Charlene Kurkjian founded Powerhouse Therapy in 2010 with a bold vision: help children with one-sided weakness from stroke or neurological conditions make lasting progress beyond what weekly therapy could offer. While working as an occupational therapist at CHOA, Charlene met a parent who had traveled out of state for an intensive therapy program and saw remarkable improvements in her child with cerebral palsy. Inspired, Charlene and a PT colleague launched their first 3-week intensive that summer — and were amazed by the life-changing results for both the children and their families. Since then, Powerhouse Therapy has grown, offering intensive programs every June and July.
“The intensive model lets us shape new movement patterns through play, repetition, and focus — unlocking potential that might otherwise stay hidden,” says Charlene.
Powerhouse’s Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) program helps children rewire their brains through fun, motivating activities. During 2-4 week sessions (3 hours), a child’s stronger arm is gently constrained so they use the weaker one. One-on-one with a trained CIMT therapist, kids build strength, coordination, and confidence as their brain forms new connections. Movements like grasping, pinching, and isolating fingers — which once seemed impossible — start to emerge.
The program doesn’t just improve movement; it also boosts independence. As skills improve, so does a child’s ability to dress, bathe, eat, open containers, and safely navigate playgrounds. Gains in therapy lead to real-world changes at home and school — increasing confidence, motivation, and joy.
An important part of the program is the "Transfer Package" — daily guidance for parents to help children practice new skills at home, continuing using their weaker arm in everyday activities, their progress sticks and grows.
After the 3rd week, children can join an optional 4th-week bilateral intensive, learning to use both hands together for real-life tasks like dressing, cutting, and carrying. Once the cast is removed, aqua therapy is offered to improve strength and coordination in a fun, supportive environment.
In 2019, Powerhouse Therapy added a Physical Therapy intensive for the lower body. This program focuses on correcting misuse patterns, improving balance, core strength, and safe movement — following the same proven, immersive model as the CIMT program.
Charlene says it best:
"I do this work because I see children not just move — but thrive. That’s why Powerhouse Therapy exists".
At the heart of Powerhouse Therapy is a passion to bring hope:
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Hope to parents who have carried stress and heartbreak of watching their child struggle.
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Hope to children who begin to see their own strength.
Meet Levi and his family:
After suffering an intensive stroke at 18 months in 2018, Levi started CMIT, it was initially expected he would have no functional use of his hand and arm. However, the intensive CIMT (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy) sessions have played a vital role in helping his brain form new neural connections, allowing his doctors to plan multiple tendon transfers in his hand to further improve functionality.
As part of his recovery following surgery, Levi will continue CIMT at Powerhouse once he has fully healed. Eager to see continued improvements, his orthopedic surgeons and neurologist attribute much of his progress to therapy and especially the CIMT.
Levi has completed six CIMT sessions, and with each one, he’s gained more strength, awareness, and independence. He now uses his right hand to turn lights and faucets on and off, give high fives, open doors, press buttons, point, carry light objects, and assist with tasks like opening snack bags, toothpaste, juice boxes, and his backpack. These everyday skills have given him more confidence and allowed him to be more independent at home and school—making life feel more normal.
CIMT Camp is truly a family commitment, doing therapy homework, keeping the cast on (even when it’s hard), and staying consistent long after camp ends. "The Powerhouse team, especially Charlene, go above and beyond. She didn’t just guide Levi—she taught us how to support him, turning therapy into part of our everyday life. Her encouragement, knowledge, and kindness made all the difference".
"We remain committed to working with Powerhouse Therapy. Charlene, Disha, and all the therapists involved in Levi’s care are exceptional, skilled, knowledgeable, and deeply caring. All the hard work is worth it when you witness the joy and pride on your child’s face as they open a snack bag on their own for the very first time", states Brandi Holmes, Levi's mother.
To learn more : https://www.veryspecialcamps.com/summer-camps/Powerhouse-Therapy-2296.html