Root + Rise Vermont — Occupational Therapy Consultation

Rooted in connection.
Rising with confidence.

Supporting children and families through consultation, coaching, and participation-focused care. A strengths-based practice for children, parents, and caregivers across Vermont.

The roots

Regulation • Sensory-Motor Foundations

The rise

Participation • Confidence • Independence

  • Shannon Cavoneil, OTD, OTR/L
  • Virtual statewide + in person near Burlington
  • Private-pay · no insurance billing
Feeding & mealtimeHandwritingSensory processingSelf-regulationVisual-motor skillsPerinatal supportCaregiver coachingSchool concernsFeeding & mealtimeHandwritingSensory processingSelf-regulationVisual-motor skillsPerinatal supportCaregiver coachingSchool concerns

The idea behind the name

Meaningful change grows from a strong foundation.

Meaningful participation doesn't happen by accident. It grows from the ground up — which is exactly how occupational therapy works.

We support both the roots of development — regulation, sensory-motor foundations, and skills — and the rise into participation, confidence, and independence.

Root

Regulation, sensory-motor foundations, and the underlying skills that make everything else possible.

Rise

Participation, confidence, and independence in the activities that matter most to your family.

How we can help

Care that meets your family where it is.

Featured program

Handwriting support

A focused program for the children who find writing hard — built on the evidence-based Learning Without Tears® approach.

  • Letter formation, sizing, spacing, and legibility
  • Fine-motor and hand-strength foundations for endurance
  • Pencil grasp, posture, and paper positioning
  • Targeted sessions or ongoing support, tailored to each child
Ask about handwriting support

A gentle, clear path

What working together looks like.

No referral needed, no pressure — just a thoughtful process built around your family's goals.

01

Free discovery call

A relaxed, no-pressure conversation to learn about your concerns, answer your questions, and determine whether Root + Rise is the right fit for your needs.

02

Intake & preparation

Complete a brief intake form before your appointment so I can better understand your history, concerns, and priorities. This lets us spend our time together focused on meaningful discussion and individualized recommendations.

03

Initial consultation

We'll explore your strengths, challenges, and everyday routines through an occupational therapy lens. Together, we'll develop practical strategies, education, and recommendations that support meaningful participation in daily life.

04

Follow-up support

Many families find that one consultation provides the guidance they need, while others benefit from ongoing support as needs evolve. Follow-up consultations are available to answer questions, refine strategies, monitor progress, and add recommendations as life changes.

Shannon Cavoneil, OTD, OTR/L — founder of Root + Rise Vermont

Shannon Cavoneil

OTD, OTR/L · Founder

Meet your therapist

Hi, I'm Shannon.

I'm an occupational therapist with experience across early intervention, school-based practice, pediatric feeding, and adult home health. My approach centers on collaboration, strengths-based problem solving, and the belief that every person deserves opportunities to participate in the activities that matter most.

  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist — Vermont
  • NBCOT Certified
  • Certified Learning Without Tears® Handwriting Specialist
More about Shannon

Good to know

Questions, answered.

A few of the things families ask most. Have another? I'd love to hear from you.

Read the full FAQ

Meaningful participation doesn't happen by accident — it grows from a strong foundation. The name reflects how occupational therapy works: we strengthen the foundational skills (the roots) so a child or family can rise into meaningful participation in everyday life.

I work with children, adults, and caregivers across the lifespan. Whether you're seeking support for handwriting, feeding, postpartum recovery, caregiving, or participation in everyday life, services are individualized to meet your unique needs, goals, and stage of life.

Root + Rise is a consultation-based occupational therapy practice designed to provide flexible, individualized support. Some clients seek a one-time consultation, while others benefit from ongoing services over time. Together, we'll determine what level of support best meets your goals and changing needs.

Depending on the situation, services may include caregiver education, home and environmental recommendations, training in activities of daily living, targeted handwriting intervention, postpartum support, or ongoing consultation as new challenges arise.

Every consultation is tailored to you. You may complete intake paperwork beforehand, then we'll discuss your goals, explore challenges, identify strengths, and develop practical strategies together. You'll leave with individualized recommendations and clear next steps.

Yes. Virtual consultations are often a great option for caregiver coaching, feeding consultations, postpartum support, school-related concerns, and caregiving support.