Meet Dr. Lindsey Sandys, OTD, OTR/L, occupational and feeding therapist and owner of Koa Pediatric Therapy, a Scottsdale-based clinic specializing in early childhood development. Through a holistic, relationship-driven approach, Lindsey is redefining pediatric therapy by creating a supportive, collaborative environment where children and families can thrive.

Learn more & support at www.koapediatrictherapy.com

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1. Where is your business based?
We are located off the 101 and Raintree in Scottsdale.

2. What does your business do, and who do you serve?
Koa Pediatric Therapy is a private-pay pediatric occupational therapy clinic specializing in occupational therapy and feeding therapy for young children, primarily under the age of 8. We focus heavily on early intervention and take a different approach than traditional therapy clinics, creating a warm, inviting, and highly collaborative environment where children and families feel supported. Our model emphasizes connection, play, and partnership with caregivers to help each child thrive in their everyday routines.

3. When did you launch your business?
I launched Koa when my son was 3 months old! July of 2024.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

4. What’s the origin story of your business? What inspired you to start it, or what problem did you see that needed solving?
Koa Pediatric Therapy was born from my belief that healthcare should be holistic, human, and truly client-centered. I take a wellness-focused approach, looking at the whole child by integrating multiple areas of development, including motor development, sensory processing, oral motor foundations, emotional regulation, feeding skills, play, and daily routines. Rather than treating isolated skills, I focus on how these systems work together to support a child’s overall well-being.

The practice is built on meaningful relationships, clear communication, and trust. My goal is for both children and their caregivers to leave each session feeling empowered and informed, confident in their ability to carry what we worked on together into everyday life at home.

At Koa, therapy is intentionally designed to feel different from a traditional clinic. The space is warm, welcoming, and relaxed. It is thoughtfully curated to create a supportive, calming environment without the typical medical feel.

5. What are you most proud of in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I’m most proud that I took the leap to start Koa. I don’t think you ever truly feel “ready” until you just do it, and once you commit, there’s no turning back. As a working mom, I’m proud to be building a life that balances my own family while pursuing my dream. I’m also proud to be changing the way therapy is provided for children in Arizona and supporting other parents along the way. It is really so powerful to be helping families feel confident in their journey because I can relate.

6. What has surprised you most about being an entrepreneur?
What has surprised me most about being an entrepreneur is how supportive other business owners are. I’ve rarely felt any competitive energy from others in the area. In fact, Arizona has a unique spirit where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed and bring resources to the community, even those in the same field. I’ve learned that when you bring your authentic self to the table, the right people will find you. And if someone isn’t the right fit, you can confidently connect them with someone who is—knowing they would do the same for you.

7. What has been the most challenging part of running your business—and what has it taught you?
The most challenging part of running my business has been wanting to do everything myself. As someone deeply invested in every detail, it’s been hard to let go and trust others to carry part of the load. But this challenge has taught me the importance of delegation, collaboration, and building a strong team. I’ve learned that when I allow others to contribute, the business and the people we serve benefit even more, and I can focus on the vision and impact that really matters.

State Forty Eight Foundation & What’s Next

8. What have you gained—or what do you hope to gain—from being part of the State Forty Eight Foundation community?
Being part of the State Forty Eight Foundation community has given and continues to give an incredible sense of connection. As a solo entrepreneur, I deeply value how supportive past recipients and winners are, generously offering their time, guidance, and encouragement. I hope to continue building relationships within this community, learning from others, and contributing in return so that we can all grow and succeed together.

9. How are the grant funds supporting your business?
The grant funds are going toward supporting our growth and enhancing the services we provide. They allowed us to bring in new equipment for our new office space, which we had just moved into, directly benefiting the children we serve. The funds are also helping us expand the practice by providing resources to bring in new therapists, so we can reach more families and continue offering high-quality, holistic care.

10. Where do you hope to take your business next?
I hope to grow Koa into a true hub of support and connection for families in our community. As we continue to provide high-quality therapy, I want us to also be known as a guiding light for parents, offering resources, education, and a space where children feel seen, supported, and empowered. My vision is to create a community where families can lean on each other, celebrate progress, and feel confident in helping their children grow into amazing humans.

11. What does it mean to you to be an Arizona business owner?
Being an Arizona entrepreneur means leaving this community better than I found it. While I’m not from Arizona originally, my husband is, and he has instilled in me a passion and love for this multifaceted, beautiful state. Arizona is my home, which is why I’ve chosen to start a business here that can hopefully grow to provide jobs for dozens of people and impact thousands of Arizonans’ lives by the end of my career.

I’m a firm believer that the success of a community is directly correlated to the health and well-being of the individuals who make it up. Unfortunately, families with children dealing with any area of difficulty with development are often overlooked and poorly supported. Through the work that we’re doing at Koa Pediatric Therapy, we work directly with these families to help them grow and flourish, which ultimately leads to them being happier and healthier members of the community.

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