Ferns Nature-Based Social Club (ages 4-7)
When: Saturdays at 10:30am-12:00pm
Season Time Frame: September 26-October 24 *No club on October 17th.
Where: Meets at the THPRD Nature Center in Beaverton
Price: We have reduced our fees: Fall club is $597. $480.00 total. A $10 deposit is due at sign-up, and an invoice of 470 or payment plan of weekly installments will be added to your account. Consultation with group leaders outside of the club is included as well as any materials provided.
An occupational-Therapy Based social group with Pierce Bertschy, COTA
Expectations for The Real Work's Nature-Based Clubs & Seasonal Programs
Nature-based groups at The Real Work are structured, therapeutic programs designed to build safety, connection, regulation, and skill development over time. For this reason, enrollment in a group represents a commitment to the entire group season.
Group Commitment
By enrolling in a nature-based group, you are agreeing to participate in the full group experience. We know life happens and a few sessions per season will inevitably be missed due to illness or a vacation here or there, but we do ask for as much consistency as possible so that the group can thrive together.
Because group cohesion, therapeutic pacing, and staffing are planned in advance:
We do not offer refunds for Season-based groups
Missed group sessions are not eligible for make-ups or credits. The full fee accounts for so much more than just each session. Fees are not prorated due to absences
Payment Structure
Total Fee for 6-week season: 592.00
10.00 deposit
97.00 charged per week across 6 weeks.
Pierce Bertschy, COTA
your Social Group Leader
Pierce Bertschy (he/him) is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, who specializes in sensory modulation/processing, socio-emotional learning, and emotional regulation. He is a graduate of Green River College's OTA program. While in school, his fieldwork brought him to an outdoor therapy clinic on the West Sound of Washington, where he developed a passion for pediatrics and nature-based therapy. As an AuDHD individual who received OT services as a child himself, Pierce understands how providing a child-centered, neurodiversity-affirming practice can positively impact a child's holistic well-being. In his spare time, Pierce enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, cooking delicious meals, and spending time with his wife and five cats.
Dr. Diana Honorat, OTR/L, OTD
your Social Group Supervisor
Dr. Diana Honorat earned her post-professional clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University. She is currently a professor in the School of Occupational Therapy program at Pacific University. Her background is in pediatrics and community health, and she has worked in various settings over her tenure as an occupational therapist. She is also a yoga teacher (RYT 500) for children, adults, and postpartum women, and a Reiki Master.
Dr. Honorat is passionate about international OT, particularly in Haiti, program development geared around novel community-based practice that promotes occupational and social justice through health promotion and wellness, and perinatal support for marginalized communities, especially Black mothers. She has had extensive training in interpersonal neurobiology and aims to apply these concepts within areas of her work.
FAQ
Ferns Nature Club — FAQs
Is this therapy? No. However, Ferns is led by an occupational therapist with specific training in nature-based practice, and sessions are built around real OT goals, things like regulation, coordination, social connection, and confidence. It may feel like therapeutic work, done outside, in community.
Who leads Ferns? Ferns is led by an experienced occupational therapist. After you enroll, you'll receive your group leader's contact information.
When and where does Ferns meet? Ferns Nature club meets Saturdays at 10:30, in Beaverton at Tualatin Hills Nature Center.
Who's invited? Ferns is a small group of 3-5 kids, ages 4-7. Age range is flexible, since the focus is on each child's individual development and goals, so we're happy to talk through fit if your child is a little younger or older.
How do I sign up? Use the sign up link or start with a parent consultation email us to request a consultation at [email protected]. From there, we'll recommend the best-fit group for your child, and you'll complete enrollment for the upcoming season.
Will I receive updates from the group leader? Yes! You can expect updates on what happened during group, standout moments from your kiddo, and what to expect the following week. If there's ever a change to the schedule, you'll get an update ahead of time so you can prepare your child.
What if my kid needs a snack? Kids are encouraged to bring a snack in case they get hungry. Your child will never be told to ignore what their body needs.
Do I need to bring anything? A water bottle, weather-appropriate clothes they can move and get a little messy in, closed-toed shoes, and maybe a snack in case they get hungry. Nothing else is needed.
What if my child is nervous about joining a new group? That's completely normal, and totally okay. No child is ever forced into an activity or interaction they're not ready for. There are many meaningful ways to be part of the group beyond jumping right in.
What happens if my child misses a session? Life happens! Please just give your group leader a heads-up when possible so we can help your child catch up and feel prepared for the next session.
What age range is this for? 4-7 years old. That said, we're flexible, and understand there may be kiddos just outside that range who would really benefit from this group. If that sounds like your child, reach out and we're happy to chat and see if it would be a good fit.
How does payment work? The total fee for the Fall club $597. $480.00. A $10 deposit is due at sign-up, and an invoice of 470 or payment plan of weekly installments will be added to your account. Consultation with group leaders outside of the club is included as well as any materials provided.