have been a true blessing for our son and family. We’re so happy to be working with them.” – M.C., Irvington
“Tori has immensely helped my child with his Sensory Processing needs. She has provided him with useful strategies toward self regulation, core strength and confidence all through play and positive encouragement.” – P.S., Sparta
“Geena makes each session so much fun, while also increasing my child’s body awareness, core strength and emotional regulation.” – S.P., Morristown
“Geena has helped my son tremendously all while having fun. It’s his favorite day of the week when we get to see her!” – N.W., Denville
“Geena makes every session fun and engaging for our son. We love her!” – C.C., Mendham
“My son has such an incredible time with Geena, she’s so wonderful with how she engages my son. She is warm, funny, and plays to my son’s strengths, while also giving him autonomy to figure out games, competitions, and silly obstacle courses in a way that he has no idea he is even in OT. My son looks forward to his session all week.” – D.C., Denville
“Katie is absolutely incredible; the approach she takes to working with our kids is amazing. She thinks outside the box, go esabove and beyond and truly partners with families.
A.W., Morris Plains
“Janis is a brilliant and playful OT who involves the parents in every session. She’s an excellent communicator and really helps with home carryover.” – J.H., Sparta
“Denise is a truly exceptional occupational therapist. She’s incredibly intelligent, but what really stands out is how kind and down-to-earth she is. She always treats us with so much respect and patience, no matter what we’re going through. Even though she’s clearly an expert, she never makes us feel overwhelmed—she really gets what we’re dealing with and meets us where we are. We’ve learned so much from her, and we’re beyond grateful that she’s part of our journey.” – D.O., Great Meadows
“Denise has made my son’s experience lively and energetic, while simultaneously giving us, as parents, the tools we need to help our son.” – J.C., Wayne
“AnnMarie is so wonderful! Her skill set and knowledge into our boys movements, behaviors and emotions are always so insightful. She consistently provides our family with tips and tricks we can use beyond out OT sessions.” – J.M., Randolph
“GKP and Amanda has been tremendous in helping us to better understand how our child processes everyday sensory information, and how we can better adjust our expectations and involvement to meet their needs.” – K.D., Mount Olive
“Erin worked with our daughter for a year and helped her tremendously! She helped my daughter to become more confident and build strength which in turn has decreased her anxiety in many ways and has made her more comfortable with big changes like heading to kindergarten in the fall. We are so grateful for the work that Erin has done with our family and we don’t know where we would be without her!” – D.L., Randolph
“Michele is the most fun and playful OT! Our kids never feel like they are going to therapy and actually ask to go to OT!” – J.H., Sparta
“Michele Parkins, owner of Great Kids Place, has been life-changing for my child and our entire family. We are so fortunate to have someone with her depth of understanding and expertise in our area. Michele continues to educate and mentor her own team of occupational therapists, extending her impact even further to benefit countless other children and families. We will be forever grateful to her.” – L.N., Denville
“Kristin and GKP’s philosophy allows families to flourish. Through powerful play, education and emotional connection, caregivers are able to understand their unique child’s needs and how to support them. It has been a gift to be seen at Great Kids Place.” – B.S., Verona
“Elizabeth is absolutely incredible, the approach she takes to working with our kids is amazing. They think outside the box, go above and beyond and truly partner with families.” – A.W., Morris Plains
