About Us
Abundance Therapy • Kelli Smith Bio • Client Testimonials
Abundance Therapy, founded by Kelli Smith, MOTR/L is dedicated to helping individuals establish, restore, or maintain their mind, voice, bodies and souls through a unique therapy process. We do this by utilizing music, instrumentation movement and the Arts to increase or enhance fine and gross motor skills, body awareness, postural control strength and endurance. The program is centered around building upon and promoting positive relationships and experiences to last a life time.
Initially Kelli worked with special needs children, using gymnastics as a tool to address and improve motor planning, organization of behavior, body awareness, strength and endurance thus allowing the child to function more appropriately in life. Her work with special needs children has been the most challenging, compelling and rewarding experience of her life. She truly feels as if this is the tip of the iceberg.
Kelli has since utilized music and instrumentation combined with other more traditional therapeutic approaches such as NDT and Sensory integration to touch many lives in the Rehabilitative, Mental Health and Pediatric Setting.
Kelli wants to connect with the people she works with on all levels and that starts with building a relationship first and foremost. As that relationship develops, she is able to explore the different areas that she can help each individual achieve a more functional lifestyle.
While traditional treatments can be effective in achieving the above, research shows that music can play an integral role in helping individuals establish, retain or maintain function within their lives.
Abundance Therapies strives to change lives by:
| • | Establishing a model program that provides a multi-disciplinary treatment approach including auditory training, music, movement and the arts to achieve the maximum potential for each individual. |
| • | Utilizing musical instruments music theory and music itself to increase, body awareness, Upper and lower body (fine and gross motor) strength, endurance, and coordination. |
| • | Enhancing capabilities and function and fostering greater independence and community involvement. |
| • | Providing and nurturing professional relationships within a family-centered, collaborative environment built on a foundation of mutual respect and integrity. |
| • | Developing research which will serve as a resource responding to family, professional and community needs. |
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Bio: Kelli Smith, MOTR/L
E-mail: kelli@abundancetherapy.com
When I was 19 years old, I underwent a spinal fusion surgery. Over the course of two years, I had to relearn how to do the simplest of tasks, including how to walk. It not only turned my life upside down, but that of my family and friends. In addition to a foot-long scar down the middle of my back, I gained a unique perspective and can personally understand the frustration inherent in the journey of rehabilitation.
Growing up in a small town outside of Columbus, Ohio, I was always an athlete – from gymnastics and lacrosse to soccer and water skiing. I also studied music. I started on the piano when I was seven years old and moved on to the guitar by the time I was in college at Arizona State University. Music always came naturally and I played more with my ear and my heart than I did by reading music. I jammed with friends and picked up tips from fellow musicians, knowing that I always wanted music to play a huge role in my life.
I graduated with a degree in Broadcast Management and it was during my studies that I realized I wanted to help others that cannot express themselves by being their voice. I wasn't sure how, but I recognized I had a unique talent for communication, as well as the patience and compassion to make a difference.
With a move west to San Diego, I started a job in advertising but quickly realized I had to follow my heart to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the music industry. I worked as a sales executive at DMX, an early form of satellite radio with thousands of channels of all genres, selling programming to the hospitality industry.
But my life was totally changed when I visited a gymnastics facility for autistic children upon advice from a friend. From the moment I walked in the door of this gym, all of my senses were overwhelmed. The Beatles were playing loudly in the background and the owner, an occupational therapist, was kneeling down on the spring-padded floor rolling a pudgy little angelic-faced autistic boy up and down a mat. As he did so, the boy giggled and shrieked with joy. As I observed him for the next hour, my eyes filled with tears and I had a lump in my throat, I knew at that moment I had found what I was going to do with the rest of my life. The very next day I started my training and six months later I was enrolled in my first prerequisite course to pursue my Master's in Occupational Therapy. (Which I have now proudly attained!)
The other miracle moment for me happened during a session with a child I had worked with for three years. He and I started playing bongos together and that was the first time I ever shared eye contact for more than a few minutes with him over our entire three year relationship. The impact of that moment was unbelievable. I realized that music was more than something I enjoyed personally – it was a powerful tool that could be used, both mentally and physically, to communicate and heal.
I launched the first phase of my Music Integration Program, before returning home to Ohio State University to get my Masters Degree. I studied how music can be used as a gateway to open the mind, body and spirit and I am thrilled to be starting it up again.
People have told me I have been an integral part of changing their lives but, even more so, they have changed mine. I am inspired every day by the people I work with, their families and my colleagues.
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Client Testimonials
Kelli Smith has worked with our autistic daughter for the last five years. Molly was diagnosed when she was three, and Kelli was one of the first specialists to help Molly during some very difficult times. During many of these years, Kelli and Molly worked on what was essentially a one-on-one basis. Session after session, as I saw how Kelli and Molly responded to one another, I would often beam to my wife, “Of all the kids Kelli works with, Molly is Kelli’s favorite.” Of course, this was a proud “fact” that a doting father formed on his own. It was also before he saw Kelli work with other children. Sincerely, Joe Brutsman |
The service provided by Kelli Smith has truly benfitted my son. So much so that I am willing to drive 1 hour to bring him to see her! Kelli's knowledge, talent and creativity have helped my son gain confidence, develop motor and communication skills, as well as social skills. The musical experience, community overnight trip and surfing are things Jamie has not been able to participate in until beginning with her. Kelli is creative and finds a role for everyone, be it camera man, or lead singer, every child feels important, and Kelli uses her skills well, observing interests, and talents, and expanding on them. Ever creative and flexible depending on the needs at the time. Her positive spirit, totally upbeat attitude, and belief that there are no limits to what our kids will accomplish, carries over to the children. The kids are great judges of what they need, and I have never seen one that does not smile when they see Kelli. Her positive spirit, upbeat attitude, and belief that there are no limits to what our kids can accomplish, carries over to the children, and even the families she works with. Kelli is amazingly talented in so many ways. I cannot think of any child who would not benefit from time with her! " Sincerely, Kim Kleiner |
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