Room to thrive: Inside Pine Tree Society’s expanded OT program

In a bright, wide-open room at Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center in Auburn, something special is happening. What looks like simple childhood fun – building with Legos, reaching for colorful toys, or navigating a shared space – is actually the hard work of growth and independence. This is the new therapy room for the Occupational Therapy (OT) program, a space that has recently doubled in size to ensure every child has the room they need to thrive.

For the children who walk through our doors, play is their primary occupation. Under the guidance of two dedicated therapists, Kristin Desrochers and Jessica Hyde, these play sessions are carefully designed to build essential life skills. Whether working one-on-one or in small groups, the team focuses on:

• Fine Motor and Self-Care Skills: Mastering the small movements needed for daily independence
• Sensory and Cognitive Development: Helping children process the world around them and build problem-solving abilities
• Emotional regulation and executive functioning skills: Helping children process their internal world, identify helpful tools and learn how to communicate their internal world to others
• Social Connections: Fostering the skills needed to participate fully in school and at home

The heart of this program lies in the expertise and passion of its therapists:

• Kristin Desrochers: Bringing nearly a decade of experience working with people with disabilities and a Master’s from the University of Southern Maine. Kristin’s journey was fueled by a lifelong love of creativity, problem solving and helping others For them, the joy of OT is found in moments of discovery. They said, “Through play, I get to create meaningful connections that help children learn and grow. I get to show up every day and help children achieve their next steps in life.”
• Jessica Hyde: A veteran therapist with over two decades of experience, she joined the team in 2025. A graduate of the University of New England, she is passionate about collaborating with families to find the unique spark that makes life meaningful for each child. “I get to witness progress – sometimes slow, sometimes surprising – but always meaningful,” said Jess. “Watching someone discover what is meaningful to them and helping them find ways to access it is a privilege I never take for granted.”

With our expanded space in Auburn, we are accepting OT referrals for summer and fall.