A career devoted to little ones
Kaylen Fletcher, OTR/L graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2015 with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. From her very first day in the field, she knew she was exactly where she was meant to be — working alongside children and families.
Over the course of her career, Kaylen has devoted herself to the pediatric population across a wide variety of settings: early intervention, home health, schools, and outpatient clinics. She has supported children with a diverse range of diagnoses and ages, tailoring her approach to each child's unique strengths, needs, and environment.
Kaylen is a DIR-Proficient clinician and holds the highest level of DIRFloortime® certification — the Certificate of Proficiency. Her approach is grounded in the belief that play is not just a reward or a break from therapy — play is the therapy. She meets every child with curiosity, warmth, and a healthy respect for what each individual child brings to the room.
Whether she's supporting a toddler in their living room or working alongside a school team, Kaylen's goal remains the same: help kids thrive in the ways that matter most to them and their families.
Macramé Artist
Finds creative flow in fiber arts and knotting outside the clinic — her walls show it.
Avid Reader
Always has a book on the nightstand — or five. Probably three of them are half-finished.
Weenie Dog Wrangler
Proud dachshund mom. They run the household — she just pays the bills.
Play is the work
Child-led, relationship-first
Kaylen believes that every child is the expert on themselves. Her role is to follow their lead, build a trusting relationship, and create the conditions for growth — not to impose a one-size-fits-all program.
Family as partners
Progress doesn't stop when the session ends. Kaylen works closely with parents, caregivers, and school teams to extend support into everyday routines and environments — because that's where real life happens.
Play as the primary vehicle
Play isn't a break from therapy — it's how children learn, grow, and make sense of the world. Kaylen's sessions are joyful on purpose.
Meeting kids where they are
Whether a child is 6 months old or 16 years old, whether they're in a home, a classroom, or a clinic — Kaylen adapts her approach to meet them there, as they are, right now.
The journey so far
Graduated from UTHSC
Earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and obtained OTR/L licensure.
Early Intervention & Home Health
Began her career working with the youngest children — birth through age 3 — supporting families in their homes and natural environments.
School-Based Practice
Brought her pediatric expertise into educational settings, collaborating with teachers, families, and specialists to support students across diverse needs.
Outpatient & DIRFloortime® Specialization
Deepened her clinical expertise in outpatient settings while pursuing and achieving the highest level of DIRFloortime® certification — the Certificate of Proficiency.
DIR-Proficient Clinician
Currently practicing as a DIRFloortime® Certificate of Proficiency holder, bringing play-based, relationship-centered therapy to children and families.
Credentials, experience, and more
Dig deeper into Kaylen's professional background, certifications, and the settings where she's built her career.