About OWN Pediatric Therapy
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower every child to thrive in their OWN way.
We believe every child deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own body. Through nurturing, expert care, we help children facing bowel and bladder challenges overcome symptoms, heal from the root cause, and get back to the joy of simply being a kid.
Founded by Annie Close, a pediatric occupational therapist and mom to three littles, OWN Pediatric Therapy was created to fill a gap in care for families who often feel unheard or unsure where to turn. Too many parents are told their child will “grow out of it” or are offered quick fixes instead of true, lasting solutions. Annie’s mission is to change that by offering compassionate, play-based, and evidence-informed therapy that gets to the root of the problem.
We’re here to normalize conversations around pediatric pelvic health, empower families with knowledge, and ensure every child feels supported, understood, and free to thrive in their OWN way.
Meet Annie — Founder & Pediatric Pelvic Health Specialist
Hi, I’m Annie Close, occupational therapist and founder of OWN Pediatric Therapy.
I hold a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelors Of Science from Whitman College. My career began as pediatric occupational therapist hospitals and outpatient clinics, where I discovered how few resources existed for children struggling with bowel and bladder dysfunction. That realization sparked my passion for pediatric pelvic health and inspired me to specialize in helping kids and families find lasting relief.
As both a therapist and a mom to three young kids — one who has personally faced severe constipation challenges — I understand the stress and uncertainty that come with these struggles. My true passion lies in helping families understand the why behind their child’s symptoms and guiding them toward healthy habits that support lifelong pelvic wellness.
Outside the clinic, I’m a mom to two energetic boys and one sweet little girl, an avid runner, and a lover of good chocolate. My greatest joy is empowering children to take ownership of their bodies and helping families feel hopeful, informed, and supported along the way.
I’m currently the sole therapist at OWN Pediatric Therapy, which means every family receives my full attention and care. Each session is personalized, one-on-one, and designed to meet your child exactly where they are — blending gentle, play-based techniques with clinical expertise to create lasting results.
Additional Certifications & Trainings
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Annie has completed advanced training in pediatric bowel and bladder health, earning Level 1 and Level 2 certification with Kids Bowel and Bladder, in the assessment and treatment of childhood bowel and bladder dysfunction. This specialized coursework deepened her expertise in pelvic floor development, constipation management, urinary incontinence, and evidence-based therapy techniques to help children achieve lasting bowel and bladder control.
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Annie has completed multiple trainings in Sensory Integration & pediatric development, enhancing her ability to understand how a child’s sensory processing impacts regulation, attention, and toileting success. These trainings supportsher holistic approach to pelvic health—helping children build body awareness, confidence, and comfort by addressing how the sensory and nervous systems influence bowel, bladder, and emotional regulation.
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Annie completed Visceral Applications for Pediatrics (VAPI) – Introduction with the Barral Institute team, expanding her understanding of how the organs, fascia, and nervous system interact to support healthy digestion, elimination, and overall regulation in children. This training deepened her ability to assess and treat the whole child, integrating gentle visceral and manual techniques to relieve tension, improve mobility, and enhance bowel and bladder function from the inside out.
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Annie completed CranioSacral Therapy 1 (CS1) through the Upledger Institute, focusing on assessment of the central nervous system and fascial system for a full-body treatment approach. This training enhanced her ability to use gentle, hands-on techniques to support nervous system regulation, relieve tension, and promote balance throughout the body—key components in helping children with bowel, bladder, and sensory challenges feel calm and comfortable in their bodies.
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Annie began her pelvic health career working with women during pregnancy and postpartum, where she developed a deep understanding of the pelvic floor across all stages of life. She has completed advanced training through PRM (Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner), OT Pioneers, PCES (Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist), and the Institute of Birth Healing. These courses strengthened her foundation in pelvic anatomy, biomechanics, and functional recovery—knowledge she now applies to her work with children to better understand early development, muscle coordination, and the lifelong importance of pelvic health.