Annie Close, MSOT, OTR/L
Annie Close, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and the founder of OWN Pediatric Therapy.
She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and her Bachelor of Science from Whitman College. Annie began her career working in pediatric hospitals and outpatient clinics, where she quickly recognized how limited the resources were for children struggling with bowel and bladder challenges. This gap in care sparked her passion for pediatric pelvic health and led her to specialize in this often-overlooked area of pediatric therapy.
As both a therapist and a mom of three young children, Annie deeply understands the stress and uncertainty these challenges can bring to families. One of her own children has experienced constipation since birth, and navigating his healing and potty training journey firsthand has shaped her approach to care—rooted in empathy, patience, and a whole-child perspective.
Annie’s true passion lies in helping families understand the why behind their child’s symptoms and guiding them toward sustainable habits that support lifelong pelvic health. She believes in collaborative, play-based therapy that empowers children to feel confident, capable, and connected to their bodies.
Outside of the clinic, Annie is a mom to two energetic boys and one sweet little girl, an avid runner, and a lover of good chocolate. She feels honored to support children and families as they learn to trust their bodies and move beyond bowel and bladder challenges—so they can focus on being kids again.
Contact: annie@ownpediatrictherapy.com
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 is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM), trained through the International Association of Infant Massage. This specialized certification equips her to teach parents and caregivers gentle, nurturing touch techniques that promote bonding, relaxation, and healthy development in infants. Through guided instruction, families learn how to use massage to support digestion, relieve gas and colic, improve sleep, and foster emotional connection—laying the foundation for lifelong positive body awareness and regulation.
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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.