Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Kozlowski.
Hi stacy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For over 25 years, Stacy has dedicated her life to helping children reach their fullest potential. As a pediatric occupational therapist, she has had the privilege of supporting countless children and families through challenges related to Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and pediatric feeding disorders.
Early in her career, Stacy worked at UCP/NYC, supporting children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. During that time, she lived and worked in New York City during the tragic events of 9/11/01 — an experience that profoundly shaped her outlook on life and her calling as a therapist.
In the days and months that followed, Stacy witnessed both heartbreak and extraordinary humanity. The experience deepened her desire to live a life of service, compassion, and purpose, and strengthened her belief in the power of human connection and resilience. It was then that she truly understood the gift of being part of someone else’s story — of helping others rebuild, heal, and move forward.
That defining chapter inspired the way Stacy approaches her work today and ultimately led her to create Abil-OT Kids Therapy — a company founded on the belief that every child deserves a life filled with dignity, joy, and possibility.
At Abil-OT, Stacy has built a practice that reflects her deepest values: family partnership, inclusion, and community impact. She believes that therapy is most effective when caregivers are empowered and children feel safe, seen, and celebrated for who they are.
Her extensive training includes Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Sensory Integration, Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, The Wilbarger Protocol, Handwriting Without Tears, and feeding approaches such as AEIOU Systematic Approach to Pediatric Feeding, the Merry Mealtime Guide, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and SOFFI certification.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Stacy is committed to mentoring future therapists, ensuring that her passion for helping children continues to ripple outward through the next generation of caregivers.
Outside of work, Stacy is happily married and enjoys life with her three daughters, who continually inspire her to approach each day with gratitude and purpose.
Our Mission:
At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, we are rooted in the belief that all children deserve a life filled with dignity, joy, and purpose. Our mission is to provide exceptional care and enrich your child’s natural abilities. In partnership with parents and caregivers, Abil-OT Kids Therapy establishes the foundation and gives you the tools to impact your child’s optimal physical, mental, and emotional growth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building Abil-OT Kids Therapy hasn’t been without its challenges. Being a therapist and running a business are two very different skill sets. Transitioning from therapist to business owner meant stepping into unfamiliar territory — managing operations, navigating insurance systems, building a team, and ensuring that every child and family received the same quality of care that first inspired her to start the practice.
There were times when the administrative demands felt overwhelming. The paperwork, the policies, and the constant balancing act between clinical care and business sustainability tested her in ways therapy school never could have prepared her for.
But even through the hardest seasons, Stacy held tightly to her “why.” Every time she saw a child take a first step, say a first word, or accomplish something once thought impossible, it reaffirmed her purpose. Every parent who felt supported, every therapist who felt valued, reminded her that the struggle was worth it.
She learned to surround herself with people who shared her vision — passionate therapists, dedicated administrative staff, and families who believed in the mission. Together, they built not just a business, but a community of care rooted in trust, collaboration, and hope.
For Stacy, success has never been about growth charts or profit margins. It’s about impact — creating a space where therapists love their work, families feel understood, and children are given every opportunity to thrive.
At Abil-OT, Stacy has created a practice grounded in collaboration, compassion, and community impact. She believes that therapy is most effective when parents and caregivers are true partners in the process and when every child feels seen and celebrated for who they are.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a pediatric occupational therapist, and I’ve spent most of my career not only helping children but also explaining what it is that I do. Occupational therapy is one of those professions that quietly transforms lives — often behind the scenes, yet in the most meaningful ways.
I often tell people to imagine this:
From the moment you open your eyes in the morning until the moment you lie down in bed at night, your day is filled with hundreds of small tasks — getting dressed, brushing your teeth, tying your shoes, eating breakfast, writing your name, playing with friends, or getting ready for bed.
Now imagine if there was anything along that journey — from the first blink of the morning to the last thought before sleep — that you couldn’t do independently.
That’s where an occupational therapist comes in.
From the most basic tasks that preserve human dignity to the most complex skills that allow us to engage fully in life, occupational therapists help people rehabilitate or habilitate — developing, restoring, or adapting abilities so they can live as independently and meaningfully as possible.
In pediatrics, that might mean helping a child learn to hold a pencil, tolerate textures, strengthen their body for play, or safely eat new foods. For each child, it’s about meeting them where they are and guiding them toward what’s possible.
At its heart, occupational therapy is about empowerment — helping people do the things that make life theirs.
I am proud to inspire others in my community — not just those who work within our company, but also families, caregivers, students, and future therapists — to see the profound impact that meaningful, compassionate work can have on a person’s life.
My hope has always been to create more than a therapy practice. I wanted to build a place where people feel seen, supported, and valued, where children are celebrated for their unique abilities, and where therapists feel encouraged to grow both professionally and personally.
Whether it’s through mentoring new clinicians, partnering with families, or collaborating with local organizations, I believe that when we invest in people — when we give them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive — we create ripples of change that extend far beyond the walls of our clinic.
At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, that’s what we strive to do every day: to empower children, support families, uplift professionals, and strengthen our community.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about our city is its diversity. We are rich in culture, thought, experience, and opportunity. We’re surrounded by brilliant minds and innovative energy through Duke, UNC, and NC State, and that academic influence filters into the entire community. It’s a place where people are curious, engaged, and genuinely care about making a difference.
I love that our area is filled with families from all over the world, bringing unique perspectives and traditions that enrich the lives of everyone around them. That blend of cultures, ideas, and compassion makes this a truly special place to live and work.
What I Like Least
What I like least is that not everyone has equal access to the incredible resources and opportunities that exist here. While we have world-class healthcare and education, the disparities between those who can easily access them and those who can’t are still far too wide.
As a pediatric therapist, I see firsthand how those inequities affect families — especially those with children who need specialized care or support. It’s something that continues to drive me: to advocate, collaborate, and help create a more inclusive system where every child, regardless of zip code or background, can thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abilotkidstherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abilotkidstherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abilotkidstherapy/
- Other: https://www.abilotkidstherapy.com/ability-2-play
