We recently connected with Madeline Dunlap and have shared our conversation below.
Madeline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
The story of TheraPEDS began with a deep calling on my heart—to serve children and families in a way that blended expert therapy with authentic love, joy, and the heart of Jesus. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I saw firsthand how impactful therapy could be when it’s done with compassion, consistency, and excellence. I wanted to create a space where kids were celebrated, families felt supported, and therapists felt fulfilled and empowered.
Starting TheraPEDS wasn’t easy, but it was purposeful. The early days were filled with prayer, grit, and a lot of learning. I started small—just a vision and a handful of clients. The first major step was establishing a legal business structure, then finding a location that could grow with us. I navigated credentialing with insurances, hiring a small team, setting up our documentation and billing systems, and creating a culture that reflected grace, hard work, and high standards of care. Every step was both exciting and stretching.
Some of the key challenges included learning the business side of healthcare—things like insurance billing, HIPAA compliance, scheduling systems, and staffing logistics. It was also a challenge to balance the business responsibilities with staying rooted in why we started in the first place: to change lives.
If I could go back, I would have trusted God more in the waiting seasons and delegated sooner. I tried to do too much myself in the beginning, and while that helped me learn every part of the business, it also led to burnout. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in the mission and who are strong where you are weak is one of the best things you can do.
For any young professional considering starting their own practice—my advice is this: don’t wait until you feel completely ready. If God has placed the vision in your heart, He will make a way. Do the work, ask questions, find mentors, and stay rooted in your purpose. You don’t have to do it like anyone else—you just have to do it with excellence, integrity, and faith.
TheraPEDS has grown into something so much more than I could have imagined, but it started with one obedient yes and a desire to serve well. I believe your yes can do the same.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Madeline—a wife, mom of two boys, pediatric occupational therapist, and the proud owner of TheraPEDS. I’m also a follower of Jesus, and everything I do—whether at home with my family or at work with my team—is rooted in love, faith, and a heart to serve others well.
My journey into the world of pediatric therapy began long before I earned my degree. My older brother, Jacob, has special needs, and growing up alongside him gave me a front-row seat to the power of therapy and how much it can impact not only a child’s development but an entire family’s story. Watching therapists pour into his life planted a deep desire in me to do the same for others.
TheraPEDS was born out of that calling. We are a pediatric therapy practice offering occupational, physical, speech, and mental health services. We work with children of all ages and abilities to support them in areas like motor development, regulation, sensory processing, feeding, communication, and emotional health. Whether it’s helping a toddler learn to chew and swallow, improving a child’s handwriting, or supporting families through behavior challenges, our goal is always to meet each child where they are and walk with them forward.
What sets TheraPEDS apart is more than the services we provide—it’s the heart behind them. Our team is united by a mission to love well, serve with excellence, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our work. We focus on building real relationships with families, creating a culture of joy, and celebrating even the smallest victories along the way. We pray over our spaces, we serve with compassion, and we strive to be a light in every interaction.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’re making—not only in the lives of the kids we serve but in the community as a whole. Many of our therapists were born and raised in the areas we now support, and it’s an honor to pour back into the same neighborhoods that shaped us.
To anyone learning about TheraPEDS for the first time—whether you’re a parent looking for support, a fellow therapist, or someone cheering us on—my hope is that you see the heart behind what we do. We’re not just a therapy clinic. We’re a purpose-driven team on a mission to make a difference, one child and one family at a time.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Outside of skill, I believe the most helpful thing for succeeding in this career is having a servant’s heart and a teachable spirit. You can have all the training and credentials in the world, but if you don’t lead with compassion, humility, and a willingness to grow, you’ll never fully connect with the people you’re called to serve.
In pediatric therapy—and really in any work that involves people—success comes when you care deeply, communicate clearly, and stay anchored in purpose. For me, that purpose is rooted in my faith. Keeping God at the center reminds me that this work isn’t just about progress or outcomes—it’s about people. It’s about showing up with integrity, giving grace, and being a light in someone else’s story.
Consistency, resilience, and the ability to love people well—even on the hard days—will carry you further than talent ever could. Stay humble, stay hungry to learn, and never forget why you started.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My biggest advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to lead with heart, humility, and clarity. People want to feel seen, valued, and part of something meaningful—and as a leader, it’s your responsibility to create that environment.
Be consistent in your communication, generous with encouragement, and intentional with your time. Let your team know that their work matters, not just for what they do, but for who they are. Celebrate their wins, walk with them through the hard days, and always be willing to listen.
Keep vision at the forefront—remind your team why you do what you do and the lives you’re impacting together. When people feel connected to purpose, it fuels passion. For me, that purpose is rooted in faith. I pray for our team often and invite God into our work because I know He’s the foundation that keeps everything strong and steady.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of fun! A joyful spirit goes a long way. Create a culture where laughter is welcome, teamwork is celebrated, and people feel safe to be themselves.
Lastly, lead by example. Show up with excellence, serve with integrity, and never ask your team to do something you’re not willing to do yourself. When you lead with love and live the mission daily, it inspires others to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therapedspllc.com
- Instagram: therapeds
- Facebook: TheraPEDS
