Meet Our Founder
Meilani Connolly, Founder of Build Learn Thrive
Occupational Therapist | Certified Autism Specialist
Meilani Connolly brings more than 20 years of pediatric occupational therapy experience to Build Learn Thrive. Meilani is a Licensed Occupational Therapist in California and holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and an M.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University. In addition, she is a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Known for her warm presence and collaborative spirit, Meilani partners closely with families to help children build confidence, independence, and joy in their daily routines. Her professional path reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with evidence-based practices.
The Beginning of Build Learn Thrive
The inspiration for Build Learn Thrive began during Meilani’s work on a school district pre-K assessment team. She often met families at their very first Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting—a moment that could feel overwhelming and emotional. Parents frequently voiced the same concerns: there weren’t enough resources, activities, or summer programs to meet their children’s needs. Many also described how difficult it was to coordinate occupational, physical, and speech therapies across multiple sites in San Francisco, especially while balancing work and family life.
Wanting to create something more accessible, Meilani launched a summer camp for young children with and without disabilities, designed to help them prepare for kindergarten. While she enjoys working with children of all ages, she holds a special passion for this early stage of development, believing that early intervention provides a powerful foundation for lifelong growth and success. Build Learn Thrive grew from this vision—offering families a supportive, inclusive place where children can thrive through learning, play, and connection.
Areas of Advanced Training:
Meilani brings thoughtful expertise and unwavering dedication to every child and family she serves at Build Learn Thrive. Her integrated and individualized approach supports each child in reaching their fullest potential with confidence.
Areas of Advanced Training:
Meilani holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and is a Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of California. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Her professional training reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with evidence-based practices.
Areas of Advanced Training:
Meilani brings thoughtful expertise and unwavering dedication to every child and family she serves at Build Learn Thrive. Her integrated and individualized approach supports each child in reaching their fullest potential with confidence.
Sensory Processing and Regulation
Supporting children in understanding and responding to sensory input in ways that promote calm and focus.
The ALERT Program & Zones of Regulation
Helping children recognize and manage their emotional and physical states to support self-regulation and behavior.
Wilbarger Brushing Protocol
A sensory integration technique used to help children with tactile defensiveness and other sensory challenges.
Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI)
Addressing retained reflexes and neurosensory-motor challenges that impact movement, learning, and behavior.
Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
A play-based method for assessing and treating feeding difficulties in children.
Understanding and Managing Visual Deficits
Supporting children with visual processing issues that can affect learning and motor skills.
Handwriting Without Tears
A developmentally appropriate approach to building fine motor and handwriting skills.
Executive Function and Self-Regulation
Building the cognitive and emotional skills children need for planning, organization, and behavior control.
Autism Across the Spectrum
Deepening understanding of individuals with autism and how to support their growth holistically.
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
Recognizing and addressing learning differences to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Advanced Certification in Physical Agent Modalities (PAM)
Enhancing treatment through the use of therapeutic tools that support strength, mobility, and pain reduction.