Rise Therapy Brings Care to Families Where They Are

McCook Neb. — The McCook Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker Mariah Pierson at their September 16 meeting. Pierson is the founder of Rise Therapy, a mobile outpatient occupational therapy practice serving McCook and Omaha.

Pierson, who grew up in Indianola, shared her journey from working as an occupational therapy assistant at Community Hospital to pursuing her master’s degree and ultimately starting her own pediatric-focused practice. After nearly a decade in the hospital setting, she felt called to specialize in pediatrics and create a service model that reduces barriers for families.

Bringing Therapy Into Everyday Spaces

Rise Therapy provides care in homes, daycares, preschools, and other community settings, as well as in Pierson’s downtown McCook office. She explained that the goal is to empower children and families by using a child-led, strength-based approach in natural environments where kids spend their time.

“I see newborns, toddlers, school-aged kids—even high schoolers,” Pierson said. “Occupational therapy really is just getting anyone of any age to be able to participate in those meaningful activities, those things that they want and need to be able to do.”

Her work spans a wide range of ages and needs, from supporting newborns with feeding challenges or flat head syndrome, to helping toddlers develop self-regulation skills, to guiding school-aged children with fine motor, sensory, or behavioral challenges. She also offers support for mothers navigating postpartum anxiety or depression, focusing on practical strategies and coping skills.

Inclusion and Community Impact

Pierson emphasized the importance of inclusion for children with disabilities. She has been instrumental in launching the inclusive playground project at Kelley Park, which is now moving into the installation phase after years of planning and fundraising.

“I feel like that’s a big part of my job—bringing inclusion and awareness for disabilities,” she said. “It’s something I’m really passionate about.”

Her passion for occupational therapy is rooted in her own family’s experiences: her mother recovered from a spinal cord injury against the odds, and her sister grew up with Holt-Oram syndrome, a condition affecting the heart and upper limbs. Both inspired Pierson to pursue a career centered on helping others adapt, grow, and thrive.

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👉 The McCook Rotary Club meets for lunch the first three Tuesdays of every month at noon at the MCC East Campus. Guests are welcome.