Meet Carmen Smith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmen Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Little Roots Occupational Therapy was a deeply personal decision for me. As an OT, I kept seeing gaps in early intervention, especially when it came to infant feeding and development. I wanted to create a space where families felt truly supported—where therapy wasn’t just about checking boxes but about taking a whole-body, nervous-system-focused approach that actually made a lasting difference. I knew I needed to step outside the traditional model—no waitlist or rushed appointments, no unnecessary barriers to care, just real, meaningful support that extended beyond therapy sessions.

A few key things drove me to take the leap. First, I wanted to provide care in the most natural setting possible—babies thrive in familiar environments, and I knew working in the home would allow for deeper, more organic progress. Second, I needed autonomy in my treatment approach. Every baby and child is different, and I wanted the freedom to tailor therapy to each child’s needs without being boxed in by insurance rules or productivity pressures. But just as important as the clinical work, I wanted to build a true sense of community. I love connecting with families and collaborating with other professionals, and I wanted Little Roots OT to be more than just a therapy service—it needed to be a network of support for early childhood development.

Education and advocacy have also been huge motivators for me. Parents deserve more than a weekly session—they deserve to understand the “why” behind their child’s needs and feel confident in supporting them every single day. And, of course, I needed work to align with my values. I wanted to provide high-quality care in a way that felt sustainable, not just for the families I serve but for myself too.

Starting my own practice was both thrilling and terrifying, but I knew in my gut it was the right move. Little Roots OT has given me the opportunity to do the work I believe in, on my own terms, while making a real difference in the lives of the children and families I work with. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Little Roots Occupational Therapy is all about helping babies and young kids build a strong foundation for feeding, breathing, and overall development in a way that feels natural, supportive, and empowering. I take a whole-body approach—looking beyond just the symptoms or behaviors to understand how movement, sensory processing, and oral-motor function all work together. I am currently bringing services right into the home, where kids feel safe, and development happens naturally.

At Little Roots OT, my goal is to help children feel as comfortable and confident in their brains and bodies as possible, so they can connect more deeply with themselves, their families, and the world around them. With a focus on early childhood feeding, development, and wellness, I see each child as a capable, loved, and social being. Therapy isn’t just about working on skills—it’s about nurturing growth, safety, and lifelong well-being in a way that feels empowering for both the child and their caregivers.

What makes my approach different? I blend my advanced training in infant neurodevelopment, sensory processing, and feeding therapy with a highly individualized, family-centered focus. I believe in:

– Whole-Body Therapy – Looking at the full picture, including posture, reflexes, sensory regulation, oral function, and breathing instead of just addressing isolated concerns.

– Unrushed, Personalized Care – Families get the time, attention, and education they need, without the pressure of insurance-driven models.

– Parent Empowerment – Equipping caregivers with the confidence and knowledge to support their child beyond our sessions.

– Collaboration – Working closely with other specialists to provide well-rounded care.

The most rewarding part of this work? Seeing babies and children become more resilient and make progress in ways that truly change their daily lives—whether it’s finally being able to latch and feed comfortably, finding calm in a world that once felt overwhelming, connecting more with peers and family, or moving with more ease and confidence. Watching parents grow more confident in understanding and supporting their child’s needs is just as powerful. I’m also excited to expand Little Roots OT by creating play-based baby-parent groups, giving families even more opportunities to learn, connect, and build community.

Starting my own practice wasn’t easy. I had to step way outside my comfort zone, figure out the business side of things, and push through a lot of imposter syndrome. Learning to trust your expertise takes time, but I got there by surrounding myself with supportive mentors, professionals, and families who believe in the same mission.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Trust the process – Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and is not always linear. Progress happens one step at a time.
2. Community is everything – Connecting with like-minded professionals and families has made all the difference.
3. Education is empowerment – The more parents understand, the bigger the impact for their child.
4. Stay true to your values – It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but real success comes from doing work that aligns with what truly matters to you.

At the heart of it all, I believe early intervention should be individualized, comprehensive, and deeply supportive—not just for the child, but for the whole family. Therapy isn’t about checking boxes or hitting milestones—it’s about creating a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.

I’m so grateful for the families who trust me to be part of their journey. Little Roots OT isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to shift the way we support babies and young children, making sure they get the best possible start in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, I’d want them to experience the best of Point Loma’s laid-back coastal vibe. We’d start the trip with a morning coffee at Portside Coffee & Gelato, sipping lattes while watching the boats in the marina. Then we’d take a stroll along Shelter Island, enjoying the harbor views and relaxing atmosphere.

Then we’d head out to explore Cabrillo National Monument, hike up to the lighthouse for some breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, Coronado, and the Pacific. At low tide, we’d head down to the tide pools. For lunch, we’d probably grab something at the Liberty Station Public Market and then head over to Sunset Cliffs to watch the sunset—it’s a classic San Diego experience. Other must-see spots would definitely include the Gliderport, Kate Sessions Park, and Seaport Village.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to Nat Udwin and Kelsey Baker for being incredible mentors and fostering a sense of community that truly resonates with me! I am also grateful for the amazing local providers I get to collaborate with—we are better together!

Website: https://www.littlerootsot.com

Instagram: @littlerootsot

Image Credits
kaylarochellephotography