Tori Southerland’s journey to founding Thrive Therapy began with a heart for helping others and a belief that every child’s potential deserves to be nurtured. After earning her B.S. in Psychology from High Point University and her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Salus University, Tori gained a rich and diverse foundation in the field—working in mental health at Sheppard Pratt Hospital, in rehabilitation at Union Memorial Hospital, and later as a pediatric occupational therapist at Achieve Therapy Services.

The inspiration to serve children more personally came from both her professional experiences and her own life story. Having lost both parents at a young age, Tori was deeply shaped by her mother’s career as a health care leader and her father’s unwavering encouragement. They instilled in her the values of compassion, integrity, and resilience—qualities that still define her work today.

When Tori founded Thrive Therapy, she never set out to build a “corporate” practice. Instead, her vision was simple yet powerful: to offer evidence-based occupational and speech therapy, lead with empathy, and celebrate each child’s unique gifts and challenges. She remains steadfast in keeping the focus on families, schools, and the children they serve—refusing to let the “rules of business” overshadow what matters most.