TheraPlay owner passionate about improving children’s lives

Kris Dickinson started her pediatric occupational therapy and physical therapy practice four years ago as its primary therapist and seeing about 10 children a week.

Today, Dickinson’s TheraPlay Spot employs 12 people, including six OTs and three PTs and provides therapy to about 100 children a week.

The practice provides therapy for children who have issues such as motor skill delays, muscle or hand-eye coordination problems or those who need help with sensory processing skills because of conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The practice sees children ranging in age from infants to teens, she said, and provides therapy in the office and off-site, including at patients’ homes.

“I really believe in what we’re doing, and I’m very passionate about not only improving the lives of children, but their families,” Dickinson said.

Dickinson has 23 years experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, first working for an out-of-state school district and later starting her own private practice, before moving from Florida to Wichita.

She started TheraPlay after buying a solo practitioner’s occupational therapy business in Wichita in 2012.

Last year, she moved TheraPlay from its 1,800-square-foot space at 914 S. Hillside to a larger building that she and her husband bought at 560 N. Exposition.

The 11,000-square-foot building has become a second business for the Dickinsons, which they call Office Spots. That business focuses on leasing the available office space in the building, which Dickinson said she hopes to fill with businesses related to health care.

Best business advice you have received: A turning point was when I had to make a choice: To work in my business or on my business. … I can help 100 children a week by being an owner rather than working with 10 children a week.

Best business advice you have given: This was from my mother: Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work.

What sets your company apart? We’re the only company in Wichita that does both pediatric OT and PT, both in the clinic and in the community (homes and private schools). But what really sets us apart is our focus … on sensory issues (autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

What have you learned about your company by going through this process? I’ve learned that my staff have some really good ideas by coming together and working on the (Small Business Awards) application together.

Why do you prefer to run your own business as opposed to working for someone else? I can make a bigger difference with families with an emphasis on quality care, and not productivity. I pass that on to my employees, as well.

How has your business changed in the digital age? We were doing handwritten documentation until August (2015). That was a big learning curve.

What’s your company’s next goal? The next goal is to lease out these offices to compatible businesses. The in-house referral potential is significant.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 7:13 AM with the headline "TheraPlay owner passionate about improving children’s lives."