At Groundplay, we’re more than therapists — we’re partners in your child’s journey. Our team of passionate pediatric occupational therapists takes pride in getting to know each child and family as part of our extended community.
Mikki Kistler, MOT, OTR/L
Founder & Clinical Director
Mikki grew up in Colorado with a deep love of the outdoors and moved to Portland to attend Lewis & Clark College, where she quickly fell in love with the city and made it home. After graduating, she worked with children in public schools facing a wide range of challenges. It was there she discovered occupational therapy—and immediately knew she had found her path.
Mikki earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University and has practiced pediatric OT for 25 years. She has worked with children with diverse needs, including fine and gross motor delays, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory processing differences, and autism. In 2013, she founded Groundplay, growing it into a collaborative, values-driven practice grounded in play, connection, and curiosity.
As both a therapist and clinical supervisor, Mikki is known for meeting children where they are, tapping into their intrinsic motivation, and creating a safe, joyful space for growth. She is deeply committed to partnering with families and mentoring the next generation of pediatric occupational therapists.
Outside of work, Mikki enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her partner, Stefanie, their children, and dogs.
Hannah Schaupp, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hannah moved from South Dakota to Portland in 2010 to attend Reed College and quickly knew she had found her home. She spent five years working in therapeutic recreation with children with complex medical needs, where collaborating closely with occupational therapists sparked her interest in the field. That experience led her to pursue her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. After graduating in 2023, Hannah returned to Portland and joined the Groundplay team, where her curiosity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to family partnership are a natural fit.
Hannah believes deeply in play as a powerful vehicle for growth and connection. She is committed to neurodiversity-affirming and gender-affirming care, with a particular interest in the PDA profile, demand avoidance, and Gestalt Language Processing. Hannah takes time to help families understand their child’s nervous system, communication style, and strengths, so they feel confident supporting their child at home.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys hiking with her husband, dancing, singing, knitting, and baking.
Kelsey Giggenbach, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kelsey moved from New Jersey to Oregon in 2021 to pursue her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Pacific University. Like many who come to Groundplay, she quickly fell in love with Portland and decided to make it home. Kelsey has long been passionate about working with children, with prior experience as a paraprofessional and supporting autistic kids before choosing OT as her career path. She joined Groundplay in 2024 and has grown into a confident, thoughtful clinician who brings warmth and dedicaiton to every child she works with with.
Kelsey has a natural ability to read kids and meet them exactly where they are, especially those with regulation challenges. Her play-based, neurodivergent-affirming approach helps families understand what’s happening beneath the surface and gives them practical strategies they can use at home. Therapy with Kelsey is meaningful, supportive—and fun. Kids genuinely look forward to seeing her.
Kelsey is deeply committed to ongoing learning through research, podcasts, and clinical training. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their pets, staying active at the gym and on the trails, playing and coaching rugby, and sharing good food.
Stefanie Silverman, Partner
Director of Operations
Stefanie grew up in the Boston suburbs and moved to Portland more than 30 years ago to attend Lewis & Clark College. Like Mikki, she quickly fell in love with the city and made it home. Stefanie earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Lewis & Clark and spent years working as a public defender before shifting her focus to support Mikki’s vision for Groundplay.
As co-owner and Director of Operations, Stefanie oversees the systems that keep the practice running smoothly, including insurance, billing, scheduling, HR, and employee management. Her legal background brings clarity, organization, and steady leadership to the business side of the practice, allowing the clinical team to focus fully on supporting children and families.
Together, Stefanie and Mikki have built Groundplay around shared values of compassion, integrity, and deep commitment to families.
Outside of work, Stefanie is passionate about supporting nonprofits serving underserved communities. She enjoys hiking, music, traveling, and spending time with Mikki, their two college-aged children, and their dogs.