Meet Jontue Koff, OTR/L | Founder and Clinical Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jontue Koff, OTR/L and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jontue, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is a lifestyle that we are always striving to correct and perfect. About 10 years ago when I was working full time for a school district, I would dream of having this perfect work life balance that would allow me to feel successful but not too overwhelmed within all the quadrants of my life – work, family, friends, and self. I would wake up at 4:30am, exercise, make breakfast for my kids and pack their healthy “mom approved” lunches, check a few emails, walk the dog, get ready for work, and do carpool all before 8:00am. During my 20 minute commute in the car, I would call a friend or family member to catch up, and by 8:30am, I was sitting at my desk, checking more emails, prepping for therapy sessions, and reviewing my schedule for the day. By 1pm each day, I had conducted anywhere from 6-8 thirty minute therapy sessions. When I left the school district to start At Play Occupational Therapy Inc, I was working less days per week but I was putting in 10-12 hours per day of therapy and administrative work. I was staying up working late at night to treatment plan, answer client emails, and figure out ways to grow the practice. My quadrants shifted to work, work, work, family. So I started to think about balancing out my day not my life. By taking it day by day, I was able to find some balance and my quadrants started to shift again allowing me to feel less stressed, just as productive, and creative.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

At Play Occupational Therapy Services was established in 2013 when I was working full time as a school-based occupational therapist. I always dreamed of having my own practice. I absolutely love working as a pediatric OT but I also came from a business background. Prior to exploring graduate programs, I worked in advertising and marketing. I loved the idea of combining my experience in business with my true passion of being an occupational therapist with kids.

Starting a practice meant leaving a very stable job with paid vacation and lots of benefits. It was definitely a risk stepping away from a county job but it was a risk worth taking. I enjoyed all of my school colleagues but the actual work was no longer fulfilling. Every week it seemed as if I was sitting in one meeting after another and for those who know me, know that I am not one to sit all day long.

At Play OT Inc is a full service occupational therapy practice and over the past two years it has grown substantially. I recently met with another private practice owner and we both expressed how difficult it is to turn families away or tell them to join our waitlist.  While the growth has been amazing, I still very much want At Play OT Inc to feel like home to the parents and children who frequent our waiting room. I oftentimes refer to the practice as a “mom and pop shop” for therapy where we are in constant contact with our families, celebrating the child’s grows and glows. If you call At Play, I answer the phone. If you email or text me, I am on the other end. I take great pride in providing a child with excellent therapy but also understanding the whole picture. As an OT student at Columbia University, our faculty would constantly stress the importance of treating the whole child and that is our approach with every single client. As a therapist, I cannot begin to understand the whole child without diving in and truly working and supporting the family.

Over this past year, I brought in another occupational therapist who is fabulous! We are truly a collaborative and creative team together and our priority is to provide excellent care to each family. As the clinical director and owner I continue to conduct all private assessments and make it an absolute priority to participate in team meetings for every single At Play OT client!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Monday- Rent e-bikes from San Diego E-bike in Solana Beach and head up the coast to Oceanside. Have lunch at Board and Brew Oceanside. Head back down south and stop in Encinitas a Cali Creamery and have a dairy-free cold treat!

Tuesday- Hike Annie’s Canyon Trail and then have a bite at Claires on Cedros. Then, walk around Cedros Avenue and do some shopping and maybe stop in for a facial at Alexis K! Then grab a yummy iced-tea at Barefoot Coffee.

Wednesday- Spend the day at the Cardiff Beach and get a to-go lunch from Sindi’s Snack Shack. Grab an early dinner at Rare Society in Solana Beach and catch a show at the Belly Up!

Thursday- Rent kayaks at La Jolla Cove and take a tour of the caves! Grab lunch at Carolines in La Jolla.

Friday- Do an early hike Potato Chip Rock in Poway, have a massage at Rancho Valencia and enjoy the spa, then have dinner at The Pony Room during sunset and watch the beautiful hot air balloon float by!

Saturday- Head downtown and do the Seven Bridges Urban Hike, check out Little Italy for a casual dinner.

Sunday- Grab a yummy donut from VG Donut and head to UTC Shopping Center for some shopping and Asian dinner on Convoy Street!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My two girls who are incredibly patient and understanding about my work schedule, and have even taken the time on a Saturday or Sunday to help me organize the office. And of course, my husband Gabriel Koff who has supported my vision from the start.

Website: www.atplayot.com

Instagram: atplayotinc

Facebook: At Play Occupational Therapy