Carrying What Works Forward: What Germany Taught Me About Adaptation

The start of a new year often pushes us to reset, but meaningful change doesn’t always come from starting over. Sometimes, it begins with noticing what already works.

While traveling in Germany last fall, I discovered a small but powerful detail: shared beds were set up with two individual comforters—one for each person. No tug-of-war over blankets. No negotiating temperature. Just shared space with individualized comfort. It felt surprising at first, then obvious.

That moment captured the essence of occupational therapy for me. Adaptation doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Often, it’s a thoughtful adjustment to everyday routines that makes life easier.

As we step into 2026, my hope is simple: carry forward what already supports you. Sometimes, meaningful change really is as simple as getting your own blanket.

Aya PorteJanuary 18, 2026Adaptation, OT Skills, OT, Koi Wellness, Tools, TCK

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

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.

Aya PorteJuly 20, 2025Occupational Therapy, Koi Wellness, TCK

🔮 Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Empowerment

This year has been filled with meaningful conversations, practical strategies, and personal reflections aimed at empowering you and your family. Let's take a moment to revisit some of the standout topics we've explored and the valuable resources available to support your child as they continue to grow in the next school year and beyond!

Aya PorteMarch 16, 2025Occupational Therapy, OT, Koi Wellness, TCK, Building ResilienceComment

Recalibrate Your Goals for Growth and Renewal 🧧

How are you doing with yours so far? If you’ve veered off course, don’t worry—starting over is not failure, it’s part of the process. Last December, I shared strategies for effective goal-setting to help you begin the new year strong. As we step into 2025, I find myself revisiting these ideas with a deeper lens of cultural connection and diversity.

Aya PorteJanuary 19, 2025Occupational Therapy, OT, Koi Wellness, TCK, Diversity, Goals, SMART Goals, GASComment

Building Resilience in Multicultural Kids

How multicultural, multilingual, and third-culture kids (TCKs) navigate their sense of identity, belonging, and communication in a complex world is important for resilience building. We face unique challenges that can be hard to see from the outside, but with the right support, we can thrive across cultural environments.

Aya PorteOctober 31, 2024Occupational Therapy, TCK, Lessons, Building ResilienceComment