Supporting Families and Schools at the Intersection of Culture, Neurodiversity, and Compassion

Hello and welcome to the Koi Wellness blog. I’m Aya Porté, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Koi Wellness. Over the years, my work has taken me into classrooms, clinics, and family living rooms across cultures—and one thing remains true in every space: children thrive when the adults around them feel supported and empowered.

That’s what drives my work.

My Philosophy: Empowerment and Inclusion, Always

I believe in meeting children and families where they are—not where they’re expected to be.

As an OT, my goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to engage fully in their daily routines—whether that’s writing in class, navigating transitions, or expressing big emotions safely. But beyond the child, I also believe in equipping families and educators with the tools and context they need to advocate and support with clarity.

In multicultural, multilingual, and neurodiverse communities, support needs to be adaptable and relationship-based. There is no one-size-fits-all. That’s why my work is rooted in collaboration, not just clinical goals.

The Power of Collaboration: School, Home, and Everything In Between

One of the most important aspects of my work is collaboration. I’ve partnered with families, teachers, learning support teams, and school leadership in both local and international settings. In doing so, I’ve learned that sustainable change happens when everyone feels part of the plan.

In schools, this means more than offering strategies to help a child focus or manage their energy. It means taking time to understand classroom dynamics, cultural expectations, and how a child’s nervous system responds to all of it. From there, we co-create tools and accommodations that don’t just “fix a behavior” but truly support that child’s growth—socially, emotionally, and academically.

When educators and caregivers are included in the process, the ripple effect is incredible.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Schools

In educational settings, OTs support children in the foundational areas that make learning possible. This can include:

🖐 Fine and gross motor skills – from handwriting to posture and playground participation
🧠 Sensory processing – helping children regulate responses to noise, light, textures, or movement
🗣 Executive functioning – supporting organization, task initiation, transitions, and independence
❤️ Social-emotional development – creating safe strategies for self-regulation and peer interaction

But beyond direct support, we also help create inclusive environments where neurodivergent children—and those with less visible differences—can succeed without feeling “othered.” Whether it’s flexible seating, classroom routines, or visual supports, OTs play a key role in building spaces where every child can learn and belong.

Extending Support to the Home: New Parent Consultations Available

While much of my work happens in schools, I’ve witnessed a growing need: Parents are often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right—but they don’t always know where to turn.

That’s why I’ve introduced virtual Parent Consultations—a dedicated space for parents to ask questions, explore concerns, and walk away with strategies tailored to their child’s unique needs.

These sessions are designed for families navigating sensory differences, school challenges, cultural transitions, or early developmental questions—without the pressure of committing to therapy or obtaining a diagnosis. You’ll gain clarity, insight, and compassionate guidance for your home routines, school communication, and more.

If you’re not sure whether OT is the right step—or simply want to better support your child day to day—this is a safe place to begin.

📩 You can learn more about Parent Consultations here or reach out directly at aya@koiwellness.org for a brief screening.

Continuing the Journey—Together

As an OT, educator, and fellow third culture kid, my commitment is to help children feel safe in their bodies, proud of who they are, and capable of navigating their world. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or caregiver, know that your role is powerful—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Stay connected through our blog or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more tools, reflections, and community support.

Together, we can nurture confident, curious, and resilient kids—one step at a time.