Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Lorenz.
Hi Kim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was a graduate student getting my Master’s in Occupational Therapy, I had dreamed that my career path would lead me to the NICU. After graduating, I accepted a position in early childhood special education, and I loved it so much that I set that original dream aside. For the next ten years, I found deep fulfillment working with young children in the school system.
Eventually, I transitioned into a hospital-based outpatient therapy clinic with a strong focus on feeding, including working with babies who were following up after NICU stays. In that role, my passion for working with infants was reignited, and I found myself once again drawn to the idea of supporting babies at the very beginning of life. Over nearly six years, I deepened my expertise, including earning my certification in Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapy, which further strengthened my dedication to infant care.
As my desire to work exclusively with babies grew, I made a change to another hospital system in hopes of finally pursuing my dream of working in the NICU. Unfortunately, due to systemic limitations, the structure of that role did not allow me to work with infants in the earliest months of life. I recognized that there were families in the community who needed support earlier than the system could provide, and that I had the skills to help during that critical window.
That experience became the catalyst for Grow Well. What started as frustration with “the system” turned into clarity and purpose. I realized I wanted the freedom to fully use my skills as a pediatric occupational therapist and to support babies and families in a more holistic, family-centered way. Creating my own private practice allowed me to break out of the constraints and build something aligned with both my training and my values.
Today, through Grow Well, I absolutely love supporting babies and parents in St. Charles County and being able to bring the full scope of pediatric OT skills to the table. It feels like a full-circle moment, returning to an early dream, but reimagined with years of experience, confidence, and clarity guiding the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m not sure starting a business is ever as smooth as we imagine it will be, no matter how passionate we are or how well we plan.
It has been a challenging but rewarding journey since starting my LLC in May of 2024. One of the biggest struggles has been building awareness in the community and helping families and providers understand what I do, particularly positioning myself as a feeding and developmental resource for babies and getting in front of the right people at the right time. I often hear, “I wish I had known you when my child was a baby,” which really highlights how important early visibility and education are.
Another challenge has been increasing awareness of the role of occupational therapy. OT has a very broad scope, and while we overlap somewhat with speech therapy in feeding and physical therapy in development, we approach these areas through a different lens. As occupational therapists, we focus on task analysis, a way of breaking skills down into manageable parts, and we take a holistic view by considering sensory, motor, and environmental components. That perspective can be incredibly valuable for families, but it often requires education to fully understand.
Despite the challenges, my work has consistently felt like a blessing. Building relationships with holistic healthcare providers, gaining traction through social media, and offering education through community presentations have all been incredibly meaningful. Each step has reinforced why I started Grow Well…I want to serve families in a holistic, supportive way and help them feel more confident during such an important season of their child’s life.
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?
Grow Well is an occupational therapy private practice in St. Charles County, created to support babies and their families during the first year of life. I provide occupational therapy for infant feeding and developmental concerns, along with guidance and education to help parents feel confident they are doing what’s best for their baby.
I specialize in first-year feeding and development and hold a certification in Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapy, which gives me a well-rounded understanding of infant handling, regulation, and early development. My work is focused on meeting babies where they are and helping families navigate transitions in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
What sets Grow Well apart is my experience, continued education, and deep passion for working with babies and their parents. I am committed to learning and growing so I can best support my tiny clients and their families, and I am currently working toward becoming a lactation consultant to further support feeding journeys. I also believe strongly in collaboration and connecting families with other trusted, holistic providers when additional support is needed.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Grow Well feels approachable, supportive, and rooted in the St. Charles County community. I collaborate with local providers, educate families through social media and community presentations, and focus on helping parents feel confident rather than overwhelmed. Supporting families where they are has always been at the heart of this practice, and my goal is to make sure fewer families feel alone during that critical first year.
Something I want readers to know is that Grow Well is built around individualized, holistic care and parent choice. Even small details matter, including how the surfaces your baby touches are cleaned. Families can choose between hospital-grade cleaners or more gentle options like Norwex and water or essential oils. It’s your baby, and your preferences matter. While Grow Well does not accept insurance, I do accept HSA and FSA and provide superbills for families who wish to seek reimbursement.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to networking, my biggest advice is to show up as your authentic self and be genuinely interested in the people you meet. In my experience, approaching networking with the goal to “sell” your business rarely leads to meaningful or lasting connections.
What has worked best for me is approaching networking with curiosity, learning about others, understanding how our businesses might support one another, and exploring ways we can better serve our shared clients. When the focus is on collaboration rather than promotion, relationships tend to grow more naturally.
This mindset has also led to mentorship in an organic way. By building genuine relationships and asking thoughtful questions, I’ve found that mentors often emerge naturally. You will find people who are willing to share their experiences, answer questions as they come up, and offer guidance as needed. That approach has served me well and has helped me build a strong, supportive professional network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://growWellSTL.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/growWellSTL
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrowWellSTL24
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimlorenz/
