Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlee Olson and Alexi Christensen. Them and their team share their story with us below:
The co-founders of SENSE-ational Spaces, Alexi and Marlee, are certified and licensed pediatric occupational therapists who have merged their desires for helping people in the community, sensory processing, and environmental modifications into a business in their home state of Minnesota. The duo met in graduate school at St. Catherine University while pursuing their Masters in Occupational Therapy and very early on clicked. From the beginning, it was evident that Alexi and Marlee saw things in a similar light and displayed a similar passion for working not only with children but from a family centered approach. Alexi and Marlee both have experiences that transcend ages and environments including schools, mental health facilities, autism clinics, outpatient services, inpatient hospital, and acute care settings. Throughout graduate schooling and into their professional careers, Alexi and Marlee have supported each other on numerous projects such as home modification proposals, educational flyers, community relations and marketing projects, and creation of sensory spaces within a variety of settings both indoor and out.
Both professionally and personally, they have always come together as a team to uplift one another it a way that makes them a great team but better friends. Together, they enjoy hiking, walking their dogs, going to garage sales, attending their monthly book club, and continuing to expand their knowledge in occupational therapy and sensory processing.
Their passion for creating sensory friendly spaces was brought to light during the Minnesota stay at home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which they saw greatly impacting academic participation, family routines, activity participation, social interaction and peer play, and physical exercise in addition to contributing to the rise of teletherapy services provided. Together, Alexi and Marlee are highly motivated, creative, and strong proponents of FUN! SENSE-ational spaces creates custom tailored sensory friendly spaces to facilitate daily engagement for all children.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We started SENSE-ational Spaces during the stay at home order of COVID-19. There have been shipping delays, COVID-19 precautions, and product shortages that have all impacted our business as they have many other businesses. Although, this time was why our business came to light. Families and community members needed suggestions and recommendations to best meet the children of our society’s needs! Through ups and downs, we are so grateful for all that SENSE-ational Spaces has done for our communities.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
SENSE-ational Spaces was established in November of 2020. We at SENSE-ational Spaces use our occupational therapy lens, we support parents in the fostering of their child’s development through education and creation of sensory-friendly spaces. We provide unique, custom tailored expertise and recommendations to meet your child’s sensory needs to assist them in actively and functionally participating in all activities of their day. We are thrilled to work with client’s on a one-on-one basis to meet their unique needs. We pride ourselves on our passion, knowledge base, and attentiveness to detail. We serve people with any size space, on any budget. We have three package offerings that range from verbal consultation, to completion of a space proposal with primary and secondary recommendations that include a 3D rendering of the space, to inventory, installation, and clean up. Start to finish we are here to help!
Contact Info:
- Email: senseationalspaces@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.senseationalspaces.com/
- Instagram: @senseational_spaces
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SENSEationalSpaces
