WELCOME TO GRIPS!
GRIPS is a holistic and innovative approach to
pediatric occupational therapy.
The patient portal can be used to look up scheduled appointments, view reports, and make payments
what we do //
promote meaningful participation and social engagement for children with special needs through sports integration and community inclusion.
Through the use of gymnastics, rehabilitation, and independence programs, GRIPS provides unique settings and interventions for children including sports and community integration, nature-based therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. GRIPS bridges the gap from traditional therapy settings to inclusive social and athletic participation by integrating children into the Spokane community through meaningful occupational therapy approaches.
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Gymnastics
is used as a treatment method to improve motor skills, sensory integration, and attention. I provide occupational therapy treatment in a gymnastics setting through a local partnership with Spokane Gymnastics with the goal of transitioning clients to mainstream gymnastics classes.
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Rehabilitation
is provided through holistic interventions tailored to the child’s interest. This may include the use of nature, animal-asisted therapy, or other sports and community settings. I am reinventing how pediatric therapy is provided by taking children out of typical therapy facilities and integrating them into the places that are most meaningful to them.
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Independence
is achieved by empowering children and families to participate in meaningful and purposeful activities in the Spokane community and beyond. This family approach incorporates involvement in activities and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle.
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Programs
are offered in a variety of settings to best meet the needs of the child. Occupational therapy is provided in 10-15 week sessions with the goal of full integration into mainstream community and sports- based programs.
DR. Victoria Arnold
OTD, MOTR/L
Victoria has extensive experience treating children with neurological and neurodevelopment conditions including cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder.
Victoria graduated with her Master of Occupational Therapy Degree from the University of St. Augustine. She has over 5 years of pediatric experience working as an Occupational Therapist in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Her love for learning and providing the best treatment possible led her to pursue a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree which she received in 2018, specializing in pediatric neurorehabilitation and healthcare administration. She has additional training in upper extremity rehabilitation, orthotic fabrication, and Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). Victoria is passionate about supporting children in sports integration and incorporates her gymnastics knowledge into therapy approaches.
In her free time, Victoria enjoys camping, hiking, snowboarding, dog sledding, and spending time with her husband and four huskies.
“Sports have been an integral part of my life, especially gymnastics. I have coached gymnastics for over ten years and have seen the benefits of gymnastics in children first hand. It helps develop balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, confidence, determination, and team work. In addition to gymnastics, I believe in connecting children with nature and animals as well. My vision is to facilitate community inclusion and encourage the human-nature-animal connection through fun and meaningful occupations.”
“The idea of GRIPS was created when I was working as a gymnastics coach in Marquette, Michigan during my undergraduate studies. I was approached by an occupational therapist and asked to develop a special-needs gymnastics program. After developing the program and watching the children thrive in the gymnastics setting, I knew that I wanted to change the therapy realm through the medium of sports. I realized that these children were not meant for special-needs programs as they were incredible athletes that were fully capable of participating in gymnastics with typically developing peers if given the appropriate skills and supports. From there I pursued graduate school with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist and making GRIPS a reality.”
— Victoria Arnold
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is occupational therapy?
Occupations are the activities we spend our time doing. For children, primary occupations include participating in self-care tasks, sports, school, and play! Occupational therapy uses a holistic approach to improve mental, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing through increasing independence and performance in everyday life activities.
How is GRIPS different from other pediatric therapy facilities?
Unlike most therapy settings, which function inside a medical building or hospital, GRIPS treats clients in community settings with the goal of integrating them into programs and sports with typically developing peers. Treatment is provided through one-on-one direct therapy for 10-15 week sessions and transitions to participation in mainstream gymnastics classes with assistance from the occupational therapist until the client has developed adequate skills for independent participation.
Where are services provided?
Occupational therapy services are provided at Spokane Gymnastics located at 2515 N. Locust Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99206
How much does it cost?
Occupational therapy services are covered by most insurance companies, and a discounted cash-pay rate is available for families whose insurance is not accepted.
How do I know if GRIPS is right for me?
Call (509) 987 5528 for a phone screening
Will my child benefit from GRIPS?
This innovative community-based approach is designed to help children with deficits in motor skills, social skills, and sensory processing. Additionally, the goal is to assist children in the transition from occupational therapy services to gymnastics classes at the conclusion of their treatment. Families will be educated on therapeutic strategies for use at home, school, and other community settings, and parents are involved in treatment planning.
What insurance is accepted?
Amerigroup Washington
Anthem BCBS/Wellpoint Military Care
Apple Health (Medicaid)
CIGNA/Great-West Healthcare
Community Health Plan of Washington
Coordinated Care of Washington
First Choice Health
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Washington Region
Molina Healthcare of Washington
Premera Blue Cross
TRICARE/Health Net Federal Services
United Healthcare Community Plan