Ferns Nature-Based Social Club (ages 4-7)
Supports: early regulation, play skills, and confidence-building
Fern Explorers (ages 4–7)
A gentle starting point for younger kids. Thursdays in Beaverton, 3:30–5:00. Focused on early regulation, play skills, and building confidence in a small, steady group.
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
Where do sessions take place?
All sessions take place outdoors in Portland-area parks and natural spaces. We’ll provide specific locations and parking details after registration.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We run sessions in most weather (rain is part of nature play!). If conditions are unsafe—such as high winds, poor air quality, or lightning—we’ll notify you via Spruce with cancellation or rescheduling info.
How long is each group or session?
Each group lasts 60–90 minutes.
What’s the difference between therapy groups and social groups?
Though this groups are not therapy, they may feel therapeutic--sessions are designed by therapists and focus on movement and relationship connection in a more playful, flexible format taking into account your child's individual differences and reviewing their therapeutic goals should they have them from another provider.
What should my child bring to group?
We’ll send a full packing list after registration, but basics include weather-appropriate clothing, water, a snack, and any necessary medications or medical info.