Meet the passionate mind behind From the Ground Up
Meghan Steward, OTR/L
Meghan is the owner and founder of From the Ground Up Nature-Based Occupational Therapy, bringing nearly 20 years of clinical experience to her work with children and families. Her career has been rooted in early childhood development, and she has practiced across a range of pediatric and adult settings, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how children grow, learn, and thrive. In addition to her clinical work, Meghan has served as an educator for future occupational therapists, a role that has strengthened her commitment to evidence-based, child-centered care.
Meghan is deeply passionate about the therapeutic value of nature and the powerful ways outdoor play can support developmental milestones, functional skills, and overall well-being. She believes that children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences, and she is dedicated to creating opportunities for them to build confidence, resilience, and joy through nature-based intervention.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
- — John Muir, naturalist and environmental philosopher
Belief in nature-based therapy
I am inspired to choose nature-based occupational therapy because I have seen firsthand its profound impact on children. I believe that the greatest benefits for children lie in its ability to foster holistic development. Nature provides a rich, sensory-filled environment that naturally supports social-emotional growth, enhances gross and fine motor coordination, improves executive functioning and attention, and sparks cognitive growth through curiosity and hands-on learning. By blending evidence-based occupational therapy with child-led, nature-rich play, children are empowered to build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills in a joyful and engaging way.