About Us

Connecting the dOTs was founded in 2024 to provide families and clinicians with valuable resources to help children acquire developmental skills through play.

  • Lauren Keane, Co-Founder

    I am passionate about helping children of all abilities to reach their full potential. With 14 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy, I cofounded Connecting the dOTs to help parents and other clinicians navigate the confusing world of developmental milestones, provide fun and engaging activities and tools and to be a resources for educational materials and community support. As a mom of twins, I know firsthand what it’s like to just want the best for your kids but sometimes don’t know what the “best” is supposed to be.

    Prior to starting Connecting the dOTs, I have practiced pediatric occupational therapy in both the private sector and public school system. My journey in OT began when I became a nanny for a little boy with CP in college. I loved watching him improve just by “playing.” Now I get to help kids grow every day by coming up with fun and engaging games and activities!

    Masters in Occupational Therapy from The Medical College of Georgia, Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Georgia

  • Mary Leigh Amerein, Co-Founder

    I am a certified Occupational Therapist with two years of experience. As a new graduate, I sought to expand my knowledge and stay informed about best practices. However, I quickly realized the challenge of navigating the vast and often misleading information available online. This highlighted the need for reliable, evidence-based resources for families and practitioners.

    My journey into occupational therapy is rooted in a series of meaningful experiences. At eight years old, I began volunteering with TOP Soccer, an organization that enables children of all abilities to play and enjoy the game. This early exposure revealed the transformative power of play in developing confidence and skills in children. During college, I volunteered for a non-profit organization for individuals with developmental disabilities, Extra Special People. Through volunteering at their afterschool program, I met a 13-year-old girl with a rare chromosome disorder. Nannying for her throughout college introduced me to the field of occupational therapy. In 2017, while exploring career options, I shadowed a wonderful OT. This experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in occupational therapy. The OT I shadowed is now my co-worker, mentor, and co-founder of Connecting the dOTs!

    Masters in Occupational Therapy from Georgia State University, Bachelors in Health Promotion with a Minor in Global Health from the University of Georgia

  • Kallie Keane

    As a High School teacher, I have witnessed first hand the long-term benefits of Occupational Therapy in the general education classroom. As a first time mom of twins, I understand the desire to find resources, toys, and information to help my children meet their developmental milestones through play. As wife of Lauren, founder of Connecting the dOTs, I have joined the Connecting the dOTs team as the Social Media and Marketing Lead to provide valuable resources for families that me and my children had access to.

    I have worked with children of all ages and abilities since my teenage years. With experience in high-school public education, infant and toddler Montessori childcare, and public programming through Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites I am excited to start this new venture to help children, parents and the community.

    Masters in Teaching from The University of West Georgia, Bachelors in History from Georgia College and State University