Community Highlights: Meet Stephanie Knight of Playology Therapy Services LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Knight.

Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During my 11th grade year of high school, my grandmother suffered a stroke and I became her caregiver. While working with the home health staff to ensure my grandmother’s comfort and progress, one of the lead nurses suggested that I become an Occupational Therapist. Despite coming from a home full of healthcare providers, I was unfamiliar with the career. I began a journey of understanding all things OT. I made the decision to pursue Occupational Therapy in the summer leading into my senior year of high school. After many difficult years or schooling and diligently pursuing my goal, I became an Occupational Therapist.

I’ve had the privilege of providing Occupational Therapy in a variety of settings. However, none have been quite as rewarding as the pediatric setting. This all began after I became a mother. It was during this season of discovering motherhood that I realize I wanted to dedicate my life to serving children. I am passionate about providing a safe and therapeutic environment where children can reach their developmental milestones. The therapeutic rapport that I establish with my clients allows them to experience success within each treatment session. I firmly believe that rapport equals results. Play is the tool that I use to support children in reaching their goals because play is a child’s occupation. We work with children based on our motto: “play on purpose”.

Playology is nearing it’s 6th anniversary. We started by renting a room and now we have several rooms with an ever growing wait list. This has truly been a labor of love. Playology has provides internship opportunities for students coming from universities and HBCU’s.

Our intentional partnership with parents and multidisciplinary collaboration provides a comprehensive approach to Occupational Therapy Services.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, anything worth pursuing is going to come with it’s challenges. The program for students looking to become an Occupational Therapist, or anything in professional healthcare, is rigorous. At the time that I was attending school, there was no Masters program for OT’s. I went back for my Master’s 20 years later. In order to become certified as an OT, I had to pass my National Board of Occupational Therapy. I had to take the boards a few times, but I persevered and passed. The process taught me the value of persistence, a quality I had to carry with me throughout my career.

Building any business from the ground up is difficult. Providing my services to lower income communities meant that I had to work with state insurance, which can be challenging. When Playology was born, it was just me, a one woman business. It was my responsibility to both care for the clients and resolve all administrative issues. It wasn’t easy, but it was always worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Playology is a Pediatric Occupational Therapy clinic that provides children with the therapeutic tools and the sensory strategies they need to reach their developmental potential. The way your child plays, problem-solves, and learns is essential to their overall growth and development. Playology uses the strategy of playing on purpose to assist your child in achieving independence in their activities of daily living. Ongoing parental education, custom support, and innovative resources are part of our success plan.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
God, who daily gives me the strength and wisdom to serve others selflessly.

My husband, Wesley who planted the idea of my entrepreneurial endeavor. He has encouraged and supported me every step of the way.
Our daughter Aja, who advocated that Playology serve those in OT dessert areas.
Our son Ajani, who writes music that I can sing to my clients to help them recall the steps to self-care activities.
My Daddy, Louis who is a retired Respiratory Therapist and the first family business owner. His love is priceless.
My late grandmother Sally who inspires me in life, loss, and legacy.
My bonus God-mother Sandra who has mentored me every step of the way.
My mother-in-love Mama Stiney who daily reminds me of how special and loved I am.
My sister Yen who is the practice administrator of Andrews Medical Care in Huntsville, Al. She always gives great advice.
Playology staff, Ayeshia, Allya, Shieka, Luis, and KiAna. It’s a privilege working with you and serving our community with dignity.
My referral business partner Marianna who is the owner of Fitly Spoken Therapy LLC, that provides amazing Speech and Language services to our shared clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.playologytherapy.com/
• Instagram: @playology.therapy
• Facebook: @playology.therapy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-knight-a00b3b124