We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Quiara Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Quiara below.

Quiara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

If you would’ve told me in graduate school that I would become a business owner one day, I would’ve thought you were crazy! Fast forward to over 13 years of practice as an occupational therapist and I opened up my own boutique, private practice for pediatric pelvic health patients/clients. I created the first practice of its kind in the United States. In the beginning, I had no background or knowledge of business or entrepreneurial skills or so I thought. The reason behind opening up my own private practice was due to the fact that I became a mother, and the role of being a mother and parenting my child was my priority. I also wanted the flexibility to be able to continue serving my community in the capacity of a pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist, where I specifically serve children and families with pelvic floor dysfunction and toileting challenges . The learning curve was immense trying to start my private practice, but I was determined to learn with guidance and small steps in the right direction from those who came before me in the private practice world. I was hard-working, resilient, and optimistic, and I feel that these characteristics are essential in entrepreneurship. I created something that no one was doing in a niche area where the greatest impact outweigh the challenges of my lack of business knowledge, but that didn’t stop me. What I would recommend to young professionals thinking about entrepreneurship, and opening up their own private practice, is to get clear on who you’re serving and the why behind your work. The world needs your gifts and talents more than you will ever know. Step into the fear with the understanding that it’s normal, and do it anyway!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an expert pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist in the United States, as well as internationally. I created the first boutique private practice for pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction in the therapy services in the San Francisco Bay area. I also created training courses to teach other therapists such as OT‘s, PT’s, and physiotherapist, my approach to pediatric pelvic health care with a Holistic and integrative approach. I offer virtual, and in person, pediatric pelvic floor OT services. I am a leading expert in potty learning approaches, based on child development and pediatric pelvic floor health. My approach to pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction is different, because I focus on the whole child and family unit. My approach is based in complementary and alternative medicine practices, as well as sensory integration and child development. My approach fosters attunement and attachment between the child and the parent/caregiver. I focus on supporting the child’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs when they land in my care and strive to offer, compassionate and evidence-based healthcare .

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely without any hesitation, serving children, families and communities are my passion in life.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think the most helpful knowledge for succeeding in my field of pediatric pelvic health is a clear understanding of child development, and pelvic health. It is also helpful to utilize a biopsychosocial approach to care and cultivating your own therapeutic use of self to be the most supportive, competent, and compassionate healthcare provider that a child and family needs in their most difficult times.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alohaintegrativetherapy.com
• Instagram: @alohaintegrativetherapy
• Facebook: @alohaintegrativetherapy