About Thrive OT
Real support. Real connection. Real change.
Meet Cristina
About Cristina
OTR/L — Occupational therapist and founder of Thrive OT
It all started with my grandmother. She was vibrant, sharp, and deeply connected to her life. As her dementia progressed, she received excellent medical care — but her world became smaller.
She was medically stable and socially invisible at the same time.
No one was focused on her quality of life — on what she loved, who she was, or how to keep her connected to it.
That gap stayed with me — and eventually became the reason I started Thrive OT.
Later, working across hospital, ICU, outpatient, and community settings, I saw the same pattern again and again. People who were medically fine — but completely disconnected from their lives. Not lacking effort. Lacking support that was hands-on, practical, and rooted in real life.
Some needed structure. Some needed reconnection. Many needed both.
I created Thrive OT because that support didn't exist — and it should. It’s a service I would want for myself and the kind I wish had existed for my grandmother.
A little more about me
Outside of sessions, you'll likely find me outside — hiking, paddleboarding, or chasing sunlight. I've recently fallen into fiber arts and am fully embracing being a beginner. I'm constantly experimenting in the kitchen and always on the hunt for gluten-free and dairy-free recipe recommendations. I'm also an avid traveler — so if you want to swap destination ideas, I'm in.
Meet Mango
About Mango
Certified therapy dog. Employee Morale Specialist.
Mango began his career as a therapy puppy during the pandemic, providing critical support to frontline healthcare workers. He eventually earned his own badge as a hospital 'Employee Morale Specialist.' A seasoned volunteer, Mango has served at three different hospitals and acted as a mental health ambassador for students at Dartmouth College. He currently spends one day a week at Pen Bay Medical Center, offering companionship to patients and staff alike.
When off the clock, Mango is a professional auditor of local pet store biscuit selections. While he is a true aquatic enthusiast—famous for a belly flop that clears a five-foot splash zone—he remains a staunch vegetable critic, promptly spitting out any vegetable that enters his mouth. His signature move isn’t a 'shake,' but a polite paw-reach, a gentle request for a chest rub.
Whether in a hospital corridor or a therapy session, Mango’s non-judgmental nature provides a powerful reminder of the joy found in connection.
Lowers resistance
Increases engagement
Creates comfort and connection
Opens doors that feel closed
OT Is about Living
What is Occupational Therapy?
When most people hear “occupational therapy,” they think of:
​
-
Recovering from an injury
-
Improving mobility
-
Doing exercises
-
Learning how to safely complete daily tasks like dressing or bathing
And they’re not wrong.
​
That is one part of occupational therapy.
At its core, occupational therapy is about helping people participate in the activities that make up daily life.
The word “occupation” doesn’t mean a job.
​
It means anything that fills your time and gives your life structure or meaning.
​
OT is not just about functioning.
It’s about living.
Thrive OT is a wellness based occupational therapy practice.
Grounded in evidence-based research and client-centered care.
We apply the occupational therapy framework to the full spectrum of human health.
We focus on:
Health promotion strategies
Sustainable daily routines
Behavioral health principles
Meaningful engagement and participation
We are for people who may not have a clinical need, but absolutely have a human one.
​
This means addressing what often falls through the cracks of the medical system.