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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, MaED. (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 (MA.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 serves as Secretary and Treasurer on the Executive Board of the American Forest Kindergarten Association and will speak 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 Services
Little Fern Forest provides a holistic experience for neurodiverse kids and their families through forest school, camps, therapy services, as well as parent and teacher coaching. Our team of therapy practitioners (OT, PT, SLP), teachers, and support staff host our programming at outdoor locations across Western Washington.
After seeing families thriving and kids meeting goals so much faster, we've launched more service locations under the Little Fern Forest umbrella. Now Little Fern Forest is in more communities, changing lives for more families — one outdoor adventure at a time.
Little Fern Forest was founded by Emily Bryce, OTR/L, a licensed and registered occupational therapist with extensive experience in sensory integration and neurodiversity-affirming care. As the owner, founder, and lead OT at our flagship Indianola location, Emily has designed a nature-based early learning program enriched by occupational therapy consulting, sensory consulting, and coaching services, as well as professional training for parents, educators, and therapists, equipping everyone with the tools to help each child thrive.
Our Eastside educational programming is led by Kimberlee Kelly, Ma.Ed, a credentialed educator committed to neurodiversity-affirming, early childhood education and enrichment. Eastside offers a nature-immersed, inquiry-based, child-led learning environment in an outdoor space inspired by occupational therapy principles. This location does not provide clinical therapy services at this time.
At Little Fern Forest, our holistic approach centers on early childhood education and outdoor enrichment, blending occupational therapy frameworks—such as sensory integration—with nature immersion and radically child-led learning. Our forest school and camps embody the Cedarsong Way, a pedagogy centered on place-based nature immersion, authentic play, and child-driven learning. This philosophy is consistent across both locations and supports children of all neurotypes, fostering inclusive environments where neurotypical and neurodivergent children learn side by side and benefit from each other’s unique strengths and perspectives.
We embrace the power of mixed-age and mixed-neuro classrooms where children develop empathy, communication skills, and resilience as they learn from one another. These spaces build connection and collaboration that prepare children for a diverse and inclusive world.
Our programs are designed as developmental enrichment and educational experiences, not custodial child care, with no child enrolled for more than four hours per day on a regular basis.
Our Approach
Why Mixed Neuro Environments Matter
We know that when neurotypical and neurodivergent children learn alongside each other, both groups benefit in profound ways. Here’s how:
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Promotes Empathy & Understanding: By interacting daily with peers who may experience the world differently, children develop empathy, tolerance, and a deeper understanding of one another’s strengths and challenges. They learn that differences don’t mean deficits, but rather unique ways of thinking and being in the world.
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Fosters Social-Emotional Growth: Neurodiverse classrooms encourage a range of social interactions and problem-solving skills. Children learn to adapt, communicate, and collaborate in more inclusive ways, gaining valuable life skills for a diverse world.
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Encourages Flexibility in Thinking: When children are exposed to different ways of thinking and learning, it challenges them to think outside the box and develop flexibility in their own problem-solving approaches. Both neurotypical and neurodivergent children benefit from adapting to different learning styles and strategies.
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Enhances Communication Skills: With diverse ways of thinking and communicating, children develop a wider range of language and social skills. Neurodivergent children learn to express themselves in different ways, while neurotypical children develop a greater understanding of non-verbal cues and alternative communication methods.
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Builds a Sense of Community: In a mixed-neuro class, children learn to support and care for one another. This sense of community fosters inclusion and reduces stigma, creating a nurturing space where every child feels valued and celebrated for who they are.
At Little Fern Forest, we’re committed to providing a space where neurotypical and neurodivergent children can thrive together, growing their social-emotional skills, creativity, and understanding of the world around them. By learning side by side, they help one another develop the crucial skills needed to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
Our Parent's Thoughts
"Emily has a remarkable ability to connect with my child on a deeper level, building a rapport based on trust and mutual respect. Her strong connection with my child has resulted in meaningful progress. The incorporation of outdoor activities not only provides a refreshing change of scenery but also fosters a sense of freedom and exploration that is truly empowering. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact and the invaluable support Emily has provided."
"Emily Bryce (of Little Fern Forest) holds a wealth of knowledge in neurodiversity and she welcomes it with open arms. I had never seen my child connect so quickly to a therapy provider, it truly warmed my heart and gave me hope for acceptance and growth together."
"One of my favorite things about Emily and her team is their inclusivity of siblings and family members to be present for therapy sessions and forest school sessions. As a parent of multiples this really eased the burden of coordinating so many appointments for my kiddos, also allowing me to be present and share the amazing moments of the outdoors with her and my child."
"I was enlightened to all nature has to offer in the way of Occupational Therapy, it really fulfills all the senses!
So many bright colors to See -
Animals and water to Hear -
Textures to Feel in plants, mud, or water -
Smells of fresh air, blooms, and farm animals -
Even berries to pick and Taste!
These are just a few examples but there are so many progress opportunities in nature!"
"I talk about Emily all the time. She is magic with children. She is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable especially with providing guidance on how to navigate the day to day challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child. And she delivers that guidance with a profound appreciation for the struggles -from both the parent and child’s point of view. She is our family’s best resource and guide in a deep sea of therapists and doctors."
"Emily has been one of the best things to happen to our family! As a parent of a neurodivergent kid, I had felt confused, overwhelmed, and lonely for many years. My daughter has now been enjoying one-on-one OT sessions, playgroups, and summer camps with Emily. I love tagging along because I learn lots of great tools every time I’m there. Emily is easy to be around and her sunny demeanor rubs off on us. It’s like our nervous systems take a deep breathe and long exhale being in her presence. She loves kids just as they are without any effort to “change” them. Trying to navigate the waters of raising up an ND kid is no easy task. Emily is a wealth of knowledge and has been there for me in countless ways. My daughter adores her and looks forward to any time she gets to spend with her. I think it’s easy to say she’s one of our favorite people!"
"Emily is great! Her knowledge from science based information plus hands on experience working with diverse kids gives her a wealth of tools to pull from. She’s helped my kiddo with sensory integration issues, as well as helped determine school accommodations and support. I learn something new every visit even just by sitting and observing, as she works with my teen. I can’t say enough good things about her work and the positive impact Emilys’s had on my child."
"Emily’s strategies for providing support and love for our neurodivergent sons have made a big difference for our family. The kids love visiting the sensory wonderland she’s created in her forest; as parents, we rely on her advice and parenting strategies."
Our Team
Join Our Team
Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves or has an interest in play-based learning and therapy, and is committed to neuro-affirming and inclusive practices? We’d love to hear from you!
Current Openings
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Occupational Therapist – Eastside
We're currently hiring an OT to support our morning forest school programming. This embedded role includes opportunities to work with 1:1 clients and/or facilitate small afterschool groups. -
Teachers & On-Call Subs – Jefferson Beach & Eastside
We’re interviewing now for passionate teachers and reliable substitutes to join our team at both locations. -
Therapists (OT, SLP, PT, etc.) – All Locations
We are always interested in connecting with exceptional therapists to support our clients across multiple locations.
We are a supportive, inclusive community that is:
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Neurodiversity-affirming
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Radically child-led
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Fully outdoors
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Highly flexible
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Committed to close mentorship and professional growth
We strongly encourage applicants who are neurodivergent, People of Color, disabled, queer, parents with children at home, and/or new graduates to apply. Accommodations can be made as needed.
To apply:
Email your resume and the position you're interested in to admin@littlefernforest.com
Jobs
Our Therapists & Staff
Lenny
They/Them
OTR
Indianola & Eastside
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.
Jayden
She/Her
COTA/L
Indianola & Eastside
Jayden was born and raised in Washington State and is a recent graduate from the Green River College Occupational Therapy Assistant program. As a part of her fieldwork requirements, Jayden was assigned to 10-weeks at Little Fern Forest where she was introduced to the lovely LFF family.
She has continued her OT journey at LFF working at both the Indianola and Eastside locations.
Before attending OT school, Jayden was a forest preschool teacher during COVID and quickly became invested in the benefits of child-led play. She is the oldest of 3 siblings and grew up with an autistic brother, resulting in her being involved with the neurodivergent community at a young age. She is excited to continue growing her knowledge and passion for inclusive education and creating neurodivergent affirming environments for children to grow.
In Jayden's free time, she loves to camp, get coffee, thrift shop, and look for shells on the beach. She is looking forward to her journey at Little Fern Forest and to making so many little new friends!
Alyssa
She/Her
Forest School Teacher
Indianola
Little Fern Forest has been a sanctuary for Alyssa and her three kids. The neuroaffirming practices are a breath of fresh air from a too-busy world. Alyssa is thrilled to become staff at this very special place.
Bringing in degrees of sociology, psychology, and functional nutrition she's a bit of a jack of all trades.
Perhaps most importantly, she has a special interest in neurodiversity- especially how autism presents in women and girls. She's been on a journey of getting her oldest child diagnosed while simultaneously putting together all the "aha" moments and realizing she's autistic herself.
Alyssa thrives in nature and loves seeing how much little ones do too. She's committed to meeting kids where they're at and loving all their unique gifts and differences.
Quibs
They/Them
Forest School Teacher
Indianola
Quibs is a passionate educator and community organizer with a love for nature and child development. Originally from Houston, TX, Quibs moved to PNW to pursue a Master's of Education in Montessori Studies. After completing their studies, they worked in various Montessori schools in Washington, tutored many neurodivergent students, and taught swim lessons.
Beyond their teaching career, Quibs is actively involved in community projects, from opening a coop micro-community center to starting a Mask Bloc to provide Kitsap with high-filtration masks. They are a strong advocate for social justice and equality, supporting unions and marginalized communities.
Susan
She/Her
Forest School Substitute
Indianola
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.
Isaiah
He/Him
Lead Camp Staff
Indianola
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.
Maia
She/her
OTR/L
Indianola
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.
Tiff
She/her
Lead Forest School Teacher
Indianola
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.