Pediatric Therapy Locations
in the Greater Des Moines, IA Area

New Location in Ames Open Now!
Ankeney Coming Soon!

Ankeny, IA

Our newest clinic is taking shape in Ankeny, opening January 2026! This location will bring the same heart and mission as our Urbandale site, with a multidisciplinary team providing speech, occupational, and feeding therapy for children from birth to adolescence.

The Ankeny clinic is designed to be bright, spacious, and inspiring — a place where play, sensory exploration, and meaningful learning come together. With a growing team of experienced therapists and a deep commitment to family collaboration, we can’t wait to support even more children as they rise toward their potential

Coming January 2026!

Services

Speech

Occupational

Feeding

Child happily clapping and inviting a call to contact Rise Pediatric Speech Therapy

Ready to get started?
Call 515-207-9655 for a
free phone consultation today!

START NOW

We’re growing… and we’re looking for an amazing SLP to join our team 💛
At Rise Pediatric Therapy, we believe therapy should feel like play, connection, and real-life impact- for both our clients and our clinicians. If you’re passionate about child-led, neurodiversity-affirming care and love collaborating with a supportive, fun team… we want to meet you.
✨ Full-time Speech-Language Pathologist
✨ Start date ideally in July
✨ Pediatric caseload (birth–adolescent)
✨ Collaborative team of SLPs and OTs
✨ Play-based, family-centered approach
✨ Strong mentorship + team support
We’ve built something really special here and we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us 💫
Know someone who would be a great fit? Send them our way or apply today!
📩 DM us or email to learn more

Balance activities do more than keep kids upright! 🏃‍♂️✨

They also build core strength, coordination, body awareness, and attention—all key for play, learning, and everyday skills.

In pediatric OT, we turn balance practice into fun games so kids grow stronger while they play. 💪🎉

Join our Parent Support Group!💛

Rise is hosting a Parent Support Group for families of children with developmental delays. Join us to connect, ask questions, and share experiences with other parents who understand the day-to-day challenges. All are welcome!

📍Rise Pediatric Therapy
📆 Tuesday, April 7th
⏰5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📲Text or email us to register!

✨ Meet Our Ankeny Therapists! ✨

You might already see them around, but we wanted to formally introduce the incredible therapists who make a difference every day at our Ankeny location. 💛

Swipe through to learn more about each therapist, their specialties, and what drives their passion for helping kids and families thrive!

#RisePediatricTherapy #MeetOurTeam #PediatricTherapy #AnkenyTherapists #HelpingKidsThrive

Therapy that looks like play! 🎨🍎

Our feeding therapy sessions often include fun, hands on activities like decorating pictures with food to help kids explore textures, interact with new foods, and build confidence around eating!
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#feedingtherapy #PlayBasedTherapy #SensoryPlay #FoodExploration #CreativeTherapy

Welcome Megan!🌟

Megan is an Occupational Therapist who earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Drake University. She graduated in May 2024 and has experience with pediatrics and older adults. She is passionate about working with children of all ages to support their independence in various activities of life whether that be at school, home, or in the community.

In her spare time Megan enjoys trying different restaurants in the DSM area, spending time in the sun, and hanging out with her friends and family.

Please join us in welcoming her to the team!💛

Talk it out. Model it often. 💛
Little ones learn language by hearing it again and again during everyday moments.

Try modeling simple words like:
Open
More
All done
Stop
Go
Help
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#speechtherapy #playbasedspeech #neuroaffirming #languagelearning #communicationskills

Spring break is here… but Rise is still in session! 🌸✨

While school may be on pause, our clinics are OPEN all week with regular hours (Mon–Thurs 8–5:30).

If your family is staying in town, spring break can actually be the perfect time for:
🌼 Therapy sessions without the school rush
🌼 Scheduling an evaluation
🌼 Catching up on missed appointments
🌼 Extra support while routines are different

We’re here all week supporting your family 💙

📅 March 16–19
⏰ Regular hours

Enjoy the slower week, and we’ll see you at Rise!

"🎉✨ Happy Birthday Brooke! ✨🎉

Wishing you a day full of laughter, love, and all the joy you bring to everyone around you. Cheers to another year of adventures and memories!

We love hearing from our families 💛 Big thanks to Mandi for making a difference for our kiddos every day!
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#RisePediatricTherapy #speechtherapy #feedingtherapy #neuroaffirming

Make sensory play a hit! 🍫

Use your kiddo’s favorite characters and interests to boost language during sensory play! Toys get messy in chocolate mud, kiddos wash them up, and you get the perfect chance to model language on their AAC device!
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#sensoryplay #SpeechTherapy #aacskills #LearnThroughPlay #therapyisfun

❄️Our Winter Clothing Drive Was a Huge Success!❄️

Our Winter Clothing Drive was a huge success thanks to YOU! Every piece of clothing made a big impact on our community. All donations went to Families Forward at Bidwell Pantry!💛

Thank you for helping our community stay warm!
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#RisePediatricTherapy #winterclothingdrive #communitysupport #gratefulandblessed

No Waitlist! ✨

Welcome to our Rise Pediatric Therapy – Ankeny Clinic! 🎈

We are excited to serve families in the Ankeny community. Our team provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, and feeding therapy for children from birth through childhood, using a neurodiversity-affirming and play-based approach.

At Rise, we believe every child deserves individualized support that meets them where they are and helps them grow with confidence.

✨ Now accepting new clients
✨ No waitlist
✨ Speech • OT • Feeding Therapy

If you’ve been waiting to get your child the support they need, now is the perfect time to reach out.

📍 Ankeny, Iowa
📞 515-495-5256

#AnkenyIowa #PediatricTherapy #SpeechTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #FeedingTherapy

Too fast? Too slow? 🍼 Knowing your baby’s bottle flow is key! Our speech therapist, Mandi, shares the signs to watch for so feeding is safe and stress-free. 💛

Friendly reminder that our Parent Support Group is this Wednesday! We hope to see you there 🤍

Email us at office@risepediatricspeechtherapy.com OR text us at (515)-207-9655 to register!
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#risepediatrictherapies

Happy birthday to our amazing owner, Rachel! 🎉🤍

We are so grateful for everything you do for our community, our kiddos, and our team. Rise would not be what it is today without you. Your vision, heart, and dedication are the foundation of everything we do, and we are so lucky to celebrate you today! ✨

Lately, I’ve had more conversations with families who have been told their child is “too much.”

Too aggressive.
Not ready.
Won’t participate.
Lack of progress.

And every time, it stays with me.

Yesterday I was filling in at one of our clinics, and on my way home my sister sent me a screenshot from a local Facebook group. A parent sharing gratitude for finally finding therapists who make the hard things feel a little easier.

Instant tears.

Because this is exactly why Rise exists.

At Rise, children don’t have to earn support. They don’t have to prove readiness. They don’t have to behave perfectly to deserve care.

We meet families where they are — regardless of skills they have or don’t have, behaviors they’re navigating, diagnoses they carry, or how many places they’ve previously been told “this isn’t the right fit.”

Winter can be heavy.
The days feel long. Sunshine feels far away.
Kids get sick. Attendance dips. Progress can feel slower.
Insurance requires more advocating. More documentation. More phone calls.

It takes more effort behind the scenes than most people ever see.

But through it all - we are here.

Advocating. Adjusting. Believing.
Celebrating the small wins.
Holding space on the hard days.

To the families who have felt turned away before -
You are not alone here.

This is why we do what we do. 🤍

- Rachel

🎲🗣️ Ways to Practice Speech Sounds Through Play! 🗣️🎲

Using a child’s favorite activities is a great way to work on speech sounds without it feeling like “work.” Here are some fun ideas:

- Create visual scenes around trains (or other preferred toys) and talk about their adventures.

- Hide target sounds or words around the room during a game like “Floor is Lava.”

- Hide pictures in sensory bins for kids to find and name.

These activities are motivating, engaging, and help children produce speech naturally — making it easier to use their sounds in everyday life! 🌟
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#risepediatrictherapy #SpeechTherapyTips #playbasedspeech #neuroaffirming #LanguageDevelopment

🤝💛 Join Our Parent Support Group! 💛🤝

Being a parent is a journey full of joys and challenges, one you do not have to do alone. Our Parent Support Group is a safe space to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement from other families who understand.

More information below 👇
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#ParentSupport #CommunityMatters #FamilyFirst #RisePediatricTherapies #neuroaffirming

This month, we honor and celebrate the history, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black leaders, innovators, families, and communities. We are grateful for the impact they have made and continue to make every day!

At Rise, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where every child and family feels seen, valued, and celebrated.❤️
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#BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateDiversity #InclusionMatters #Community #RisePediatricTherapies

Core strength = better posture, coordination, and confidence! Using the scooter board makes strengthening fun, motivating, and meaningful for our little movers.💪🏼
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#corestrengthening #occupationaltherapy #TherapyIsFun #PediatricTherapy #LittleMovers

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, we are celebrating new beginnings and wishing our families and community a year of health, growth, and happiness.✨

We are so grateful to support such wonderful kiddos and families. Thank you for being part of our community!🧧🏮

Little hearts 💕 + big smiles 😄 = all the happy vibes!
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#RisePediatricTherapy #LittleHeartsBigSmiles #CreativeKids #CraftingJoy #valentinesday

💗Sensory play that builds OT skills💗

Pinching hearts from a pink rice bin helps strengthen little fingers and fine motor control! ✨

Love is in the air 💕💋

This Valentine’s Day, we’re practicing our V sound with fun, functional, feel-good words your kids already love!

Try saying together:
💖 valentine
💖 very
💖 love
💖 give
💖 favorite
💖 have

Tip for parents: gently cue “teeth on lip, voice on” and keep it playful—no pressure, just connection 🫶

#SpeechTherapy #ValentinesDaySpeech #VSound #ArticulationTherapy #PlayBasedSpeech #SLP #SpeechTherapyIdeas

At Rise, we often talk about what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in therapy—especially during play. 💛

For gestalt language processors, effective therapy is child-led. That means honoring how they choose to engage, explore, and communicate. Understanding what child-led play is (and isn’t) key.

Play is:
• self-directed
• freely chosen
• intrinsically motivating—not done for a reward or outcome

Play is not:
• adult-directed
• driven by rules or expectations
• limited to neurotypical standards or norms

When we follow the child’s lead, we create space for authentic connection, communication, and growth. 🌱

Feeding Therapy Is Better With Friends! 🍽👫

We had the opportunity to bring a few kiddos together for a group feeding session! It gave them the chance to practice, explore, and build confidence together—sometimes trying new things is easier with a friend nearby. 💛
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#RisePediatricTherapy #pediatrictherapy #feedingtherapy #groupactivity #funwithfriends❤️

We’re thrilled to introduce NeuroBloom- an expansion of services at Rise Pediatric Therapy designed to support children through a brain-based, nervous-system-first approach.👏

We added NeuroBloom to complement the services we already provide at Rise. Supporting the brain and nervous system can make a meaningful difference in how children respond to therapy, transitions, and daily demands. NeuroBloom offers families another supportive pathway - working alongside traditional therapies to promote long-term growth.

NeuroBloom, led by Dr. Tanner Hemer, D.C., is a brain-based neurodevelopmental program designed to support children with challenges in attention, hyperactivity, emotional regulation, sensory processing, learning, and behavior - especially when families feel stuck or unsure of the next step.

Using a nervous-system-first approach, NeuroBloom blends tools such as photobiomodulation (laser therapy), sensory and reflex integration, visual systems, and vestibular support to help build regulation from the inside out - so focus, learning, and emotional resilience can grow more naturally. 💜

✨ A calm, individualized path forward - rooted in understanding your child’s brain, honoring where they are, and supporting meaningful growth without pressure.
📅 Now booking limited spots beginning in March.
👉 Comment NEURO to get the link for a discovery call with Dr. Tanner! He will talk through your child’s needs and explore whether NeuroBloom may be the right fit for your family.

🌟Parent Support Group is this Wednesday at 5:30! 🌟

Join us for a welcoming space to connect, share, and support one another. Please text or email to register—limited childcare available. We hope to see you there!💗
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#RisePediatricTherapy #NeurodiversityAffirming #parentsupport #pediatrictherapy #familysupportingfamily

🎉 Happy Birthday to our amazing OT, Emerson! 🎂 We’re so grateful for your kindness, creativity, and the joy you bring to our kids and team every day. We hope your day is as wonderful as you are!

Curious what is happening next at Rise⁉ Comment "GROW" below and stay tuned!💜

Dive into the ins and outs of pediatric feeding with Ms. Mandi, our speech and feeding therapist in Ames - sharing what’s shaping feeding therapy in 2026 and what we’re leaving behind.🍎🍉🥕

Double the celebration for our Lead OT, Lily! 🎉

Happy Birthday and congratulations on 2 years at Rise, Lily! We are so grateful for your leadership, your positive energy, and the infectious laugh you bring to our team every day! 💜

On the menu for feeding therapy this week: Pizza! 🍕

From building their own pizzas, trying new flavors, and practicing important skills—these little chefs had a blast!👨‍🍳🍕
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#RisePediatricTherapy #feedingtherapy #FoodExploration #funwithfood #SkillBuilding #pizzatime

✨ Openings available in Ankeny & Ames ✨
Our speech, occupational, and feeding therapists are currently accepting new clients.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get started, this is it 🤍
📍 Ankeny & Ames
🗣 Speech Therapy
🧠 Occupational Therapy (not available in Ames yet!)
🥄 Feeding Therapy
#RisePediatricTherapy #AnkenyIA #AmesIA #SpeechTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #FeedingTherapy #PediatricTherapy

Last week’s theme was Arctic Animals ❄️🐧

Our kiddos explored chilly habitats by painting icebergs and coloring their favorite Arctic animals—building creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative play along the way. Just in time for the colder days ahead! ❄️🖌️
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#RisePediatricTherapy #speechtherapy #OccupationalTherapy #weeklytheme #FineMotorFun

Ames families — we have limited speech therapy openings! 💬💛
If you’ve been wondering whether your child could benefit from support with speech, language, or feeding, now is a great time to reach out.
📞 Spots fill quickly! call or text 515 575-2850 to get scheduled!

We’re excited to host another Parent Support Group! 💬✨

Join us for a supportive, welcoming space to connect with other families, share experiences, and gain encouragement along the way. We hope to see you there!
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#RisePediatricTherapy #NeurodiversityAffirming #ParentSupport #feedingtherapy #occupationaltherapy #speechtherapy

✂️ Tip from OTs: Thumb up!

A smiley face on the thumbnail gives kids a visual reminder for proper scissor grip—making cutting easier, more fun, and more successful! 😊
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#RisePediatricTherapy #NeurodiversityAffirming #occupationaltherapy
#scissorskills

Looking for therapy services?
We have immediate openings in Ankeny and Ames and just a short waitlist in Urbandale.
Speech, occupational, and feeding therapy in a supportive, play-based environment 🤍
📞 Call 515-207-9655
#RisePediatricTherapy #CentralIowa #FeedingTherapy #NeurodiversityAffirming

Happy Birthday to Ms. Kaitlyn and Ms. Bailey! 🎉

We appreciate all the passion and care you bring to our team and families. Wishing you both a great year ahead! 💜

A Season of Celebration at Rise 🎄✨

We enjoyed spending time together at our Rise Christmas party, taking a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and recognize the team that makes it all possible. It was a great evening filled with good conversation, games, and appreciation for how much we’ve grown together. We’re thankful for our incredible team and looking forward to what’s ahead in the new year.💜
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#RisePediatricTherapy #neuroaffirming #gratefulteam #CelebrateTogether #holidayparty

🌟Shoutout to our amazing Operations Manager, Nicole, for all that she does! We truly couldn’t do this without her—thank you for everything you bring to our team!🌟
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#RisePediatricTherapy #neuroaffirming #TeamSpotlight #StaffAppreciationPost

❄️ Last Call for Our Winter Clothing Drive! ❄️

This is the final reminder to bring in any winter clothing donations. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed—your generosity truly makes a difference! 💜

Although the official deadline has passed, we are making one final collection. Please refer to the flyer for all remaining details.

We appreciate your continued support in helping keep our community warm this winter! 🧤🧥
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#risepediatrictherapy #neuroaffirming #clothingdrive #givingback #supportourcommunity

💙 January Parent Support Group 💙

Join Rise Pediatric Therapy for our next parent support group for families of children with developmental delays. Connect, share, and build community in a welcoming space.

📅 Wednesday, January 7th
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 3100 100th St, Urbandale, IA

Register by emailing or texting us:
office@risepediatricspeechtherapy.com
515-207-9655

Limited childcare available

Just a quick reminder about our hours this week! 🥳

Rise will be closed Wednesday (12/31) & Thursday (1/1) as we celebrate the New Year ✨

Sessions will resume Monday, January 5 — we can’t wait to see everyone then!

This is why we do what we do.
Shout-out to Ms. Mandi at our Ames location for creating meaningful, supportive therapy experiences for families 💛
#RisePediatricTherapy #AmesIA #PediatricTherapy #FamilyCenteredCare #Neuroaffirming #SLP #FeedingTherapy

Our kiddos brought the holiday spirit this week! 🎅🎄

From festive outfits to hands-on holiday crafts, we had so much fun creating, learning, and celebrating together!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Rise! 🎄

Just a quick reminder about our schedule this week:
❄️ We will be closed this Wednesday and Thursday
❄️ Sessions will resume next Monday and Tuesday

Thank you for being part of our Rise family — we can’t wait to see everyone soon! 🎁✨

Secret Santa outing = success! 🎅🎁

Lots of laughs, great gifts, and even better company. Feeling so thankful for this amazing team and the fun we get to share—inside and outside the clinic! ✨❤️

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​Pediatric Therapy Locations in the Greater Des Moines, IA Area

New Location in Ames Open Now! Ankeney Coming Soon!