Today we’d like to introduce you to Reema Naim.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a teenager, I was fascinated with the arts and wanted to pursue a career in film or animation. I grew up a fan of fantasy movies like “The Labyrinth” with David Bowie. I dreamt of creating magical places where people could escape to.
Coming from a conservative background, the entertainment world was not accepted with open arms. I was forced to find a plan B. Luckily, I was also passionate about understanding the human mind and helping people overcome trauma. This led me to complete my undergraduate degree in child psychology. After my first internship, I became overwhelmed with sadness as I found myself unable to separate work from home, constantly thinking about my patients well being and safety.
I confided in a friend who mentioned occupational therapy. During her occupational therapy fieldwork she was treating children with Autism, Down Syndrome and developmental delays. Her eyes lit up as she talked about her patients and how she helped them overcome their physical and sensory challenges. I was amazed at how successful her sessions were and how much growth she had seen in her patients. It didnt take long to realize that OT was the perfect fit for me. No more traumatic and painfully sad stories, just a positive outlook on helping each patient achieve their goals of independence. A few years later, I was back at USC and completed both my Masters and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
I completed my sensory integration certification and in practice I quickly noticed a lack of parental education in sensory integration. Parents were frequently frustrated with their child because they did not understand how to meet their sensory needs. Finally, the creative side of me had its chance to shine and The Sensokids were created. The Sensokids are four educational animation characters that represent the sensory systems we work with (Proprioception, Vestibular, Tactile and Visual Perception). After the idea of the Sensokids came to mind, I was motivated to give them a home, a magical sensory world where they could help each child reach their sensory goals. I opened OT Studios was able to use my medical knowledge with my imagination to create a unique therapy space for children.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was a pretty smooth but scary road. I am extremely organized and had everything well planned but one can never be sure if they will succeed or not. The hardest part was having the courage to take the first step. To actually apply for the business license, to find out what is needed, how to design the space, where to choose the space, how to find vendors, who to market to etc…
So, as you know, we’re impressed with OT Studios, Inc – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Doctor of Pediatric Occupational Therapy specializing in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing. I am known for opening OT Studios, Inc and creating The Sensokids. I am most proud of being able to unite the medical with the creative to build a therapy space for children! The Sensokids are what make us different, connecting therapy with animation!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My husband and I just welcomed our baby boy in Nov 2019 so as of now I am focusing on being a mother but eventually I would like to finish The Sensokids children’s book and eventually get a YouTube series going. Id love to educate children and families about sensory processing using The Sensokids!
Contact Info:
- Address: OT Studios, Inc
7300 W. Sunset Blvd
LA, CA 90046 - Website: www.otstudiosla.com
- Phone: 3232852283
- Email: info@otstudiosla.com
- Instagram: @otstudiosla
- Yelp: OT Studios, Inc
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