Candice Curtis, OTR/L, CAS

I’m Candice.  I became a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist by graduating from the Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2007 with a Masters of Science Degree.  After years of practice, I became a Certified Autism Specialist.  I also have advanced post graduate training in theory, assessment, intepretation and treatment in Sensory Integration .  Getting so much additional education in these areas requires a huge time commitment, months of studying and flying to different cities.  But it was so worth it!!

I am a total nerd at heart.  I always have a book that I am reading that has to do with Occupational Therapy, have taken countless other continuing education courses, and love speaking and presenting to parents and other professionals.  Understanding the brain and how the human body works is fascinating (or at least I think so!).  Learning to problem solve how to help someone do what is important to them is just the cherry on top!

My husband and I have 2 amazing boys. Our oldest son has needed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy from an early age.  Which leads me to my inspiration….

My Inspiration…

Having a son that has additional needs made me determined to do what I could to help him.  He has been an inspiration to me.  He has been my motivation to seek out and learn from every course and book that I could squeeze into my already hectic schedule.  Learning how to best help my son and to build on his strengths, all while working full time has been a huge learning experience!  Processing the emotions of watching my child struggle has also taught me to embrace the amazing young man that I am raising.  My son has changed the way that I work with parents and children!

My career as an Occupational Therapist has given me amazing opportunities. I have enjoyed working in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals on a neuro and pediatric unit.  However, working with families and children in the home, in outpatient pediatric clinics, specialty sensory integration clinics and also in school settings have been my primary focus.

My WHY…

My absolute passion in life is helping the families that have children with Autism, sensory processing, learning disabilties, coordination and/or executive functioning difficulties.  I want to give those families the tools that they need to help their child and enjoy their life together as a family.

I know how hard it is to so badly want to help your child, but feel so overwhelmed with all the responsibilties of life.  That’s why I have started Integrate Family!

I am also a homeschooling mama to our two boys.  I love spending time with my amazing husband and 2 children outside of Boise, Idaho and spend my time reading, cooking, hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.