Leilani Brown, OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of When Kids Play. She, together with husband & business partner, Shane Brown, created the company with a clear vision: to deliver high-quality, compassionate therapy in the environments where children feel most comfortable—home, community, and everyday life.
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With decades of experience in occupational therapy, Leilani has dedicated her career to helping children build independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in their daily routines. Her work spans a wide range of pediatric needs, including special emphasis and expertise in autism, sensory integration, feeding, hand skills, handwriting, and assistive technology. Her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ushered her into the field of practice. Leilani followed her bachelors several years later with a post-professional Masters in OT from Texas Woman’s University and a thesis centered around improving teacher programs for teaching handwriting. Leilani furthered her expertise by obtaining a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, completing the program with research and projects centered in the importance of outdoor play. This topic has continued to drive Leilani’s recent pursuits in research, presentations and publishing. She has been invited to present at the AOTA National Occupational Therapy Conference (April 2026)
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Leilani has always been grounded in a personalized, relationship-centered approach that empowers children, their families, teachers, and other therapists.​
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Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, May 2022
Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Administration (Post-Professional) – Texas Woman's University, 2004
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1997
From the beginning of her career, Leilani was drawn to work that touched children where they are every day. Over the years, she recognized that children make the greatest progress when therapy is:
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integrated into their natural environments
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centered in play
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accompanied by accessible environments
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strong systems
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supported therapists and families.
That belief became the foundation for When Kids Play.
Today, Leilani leads with both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to excellence. She is passionate about building a team of therapists who are not only highly skilled, but who genuinely care about the families they serve. Leilani provides knowledgeable mentorship and support of the therapists on the When Kids Play team.​
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Outside of her professional work, Leilani enjoys dancing, outdoor adventures, traveling, scuba diving, and spending precious moments with her grandchildren and with her best friend &Husband, Shane—experiences that reflect her appreciation for relationships, exploration, continual growth… and always finding new adventures!
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“It’s my job now to make other therapists’ job easy, so they can do what they love to do, amazing therapy!”
Meet The
Founder
“In my 25 years (plus) of working with children of all abilities, I have learned to expect amazing things! We often forget that the most powerful part of a child is their potential! It has been my honor to have some very dear people in my life- my clients. These special hearts and hands have taught me that When Kids Play…amazing things happen!”