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What Makes FUNdamentals Different

We know there are many places for children to play—but FUNdamentals was created to be something more.

Intentional, Not Incidental

Play isn’t just something that happens here—it’s thoughtfully designed to support real growth.

 

Skills That Matter

We focus on confidence, communication, emotional regulation, and social development—  the skills children use every day.

 

Expertise You Can Trust

Our team brings professional experience in child development, ensuring every interaction has purpose.

 

Support Beyond the Visit

We don’t just support children—we support families with tools, insight, and understanding.

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MISSION

To support children’s growth through purposeful, play-based experiences that build confidence, connection, and real-life skills.

VISION

To create a welcoming, inclusive space where every child feels supported, understood, and empowered to grow.

OUR APPROACH

Play-Based Learning

Why Play Matters

  • Builds confidence

  • Supports communication

  • Strengthens social skills

  • Develops problem-solving

 

At FUNdamentals, we use guided, intentional play to help children build the skills they need for everyday life.

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For Every Child

FUNdamentals is designed for all children—not just those needing extra support. Every child benefits from opportunities to build confidence, social skills, and independence through play.

Meet the Experts Behind FUNdamentals


Our team combines professional expertise with real-life experience as parents—
bringing both knowledge and compassion to every child and family we support.

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Kelly headshot

Paula Kelly, M.ED.

Kelly McDonald, MS, OTR/L

Founder & Owner

Special Educator

Mother

Founder & Owner

Occupational Therapist

Mother

Paula is a special educator with over 18 years of experience working with children across a range of learning styles and needs. Her background includes roles as a classroom teacher, learning specialist, and educational leader.

 

She has extensive experience supporting children with complex learning profiles, autism, and other developmental challenges, with a strong focus on social-emotional learning and relationship-based approaches.

 

As both a professional and a parent, Paula is passionate about creating engaging, collaborative experiences that help children—and families—build confidence and success.

Kelly is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children with autism, sensory processing differences, and complex learning needs. Her background includes working with children and families across educational and therapeutic settings, as well as supporting program development and mentoring professionals

 

She specializes in sensory integration, self-regulation, executive functioning, and social-emotional development, using evidence-based approaches to help children build real-life skills.

 

As both a professional and a parent, Kelly is passionate about helping every child feel confident, connected, and capable.

Our Expertise

Our team brings advanced training and expertise in the areas that matter most for your child’s growth.

Social Thinking® 

Social communication & real life skills 

Speech & Language

Communication & connection

Executive Functioning

Focus, flexibility & self-control

Emotional Regulation

Managing big feelings with confidence

Sensory Processing

Understanding sensory needs

Trauma-Informed Care

Supportive, responsive approach

FUNdamentals in the Spotlight 

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