Laura Park Figueroa, MS, OTR/L: OT in Pediatric Nature-Based Entrepreneurship

In this post, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in Pediatric Nature-Based Entrepreneurship. Laura Park Figueroa, MS, OTR/L is an uncommon OT whose work revolves around her 2 favorite things: Nature & Business! She’s the founder and CEO of Outdoor Kids OT, a nature-based pediatric OT practice, and creator of the ConTiGO Approach- an evidence-based therapy model to empower pediatric therapists of all disciplines to take their work with children outdoors into nature. She is currently working on a PhD, conducting research on nature-based occupational therapy and assists nature based entrepreneurs in her online membership community which can be found at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. For 3 years, she hosted the Mind Your OT Business podcast & recently started a new podcast called: “Therapy in the Great Outdoors” – it’s all about the business & practice of nature-based pediatric therapy of all kinds. She’s been married for 21 years and has 3 children, ages 19, 17, and 11. She is living the dream in Madison, Wisconsin–where she has a trail into 124 acres of woods right at the end of her driveway.

Q & A with Laura:

Please tell us a little about yourself and a few favorite occupations.

I'm the founder and CEO of Outdoor Kids OT, a nature-based pediatric OT practice, and the creator of the ConTiGO Approach to nature-based pediatric therapy. ConTiGO is an evidence-based therapy model to empower pediatric therapists of all disciplines to take their work with children outdoors into nature. I offer a variety of free resources related to nature-based pediatric therapy in my free Facebook group, Therapy in the Great Outdoors. I'm currently a PhD candidate at Texas Woman’s University, with a research specialization in nature-based pediatric occupational therapy. I'm a wife and mom of 3 children. I currently live in Madison, Wisconsin with a delightful 124-acre wooded park right at the end of my driveway. Hiking in the woods is my favorite occupation of all!

What motivated you to contribute to this podcast series?

I want to see more therapists explore nature-based practice, no matter where they work!

Please describe the UncommonOT work that you do and the setting in which you work, the population you serve, and the needs that you address.

In my work, I identify most closely with the role of "entrepreneur". In this work, I create systems for other people to do great work and for lives to be changed. I also teach and mentor therapists who are starting and growing businesses, primarily in nature-based practice. In my nature-based private practice, we primarily serve families with children ages 4-10 who have developmental challenges. On a broader scale as an entrepreneur and business coach, I serve therapists who want to learn and grow into savvy business owners while still staying tied to their mission and values of connecting children to nature.

What inspired you or drew you to this type of OT work?

Frustration with the way OT is practiced in traditional pediatric settings. (Lack of time, huge caseloads, 1:1 model usually). And with my business coaching work: I just LOVE business and I realized that many therapists don't...I think I have a gift in helping therapists see they CAN be savvy and successful business owners by learning business skills (which are sometimes the opposite of how we think as therapists).

How did you get there? Can you describe your path?

SMALL STEPS make great gains over time. Taking small risks and just doing the next thing in front of me. (Although that has ALSO led to over commitment, as we can talk about- serving 2 ideal clients, not sure how to give things up now and simplify because I love it all). :) Graduate education played a huge part in my success I think as well- which is often something people claim they don't need for business. But for me, it was helpful. Reading voraciously and always being open to learning and personal growth.

Please describe a typical day or OT session in your uncommon setting? What OT skills do you utilize?

As an entrepreneur, you control your schedule so you have to be really good at setting priorities and sticking to deadlines. I generally have a few Zoom meetings per week, but spend a lot of time working on strategy for the business, managing finances, making decisions about where the business should go next- where our focus should be. Educating myself about business. Editing / updating our online programs. Creating systems for the practice to run more smoothly. And coaching and investing in the people in my programs.

Can you talk about some recent highs (successes) and lows (challenges) of your current role?

Highs- the team is great now. Scaling my online course happening now. Lows- big loss financially on an event for OT entrepreneurs last year. Devastating.

How do you continue to learn in order to stay on top of things within your role?

INVESTING IN COACHING. Reading. Podcasts.

Can you share a little bit about salary and compensation in this setting?  How do OT or the services you provide get funded?

My practice is private pay with scholarships funded through a private foundation or through the business directly. my salary from my business is about 25% of the gross revenue for the year. online business is about 50% of the revenue of the practice (both the ConTiGo course and my biz coaching program).

Any career advice for our followers and listeners on how to get started on this path?

Read, learn from others, admit what you don't know. Be willing to pay for coaching. FOCUS on ONE THING!!!!! :)

What’s a common myth or misconception about your job/role you’d like to call out or demystify?

That anyone can run a business. (Don't hate me! I'll explain when we talk). Also that business owners shouldn't get rich off their business. There is NOTHING WRONG with being rich and having money! But what I mean is: I see a LOT of new grads out there demanding that they get paid "what they're worth" ...and I agree! BUT there are SO MANY hidden costs to running a business. And employees generally do not understand those hidden costs. (TAXES being a major one- but also liability, software, rentals, supplies, etc.)

How do we find you , follow you, be in touch with you, and promote your unique work?

IG: @lauraparkfig

Website: www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com

Please list any resources you would like me to include with your Show Notes (courses, articles, assessments, tools, etc.)

Go to naturemasterclass.com to register for the "The 5-Step Framework to Be an Effective & Confident Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist" Masterclass.

As always, I welcome any feedback & ideas from all of you or if you are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Motus at transitionsot@gmail.com or DM via Instagram @transitionsot

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