Hi, I’m Carmen Smith, OTD, OTR/L, and I’m the founder of Little Roots OT.
Little Roots was born out of my deep personal and professional passion for supporting babies and their families in the earliest, most formative months of life. I believe that when babies feel safe and comfortable in their bodies and brains, they can begin to connect more deeply with the world around them—and that’s where the foundation for learning, regulation, and lifelong wellness begins.

I’m a pediatric occupational therapist with a specialty in infant development, feeding, and sensory-motor foundations. Since earning my Doctorate from Northern Arizona University in 2018, I’ve worked across outpatient clinics and in-home early intervention settings, primarily supporting infants and toddlers (ages 0–3). My approach blends a whole-body lens with nervous system-informed care, always considering how a child’s relationships, environment, and physical comfort shape their development.

I’ve completed advanced trainings in infant neurodevelopment, feeding therapy, polyvagal theory, sensory integration, and gentle, hands-on techniques like Craniosacral Therapy and Total Motion Release. These tools help me meet each baby where they are—whether they need support with feeding, movement, regulation, or connection—and guide families toward meaningful growth at their own pace.

While my work is rooted in supporting babies, I also love helping older children who may still be working through early sensory-motor challenges that impact their ability to thrive in daily life. Whether it’s attention, regulation, coordination, or emotional connection, my work with older kids often traces back to the foundations laid in infancy. It’s never too early—or too late—to build those roots.

My "Why"
My personal wellness journey, particularly around airway health and collaborative care, deeply shaped how I show up as a therapist. I know what it’s like to navigate confusing symptoms and crave someone who truly listens, helps me build my village of support, and looks at the whole picture. That’s the kind of support I strive to provide—helping families uncover root causes, create realistic and individualized plans, collaborate with our community, and move forward with confidence.

My mission is simple: to help babies feel good in their bodies, so they can grow, connect and learn. I’m so glad you’re here—and I’d be honored to support your family on this journey.