Exploring Life & Business with Jamie Cruz of Step Outside OT

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Cruz.

Hi Jamie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved from Ohio to California in 2007 and began my career as a pediatric occupational therapist, working in both school-based and outpatient clinic settings from 2007 to 2020. After the birth of my first child in 2011, I started to envision a more flexible and family-centered career path. During that time, I began taking on private clients and independent contracts with homeschool charter schools alongside my part-time work.
As I grew my family—welcoming two more children—I also deepened my understanding of the powerful role nature plays in child development. We spent much of our time outdoors, and I noticed a meaningful shift in my children: they were calmer, more regulated, and more connected. Their play-based preschool experience, which emphasized outdoor learning, further reinforced this observation. They thrived, and our family became part of a strong, like-minded community.

In 2020, I transitioned to working primarily for myself and began to more clearly define my vision for a private practice. Drawing from both personal experience and my work with a small number of private clients, I saw firsthand the therapeutic benefits of engaging children in natural environments. Reading Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom further solidified my direction.
I envisioned a practice that would meet children and families where they are—within their homes, backyards, and local parks. My goal was not only to support children’s development, but also to help parents reconnect with the importance of slowing down, regulating their own nervous systems, and using nature as a powerful and accessible tool. I also wanted to help families explore and feel confident accessing the many parks and natural spaces throughout Santa Clarita and Castaic, while ensuring that children of all abilities feel included and supported in these environments.

In 2022, I founded Step Outside OT. Through this practice, I provide one-on-one occupational therapy services and offer inclusive, nature-based enrichment classes where children can play, create, socialize, and learn about the natural world in a supportive setting. Today, Step Outside OT continues to serve children both in their homes and in local outdoor spaces. We collaborate with local preschools, the College of the Canyons Early Childhood Education department, Gilchrist Farm, and mental health professionals to support families holistically.
At the heart of my work is the belief that all children and families deserve access to nature and the support needed to fully participate in their meaningful occupations of childhood and parenting.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Balancing motherhood with my personal goals while growing a business has been both rewarding and demanding. Without a formal background in business, I have spent the past several years learning the foundations of entrepreneurship from the ground up—building my own website, managing electronic medical records, navigating QuickBooks, and developing a cohesive marketing strategy. I sought guidance through the America’s Small Business Development Center hosted by College Of the Canyons, which provided valuable mentorship and practical tools to help me grow sustainably.
Equally impactful has been my connection to a broader community of nature-based pediatric occupational therapists through Nature Based Therapists.org. This network has offered ongoing collaboration, idea-sharing, and support, including an active WhatsApp group where we exchange resources and insights. Each year, we come together for the Grounded to Grow Retreat—a space dedicated to deepening our clinical practice, aligning our work with nature-based principles, and exploring innovative, non-traditional models of care. This combination of mentorship, community, and continued learning has been instrumental in shaping both my business and my approach to therapy.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Private pay in-home pediatric Occupational Therapy. I also meet children in the outdoors for therapy sessions. I host inclusive play groups and social opportunities for children with disabilities in the Santa Clarita area.

I am most proud of the connections and relationships that I have built within the community and with the families and children that I have worked with. Connection and trust are at the heart of my business.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the many natural spaces we have available to explore. The many parks/playgrounds/trails we have. I love we can drive to the beach or explore creeks along the mountains. I appreciate the LA County Parks and Recreation events and opportunities they have for families.
What I don’t love is the traffic and depending on where we are, the parking situations when it comes to larger events.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stepoutsideot.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/stepoutsideot
• Facebook: Facebook.com/stepoutsideot

Image Credits
All photos are my own. Permission from parents has been granted.