Anaheim Hills Pediatric Therapy, Inc., is the kind of place where kids want to be.
As Orange County’s leading pediatric center for physical, occupational, and speech therapy for the past six years, there’s a child-focused sense of community at Anaheim Hills that simply can’t be replicated.
“We don’t want you to just think of us as a therapy clinic to drop off your child 1-2 times a week. We are a community of support,” says Director and Physical Therapist Emily Frevert, whose unique background has shaped her approach.
With 20 years of physical therapy experience and three of her four children having received speech and OT services, Emily is well-versed in the role of both parent and professional.
The Anaheim Hills Pediatric Therapy team is made up of wonderful therapists and administrative staff that keep the facility fun and always positive.
“I understand how lonely and difficult it can be as a mother,” says Emily, who became a single mom and moved to a new state after her children’s diagnoses.
“It is our goal and mission to work with the whole family by supporting and educating parents, offering counseling within our scope of ability, and referring them to familiar resources when needed,” she says.
Through hard work and perseverance, Emily’s children continue to flourish, and she credits them with helping her so much in return. “The clinic was formed by their hands from the very beginning. They helped me build, paint, clean, and celebrate each year,” she says. “Without them, I never would have been able to see the need for such a valuable resource in this community.”
Emily and her staff ensure that every child, from newborn to young adult, has a happy, comfortable experience in the clinic—especially during the holidays when the clinic is decked out with festive sights and activities to keep kids engaged.
“We decorate A LOT!” says Emily. “We always have a fun scavenger hunt available for the kids to find various themed items while they’re waiting, or to use as a part of their therapy sessions,” she says. “We love using props from the seasonal celebrations to bring more meaning and relationship into our clients’ lives.”
Everyone is welcome—even Emily’s menagerie of pets, which come in to visit her young clients.
“I’ve brought in several of my chickens, a cat, a bunny, and three of my golden retrievers. Our bearded dragon, Eliza, lives at the clinic. Animals are such healers and connect our empathy to a being. Caring for the animals boosts a child’s confidence and security.”
A second company also exists within the unique space. “BUG Buddies is a 501c3 nonprofit that helps provide social development preschool-like classes for children that either have nowhere else to attend or are in need of a smaller teacher-child ratio (ours is 1:3),” says Emily.
Whatever adventures await, Emily’s hopes for the clinic’s future are crystal clear.
“My vision is that anyone who needs us, knows about us, whether your child has been newly diagnosed or you need answers,” she says. “In addition to individual therapy, our BUG Buddies program is available for young children with behavioral issues, medical diagnoses, and any other issues that may prevent them from joining a community preschool. We accept EVERYBODY! My goal is to be the answer to many parents’ prayers.” ahpediatric-pt-ot.com