
LLA Spotlight: Natalie Duvnjak
We have amazing therapists at LLA and want to showcase them to you! This week, meet Natalie Duvnjak!
Natalie is an Occupational Therapist who has been with LLA for a little over a year. She serves students at the Education Alternatives in Painesville and Willoughby Hills. She became a therapist because she loves being of service to others and seeing people thrive as the best versions of themselves. One of her favorite things about being a therapist is being able to provide kids with the right tools/resources/guidance, tailored to their needs, in order to help them succeed. Plus, she believes it is an honor to play an active role in their academic journey along with the rest of the team!
Let’s get to know Natalie better!
Would you rather have pizza or tacos?
Pizza!
Would you rather have super strength or the ability to fly?
Ability to fly
What is your therapy passion?
Tapping into potential
What is your favorite color?
Yellow
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am a black belt in kenpo karate
What is your favorite book?
Conscious Discipline by Rebecca bailey, Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson, The Self Aware Parent by Fran Walfish, The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
What do you like to do in your free time?
Play with my boys (ages 4 and 8 months), exercise, listen to podcasts and audiobooks
What is your best advice for parents who are embarking on a journey with therapy with their kiddo?
Be patient. Ask questions. Find connection in community. Be gentle on yourself. Ask for help. You and your child will be learning new things and sometimes, changes come with a bit of difficulty at first, stick with it though, that’s how we grow/expand, when we are challenged.
What is the funniest thing a kid has ever said to you in therapy?
“You’re 33?! I didn’t know you were OLD!”
What is your best advice for kids?
Stay curious. Never lose your sense of wonder.
Tune in to our next Spotlight to meet another one of our wonderful therapists!