Nature-based. Family focused.
About HOPE
Offering HOPE ~ Healing Opportunities through Purposeful Engagement ~ we can change lives! HOPE Therapy Services is a private occupational therapy practice nestled in a rural community setting in central New Jersey. Occupational therapy services are delivered in a unique outdoor nature environment through direct 1:1 therapy, small group sessions, nature enrichment programs and family education.
The nature-based therapeutic programs at HOPE utilize specialized intervention tools including equine-assisted services (hippotherapy), aquatic therapy, and nature-rich experiences to enhance client's overall health and well-being.
Who can benefit from HOPE Therapy Services
Hope Therapy Services incorporate elements of the natural environment, equine movement (hippotherapy) and aquatic therapy to address challenges in daily activities due to challenges with muscle tone, sensory processing, and motor coordination difficulties associated with medical conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, sensory integration disorder, developmental delays, and neuromuscular impairment.
Developmental areas of focus include gross and fine motor skill enhancement, motor planning and body awareness, strength, balance, coordination, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, social-emotional functioning, psychological well-being and confidence, as well as leisure activity participation.
Individual and group therapy sessions as well as educational enrichment programs are offered to children of all ages and abilities throughout the year to expand knowledge and experiences with nature, horses, and gardening. Seasonal nature enrichment groups for children ages 3-12 offer opportunities to experience life on the farm through interactions with our horses, aquatics, garden area, and group learning activities.
​
Parent/Caregiver support is provided through regular collaboration in establishing and implementing the plan of care, support group meetings and networking collectives, and individual consultations for medical and/or educational resources.
Meet Dr. Elaine Mumau
Occupational Therapist
Hi, I'm Dr. Elaine Mumau, OTD, OTR/L – a licensed occupational therapist, mom of six, lifelong educator, and founder of HOPE Therapy Services. I’ve been practicing OT in New Jersey since 1993 and have had the privilege of working with children and families in all kinds of settings—hospitals, homes, schools, outpatient clinics, and now in nature.
Over the years, I’ve blended my love of the outdoors with my passion for supporting child development. Raising my own daughters on our family farm taught me that some of the most powerful growth moments happen outside—in the garden, by the barn, with animals, in the pool, or just breathing fresh air. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and includes training in sensory integration, reflex integration, DIR Floortime, mindfulness, yoga, water safety, and handwriting support. I’m a certified Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Practitioner (ATRIC) with CPR and Lifeguard certification, Safe and Sound Protocol provider (Unyte iLS), and have completed advanced training in hippotherapy through the American Hippotherapy Association.
​​I love working alongside families to support their children’s growth in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and joyful. Whether we’re exploring new skills together through planting and harvesting in the garden, on an adventure trail in the woods, hanging out with the horses, or splashing in the pool, my goal is always to help children thrive—and to make sure parents feel supported along the way, too!
Curious if this nature-based approach might be a good fit for your child?
Connect with me and learn more about how we can work together!