Believing in the untapped power of a child’s mind.

Tami Pallott, OTR/L- Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Providing expert pediatric occupational therapy that cultivates essential skills, builds confidence, and ignites the limitless potential within each child, enabling them to navigate their world with joy and success.

Tami is a licensed occupational therapist with over two decades of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. After earning her degree from San Jose State University in 2001, she began her career in a hospital setting working with adults, where she developed expertise in dysphagia management and specialized in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) within the rehabilitation unit.

Credentials and Experience:

Bachelor’s in Science in Occupational Therapy - San Jose State University

Certified Occupational Therapist by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and Registered by the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy

CPR and First Aid Certified

VIEW TAMI’S CERTIFICATIONS

In 2003, Tami discovered her passion for pediatrics and has been dedicated to helping children thrive ever since. Her experience spans hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, and school settings, where she has worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic, client-centered care.

Tami is also committed to professional mentorship and education. She has provided in-services and lectures in both schools, early start programs and workplace settings, supporting the growth and development of fellow colleagues. She is deeply passionate about empowering volunteers and interns who share her vision of nurturing and uplifting the next generation.

In 2021, she launched her own consulting practice, focusing on bringing occupational therapy into natural environments—including outdoor spaces and in-home settings—to better meet the needs of young clients. Building on this mission, she founded Motivating Minds in 2025 to expand access to high-quality therapy services within the community.

Tami’s approach is rooted in the belief that meaningful growth happens in the environments where children live, play, and learn. Her goal is to empower each child to reach their full potential through personalized, evidence brain-based therapy delivered in the spaces that matter most.

With over 20+ years of attending advanced trainings and earning certifications, she integrates this deep knowledge into her treatment sessions with the following programs and specialized approaches:

Sensory Integration & Neurodevelopmental Programs

  • H.O.P.E. (Harper’s Optimal Protocol for Enrichment) – Practical Sense in Sensory Integration (Parts 1–3), including Treating Auditory Processing Disorders

  • Building Blocks for Sensory Processing and Integration

  • Primitive Reflex Integration

  • HANDLE (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency)

  • DIR®/Floortime Therapy (Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based Therapy)

  • Vital Links Trainings – Therapeutic Listening, Quickshifts, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Astronaut Training, Posture and Movement

  • iLs – Integrated Listening System

Pediatric and Adult Therapy Techniques

  • Pediatric and Adult NDT (NeuroDevelopmental Treatment)

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation

  • Visual Processing, Perceptual, and Motor Skills

  • Treating Torticollis & A Vision-Based Approach to Torticollis

Feeding & Nutrition

  • Advanced Feeding Courses, including:

    • Dysphagia

    • Nutrition

    • Picky Eating

    • SOS Approach (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) to Feeding

    • Talk Tools- Oral Placement Therapy

Emotional Regulation & Executive Function

  • Zones of Regulation

  • Social Thinking

  • ALERT Program: "How Does Your Engine Run?"

  • Sleep Disturbances

Fine Motor & Academic Skills

  • Handwriting Without Tears / The Print Tool

My other passion is my family

Outside of my professional work, I’m a proud wife and mother living in the Gilroy community with my husband and our three children. We love spending time outdoors—hiking local trails, and staying active through yoga and pilates classes. I’m also passionate about volunteering and take great joy in supporting my children’s after-school activities and sports teams.

As a family, we value laughter, connection, and community involvement. We enjoy attending sporting events together and participating in our local bocce and bowling leagues. Being a mother and mentor shapes my perspective and strengthens my dedication to helping children and families thrive—both personally and professionally.