My Teaching Philosophy

6 principles that guide everything I do.

The child has to want it

Motivation fuels success

Games and play matter

Keep it light, engaging, and fun

Practice makes permanent

Repetition + rest = growth

Small steps win

Break it down,

and anything is learnable

Connection leads

The right adult matters most

Mindset shapes progress

Believe it's possible,

kids will too

Meet Kristen:

Hi, I'm Kristen — a pediatric occupational therapist with 27 years of experience helping children build the skills they need for everyday life. I'm also the founder of Skills on the Hill, where I've trained a team of clinicians in my methods.

I'm a mom of two daughters who couldn't be more different — one thrives on routine and quiet, the other is bold, busy, and runs on her own clock. Raising them taught me what I now tell every family: one-size-fits-all parenting isn't a thing. What works for one child can fall flat for another.

Kristen's Korner is where I share the tools, strategies, and insights I've gathered over the years — turning overwhelming parenting milestones into manageable, joyful steps, one at a time.

These are my daughters — 22 and 19, and as different from each other as two humans can be. They constantly keep my on my toes! From diapers to driving permits, the parenting challenges have evolved but never disappeared. What's changed is me: I've grown more resilient, more flexible, and a whole lot more willing to give myself grace.