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Emily Bryce, OTR/L (she/her)
Founder & Clinical Director
Registered & Licensed Occupational Therapist
Emily is a licensed and registered pediatric occupational therapist, Cedarsong Way–trained teacher, and certified practitioner in both Ayres Sensory Integration and Therapeutic Listening. She specializes in supporting children identified as Autistic, with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, anxiety, and sensory integration needs. She has a particular interest and proclivity for supporting children with what is often called a PDA profile (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy), honoring their deep need for autonomy and agency within this radically child-led, outdoor environment.
Emily’s expertise lies in connecting the dots between brain differences, behavior, learning, and daily life for children of all neurotypes and their families. Her drive to provide high-impact, whole-child support led her beyond the limits of traditional clinics and into nature-based therapy, outdoor learning environments, professional mentorship, and comprehensive parent support.
A gifted, late-identified AuDHD-er herself, Emily understands firsthand the joys and challenges of navigating a world built for different minds. As a queer professional, she is also passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and teens who are exploring complex, intersecting identities.
Emily lives in Indianola with her husband, toddler, and two cats, where she runs the original forest school and outdoor OT program on her forested properties.
Kimberlee Kelly, M.A.ED. (she/her)
Executive Director & Lead Teacher
Credentialed Educator
As a credentialed K–12 educator who has held a Site Supervisor Permit in Early Childhood Education, Kimberlee joined Little Fern Forest in 2023 to lead the expansion of its second nature-based early childhood education and enrichment program.
Kimberlee holds a Master’s degree in Social Justice-Centered Education (M.A.Ed) and has spent her career creating engaging, inclusive, and equity-centered learning experiences for individuals of all ages, from early childhood through adult education. She is passionate about fostering welcoming, identity-affirming, and neuro-affirming environments that support the whole person in classrooms and organizations. Her dedication to building community relationships and expanding access to meaningful learning led her to partner with Emily to offer nature-immersed early learning and parent education through Little Fern Forest.
As a member of the queer community, a Gifted and late-diagnosed Audhd adult, veteran educator, and toddler parent, Kimberlee is deeply invested in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). She has launched mindfulness programs in schools across Southern California and trained professionals nationwide, helping shift mindsets, transform curricula, and foster more inclusive school cultures.
Beyond her work with children and educators, Kimberlee teaches adult learners through a partnership with King County and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). As part of the county’s green initiatives, she leads professional development focused on environmental sustainability, workplace health, and green building practices. This reflects her broader commitment to environmental stewardship, labor equity, and lifelong education.
Kimberlee was elected to the Northshore School Board in 2026. She also serves on the Executive Board of the American Forest Kindergarten Association. Kimberlee spoke alongside Emily at the International Congress of Nature and Forest Kindergartens in Germany in 2025.
She lives in unincorporated Woodinville with her partner, their toddler, their dog and cat, and the local wildlife near their home.
Our Team
Little Fern Forest is a nature-immersed, neurodiversity-affirming, and LGBTQ+ welcoming organization serving children and families across Western Washington. We are woman-owned and queer-led, operating nature-based forest schools, summer camps, and pediatric occupational therapy services at our private forest locations on the Eastside and at Jefferson Beach. Our team of OTs, educators, and support staff believe that kids who think differently deserve experiences designed for them — rooted in child-led learning, sensory-rich environments, and the healing power of the outdoors.
Our work is community-centered and relationship-driven, and we strive to create spaces where children, families, and staff of all identities feel safe, respected, and supported. Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves or has an interest in child-led, play-based learning and therapy, and is committed to neurodiversity-affirming and inclusive practices? We’d love to hear from you!
Immediate Opening:
Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OTR/L or COTA/L)
Jefferson Beach & Eastside (Part-Time or Full-Time)
We’re looking for a passionate and licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll provide child-led, nature-immersed OT services to pediatric clients in a variety of settings — including our forest school programs, in the community, and in family homes. This is a rare opportunity to bring your clinical skills outdoors and make a meaningful impact in the lives of neurodivergent children and their families.
What You’ll Do
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Deliver individual and small-group OT sessions in outdoor, community, and home settings
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Collaborate with forest school teachers and program staff to support children during nature-based programming
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Conduct evaluations, develop treatment plans, and track progress toward individualized goals
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Support sensory regulation, motor development, adaptive thinking, and self-directed play
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Communicate regularly with families to share progress and provide home strategies
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Maintain accurate documentation and billing in accordance with insurance and private pay requirements
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Participate in team meetings and contribute to a collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed team culture centered on mutual respect, consent-based interactions, and child-led practice
What We’re Looking For
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Active Washington State OTR/L or COTA/L license (required)
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Experience in pediatric OT, especially with neurodivergent populations (ASD, ADHD, SPD, PDA, developmental delays)
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Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions — we’re outside rain or shine!
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Passion for nature-based, child-led, and play-based approaches to therapy
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Strong communication skills with both children and families
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, close-knit team
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CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
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Up-to-date vaccines
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Experience with insurance billing (Premera, Apple Health/Medicaid, Cigna, etc.) is a plus
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Commitment to neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and identity-affirming care for children and families of all backgrounds
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Comfort working within a relationship-centered, collaborative team where educators, therapists, and families learn from each other
What We Offer
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A truly unique work environment — treat kids in forests, not clinics
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Flexible scheduling to fit your life
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A collaborative, supportive team of OTs, educators, and outdoor specialists
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Work with a caseload of engaged, curious kids who thrive in nature
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Insurance credentialing support (Premera, Apple Health, Cigna, Molina, TRICARE, Regence, First Choice Health)
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Private pay clients also available
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Competitive compensation — $35–$55/hour depending on experience and license type
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Sick time in accordance with Washington State law
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CEU reimbursement (amount based on hours worked), plus access to a shared CEU library for all staff
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Mentorship from experienced pediatric OTs
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Cedarsong Way Foundations Program training and additional advanced Cedarsong Way training as needed
Roles we always accept applications for to build a "village" of educators and therapists we can call on as we grow.
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On-Call Substitutes & Teachers – Jefferson Beach & Eastside
We’re interviewing now for passionate teachers and reliable substitutes to join our team at both locations. -
Community Care Partners (OT, SLP, PT, etc.) – All Locations
We are always interested in connecting with exceptional therapists to support our clients across multiple locations.
How to Apply
We’d love to hear from you! Send your resume and a brief note about why you’re drawn to nature-based OT to:
Little Fern Forest is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the children and families we serve.
We strongly encourage applications from LGBTQ+ clinicians, neurodivergent clinicians, disabled clinicians, new graduates, parents, and people from historically underrepresented communities in healthcare and outdoor education.
Our Therapists & Staff
Lenny
They/Them
OTR
Jefferson Beach
Lenny grew up in Oakland CA and first made their way to Washington to attend Whitman College, where they graduated with a BA in environmental humanities in 2016. After graduating, they worked on a farm, ran a school-based garden education program, and traveled the Southwest and Europe, before moving to Seattle in 2018. Since then, Lenny has worked as an assistant teacher in a K-5 inclusion-based special education program as well as nannying and consulting with families around neurodivergence and gender-affirming home practices.
Lenny is trained in Positive Discipline and love working with kids on social emotional skills and self-regulation.
Lenny started their Masters of Occupational Therapy at UW in 2022, worked at the Eastside location over the summer and completed their clinical fieldwork with Emily at LFF Indianola in the fall of 2024.
Outside of school and work Lenny loves riding bikes, reading outside, and spending time with my rabbit, Shark. Lenny identifies as queer, trans non-binary, and neurodivergent.
Hablan español también.
Tiff
She/Her
Lead Forest School Teacher
Jefferson Beach
Tiff is a nature enthusiast that loves working with young kids to foster their love of learning and the outdoors. She has over 15 years of experience as a nanny and has spent most of that time with newborn-5 year olds. Tiff is also a homeschooling mom of two that has spent the last year learning from Emily at Little Fern Forest School. She has a very gentle teaching approach which focuses on building safe and caring relationships with a foundation of trust so that she can guide children into confident, caring and independent young people. She loves taking groups exploring, sharing cool facts about bugs and wildlife, and coming up with engaging activities. Outside of her work with kids she is an avid reader and a coffee lover that enjoys camping with her family.
Maia
She/Her
OTR/L
Jefferson Beach
Maia is a licensed and registered occupational therapist who has worked in many settings over the years but most recently in Skilled Nursing Facilities. She owns Dusk to Dawn farm and hopes to bring her love of farming and OT together in a nature-based practice. She is a mom of two wildlings, part of the queer community, and is neurodivergent.
Isaiah
He/Him
Lead Camp Staff
Jefferson Beach
Isaiah recently graduated from Olympic College with an Associate's in Science, and he will be attending the University of Washington as a Computer Science major. He is a tutor at Olympic College, where he works to make math and physics accessible for everyone. Isaiah also loves teaching and learning from kids, and he is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an inclusive learning environment at Little Fern Forest School.
When he isn't working or studying, he enjoys programming, playing piano, and spending time with friends.
Heather
She/her
OTR/L
Jefferson Beach
Heather aka Muddy Mama has been a pediatric OT for 11 years. Before that she had a gazillion different jobs but has always worked with kids. She began her OT career working with Rosemary White using the DIR framework (a play based/attachment focused approach) to help run play groups for neurodivergent kids. Since then, she has worked in multiple pediatric outpatient and early intervention settings enthusiastically focusing on understanding and validating the needs and communication of neurodivergent children. She and her family live in Kingston and Heather is excited to strengthen her connection to community by helping at Little Fern Forest. Bringing playfulness, patience and curiosity, she is excited to frame challenges as opportunities for growth and connection.
Ashley
She/Her
Lead Forest School Teacher
Jefferson Beach
Ashley is a barefoot wild child at heart with a deep love for the natural world and the lush green landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Born and raised in North Kitsap, she continues to put down family roots of her own while nurturing a deep connection to the land that shaped her. She delights in walks through the woods and beachcombing along the shoreline, discovering local flora and fauna, and finds true joy in sharing the excitement of those discoveries with her students. Ashley loves whale watching, photography, and soaking in the beauty of sunsets and the northern lights, finding inspiration in both the quiet and awe-filled details of the world around her. She is especially drawn to hands-on learning through arts and crafts, creating with natural materials, and inviting curiosity and imagination to lead the way.
At the heart of Ashley’s teaching is her commitment to creating a safe, neuro-affirming, and supportive environment where children feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated as they express themselves fully and wholeheartedly. She has found a true sense of community and family at Little Fern Forest for herself and her 3.5-year-old son, Gunnar. Learning and growing alongside like-minded mentors in this space has been a true blessing, and she is grateful to walk this path together—rooted in curiosity, creativity, and wonder.
Brooke
She/Her
Forest School Teacher
Jefferson Beach
Brooke was born in Bellevue, WA, but spent the majority of her childhood in Colorado where her love for nature, books, and all things whimsy grew. Whether it was through reading a book or taking a long walk through the pines, her imagination always led her on a new adventure. It is her goal to help cultivate and support an environment for kids where she can help guide them to be the best versions of themselves while letting their imaginations run wild.
Also neurodivergent (ADHD) herself, she loves working with a neurodiverse group and creating a space where kids feel safe, accepted, and valued for their differences.
Outside of work, Brooke lives her life in a forest with her toddler, two dogs, two cats, and tortoise. She enjoys rainy days, collecting crystals, reading, gaming, and hiking.
Liz
She/Her
Forest School Teacher
Jefferson Beach
Liz loves to be outside exploring, observing, and asking questions. She is passionate about guiding children to develop curiosity, creativity, and self-advocacy. With a BA in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education, she enjoys using children's interests and experiences to strengthen their development, imagination, and knowledge. She has worked in many types of child-centered fields since she was 17, strengthening her skills with every new experience. Outside of work she spends time with her family, is a part of the Poulsbo Ukulele Group, reads, and works in the garden or cares for her many houseplants.
Elliot
She/They
Forest School Teacher
Eastside
Elliot originally hails from the east coast and now calls the beautiful PNW home. They can't imagine having ever been away from our trees and seas and mountains. Elliot is an educator at heart, deeply invested in radical child-led learning, and has been honing their craft working with youth of all ages for over two decades. From leading teens through challenging backpacking expeditions to working as a forest preschool teacher helping a little one learn to climb up on a boulder for the first time, they patiently support each child's growth and discovery of the natural world. As a neurodivergent individual themselves with experience as a paraeducator, Elliot confidently guides our neurodivergent students through skill-building and self-regulation, adapting and creating a space where everyone can experience safety and success. Outside of work, Elliot spends their time caring for their small zoo of house cats, plants, and reptiles. They delight in crafting the perfect latte and walking in the rain, or sitting around a campfire with a small group of friends.
Hannah
She/her
Forest School Teacher
Eastside
Hannah is a dedicated forest school educator with extensive experience in childhood education. Her training at Alderleaf Wilderness College and teaching experience at Wilderness Awareness School summer camp inform her thoughtful, nature-based approach to supporting children’s growth, curiosity, and confidence.
Growing up in Washington state has had a big influence on her hobbies. In Hannah's free time you will find her exploring the woods with her two dogs, camping, or snuggled up on the couch with a good book (and furry critters).
Elizabeth
She/her
Forest School Teacher
Jefferson Beach
Elizabeth loves to be outside, whether on a puddle jumping walk with her two kids or a kayak ride. She enjoys encouraging a child’s curiosity in the world around them and bolstering their desire to adventure. You can find Elizabeth reading a book under a blanket, up with the horses at Toni’s Ponies, or on a thrift store adventure.
Mariah
She/her
Forest School Teacher
Jefferson Beach
Mariah is a part-time teacher and enrichment facilitator. Diagnosed with ADHD in early elementary when her teacher famously removed her chair for lack of use, she believes that if kids are sitting still, they’re missing out! After a childhood spent largely in the woods, she now brings that same spirit of discovery to our school. She is passionate about teaching through laughter and movement, creating a space where "learning on the go" is the gold standard. When she isn't leading forest games, she’s at home navigating the joys of motherhood with her high school sweetheart and their mini-superhero son.
Stephanie
She/her
COTA/L
Deer Park/Spokane
Stephanie is a firm believer in that going outdoors solves most problems (bonus if you have a banana to eat!) Whether on an adventure with her pup, Ahriah, or engaging in aerial and circus shenanigans, she is happiest outdoors and is often an instigator to one and all to play. Stephanie worked with Emily in clinic and her outdoor program as an OTA student in 2021-2022. While she has spent the last few years working in rehabilitation facilities, she has frequently been drawn to working with the youth population over the years and is excited for this opportunity with Little Fern Forest to spread the joy, whimsy, and numerous benefits of outdoor occupational therapy.
She is also in the process of training for the use of circus arts as a therapy modality with hopes to bring circus and outdoor therapies together to provide a unique offering in the Inland Northwest.
Susan
She/her
Forest School Substitute
Jefferson Beach
Susan is a retired educator and Emily's mom. She moved to Poulsbo two years ago to live near Emily and her family. She has been a part of the day to day operations of helping Emily begin Little Fern Forest and caregiving for Cerulean so she can do what she loves to do!
Her background is 35 years of teaching preschool-high school, working closely with neuro-divergent children and has a MA in Special Education. She started the co-op preschool Emily attended CA in the 1990's and started and directed a Charter homeschool program 2010-2016 in CA. She also trained in The Cedarsong Way with Emily and often runs Cedarsong Conversations for the online community.
She’s at the Indianola Forest School almost daily or around Emily's home playing outside with her little grandson, working in Emily's garden, or subbing/helping in LFF for Emily, as needed.
Community Care Partners
These trusted practitioners partner with Little Fern Forest to help us offer wrap-around, holistic care rooted in our forests. They manage their own scheduling and payment, and can provide collaborative, private-pay services on site during Forest School hours.
Stefanie Marvin, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Eastside Partner
