Carla Crockett, MS OTRL

About Me

Hi, I’m Carla (she/her/hers). In 2012 I founded Empowering the Best, and since then I have served children, teens, adults, and families across in-person, mobile and virtual settings. My advanced training includes neurological and vision rehabilitation, trauma aware care, co-regulation, sensory processing, feeding, and upper extremity rehabilitation. I am passionate about helping individuals build balance, growth and meaningful participation in their daily lives. Outside of my private practice I host Hemlock House, a retreat in Northern Michigan designed for rest, regulation and connection.

Thank you for visiting and for taking the time to learn more. I look forward to connecting with you.

My Philosophy

I believe healing and growth happen when people are seen, understood and supported in environments that honor their nervous system and strengths. My approach is neurodiversity informed, trauma aware and grounded in sensory science. I partner with clients, families, educators and providers to co-create routines, habits and environments that reflect each person’s unique path.

Focused Expertise

  • Pediatric feeding & advanced toilet training

  • Pediatric pelvic health

  • Sensory regulation & interoception

  • Functional neuro-vision across the lifespan

  • Pain management & adult OT

  • Mobile outpatient and statewide telehealth services

In addition to my clinical work, I host Hemlock House, a retreat space created for nervous system regulation, rest, and connection. Guests and clients are invited to explore what it means to thrive in balance. I am also planning future steps toward an interdisciplinary collective of OT, SLP, PT, and counseling professionals who are aligned with neurodiversity informed, trauma aware care.

Thank you for visiting this space. If you would like to explore a consultation or book a stay at Hemlock House, I would love to connect.

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I’m grateful for those who poured into me, and it’s a privilege to now mentor and support others as they grow in their own work. - Carla

Professional Experience & Practice Locations

Empowering the Best, PLLC
• Mobile outpatient OT
• Statewide telehealth
• Consultation and program development

Demmer Wellness Pavilion, McLaren Northern Michigan
• Outpatient OT: Pediatric - Adult
• Feeding, pelvic health and vision program development

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
• Inpatient neuro and orthopedic rehabilitation

Rehab Without Walls
• Home and community based neurorehabilitation

Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital
• Acute, inpatient and outpatient OT
• Pediatric and neuro program expansion

Harbor Springs Therapy and Wellness
• Outpatient and home based OT

Cheboygan Memorial Hospital
• Rehab manager and OT across multiple settings

Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
• Acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient OT

Program Development Highlights

I have developed or co-led many services including:

  • Neuro-vision OT programs

  • Pediatric outpatient feeding (OT + SLP)

  • Pediatric pelvic health and advanced toilet training

  • Remote fieldwork clinical rotations

  • Community-based OT services in rural regions

  • Outpatient rehabilitation expansion projects

Training & Advanced Education

I have completed extensive professional development in:

  • Sensory processing and regulation

  • Polyvagal theory and trauma aware practice

  • Pediatric infant feeding and medically complex feeding

  • Pediatric pelvic health

  • Functional neuro-vision

  • Executive function and developmental skill training

  • Stroke and neurological rehabilitation

  • Orthotics, splinting and upper extremity rehabilitation

  • Coaching, family-centered practice, and neurodiversity competency

Presentations & Professional Leadership

I have presented on topics such as functional vision, virtual reality in rehab, sensory resilience, pediatric feeding and neurodiversity. I serve on local boards including a City of Petoskey Board and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation, and participate actively in the AOTA and MiOTA.

Research & Academic Foundations

I hold a Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Grand Valley State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. My published research includes a study on the validity of the Reality Comprehension Clock Test for diverse populations and I have presented at regional and national forums on topics including adolescent cognition and future family planning.

Retreat Hosting & Wellness Spaces

In addition to clinical practice, I also host short-term stays and wellness retreats in Northern Michigan.


Hemlock House is a calm, regulation-friendly guest retreat where guests and professionals can rest, reflect and reconnect.