Flourishing Lives Opens New Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Rochester A community-centered expansion built on forty years of relationship-based care
Flourishing Lives Opens New Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Rochester
A community-centered expansion built on forty years of relationship-based care
Flourishing Lives, a pediatric occupational and speech therapy clinic known for its relationship-based and neurodiversity affirming care, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location in Rochester. This expansion reflects the clinic’s continued commitment to supporting children and families with thoughtful, evidence-driven services in a warm and family-first environment.
A Legacy That Began in 1982
Flourishing Lives began as Sensory Systems Clinic, founded in 1982 by occupational therapist Sandra Glovak. Sandy created a space where children received attentive, individualized care shaped by deep respect for each child’s strengths. Her focus on training, research, and evidence-based practice helped thousands of families across the region.
A Parent Who Became a Leader
In 2012, Gwen Claussen first came to the clinic seeking support for her young son, Gage. The change she witnessed in his progress reshaped her life and eventually led her to join the clinic in 2014 to support administration and operations. Her guidance allowed Sandy to focus on clinical mentorship while Gwen strengthened the business and expanded family-centered programming.
When Sandy retired, she entrusted Gwen with carrying the mission forward. Gwen rebranded the clinic as Flourishing Lives in 2020 to honor the clinic’s roots while expanding its reach and philosophy. Under Gwen’s leadership, the clinic has evolved into a relationship-based, trauma-informed, and child-led center that partners closely with families. Services have grown to include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and parent support programs. Family participation remains a central part of the model, helping caregivers build confidence and skills that carry into daily life.
A New Chapter in Rochester
The opening of the Rochester clinic reflects ongoing growth in both services and community partnerships. Flourishing Lives has increased its educational workshops, broadened its collaborative network, and strengthened its neurodiversity affirming approach. These expansions support a deeper mission: every child has potential, and every family deserves care that feels personal and supportive.
This new location carries a special piece of the clinic’s history. Gage, the child whose journey first brought Gwen into this field, helped build the Rochester clinic. His involvement symbolizes a full circle moment for the Claussen family and highlights the heart of Flourishing Lives, where growth happens across generations.
“We are honored to join the Rochester community,” said Gwen Claussen, owner and CEO of Flourishing Lives. “Our goal is to create a place where children feel safe, families feel supported, and progress feels real in everyday life. Opening this location with Gage involved in the building process has been meaningful for our team and for my family.”
About Flourishing Lives
Flourishing Lives provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, parent coaching, and family-centered workshops. The clinic specializes in supporting children with sensory processing challenges, autism, ADHD, trauma histories, feeding difficulties, anxiety, and developmental delays. Care is grounded in relationship, guided by evidence, and supported through child-led play. Families are invited into each session to learn alongside their child and carry skills into daily routines.
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