Who Are We?

Caitlin “Katie” Lamping

Founder & Occupational Therapist

My name is Katie, and I help kids understand what’s getting in their way.

I’m an occupational therapist who’s worked with families for over fifteen years. More importantly, I’m a mother who’s faced these problems with my own kids.

When I was first studying therapy, I learned a traditional approach to manage behavior, heavy on consequences & rewards. I had some successes — but it always felt wrong. I didn’t know a better way.

Then I had my own neurodiverse kid.

I realized that I couldn’t shape behaviors at the same time I built trust. In order to bond with my first child — and then my second, third, and fourth — I had to realize something super-important: before they can do well, kids have to feel safe.

I don’t shame kids: they’re trying to do well. Kids are almost always trying to do well.

It doesn’t matter what expectations we set — if our kids can’t meet them, something’s getting in the way.

I help kids understand what’s getting in their way.

Get started with Katie!

 Katie’s Degrees and Certificates

Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health Care Sciences

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Child Learning and Development

The University of Texas at Dallas

Courtney Smith

Occupational Therapist

My name is Courtney, and I’m deeply curious about people—what matters most to them, how they live their everyday lives, and what support helps them thrive.

I grew up in rural Missouri hunting frogs, building turtle habitats, and spending long days outside with my two sisters. As a sibling to two sisters who benefit from extra support, I learned early that every family is unique—and that meaningful support works best when it fits into real, lived routines and the things that matter most to the people within them.

I believe wholeheartedly that healing doesn’t just happen in offices or programs—it happens in everyday moments, often within the relationships closest to us.

For the past 13 years, I’ve worked in mental health supporting people of all ages as they recover from trauma and chronic stress. My work focuses on helping individuals and

families shed shame, feel seen and heard, and reconnect with their own capacity for growth through the power of connection.

When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me gardening and tending our small urban homestead—home to human children, one very cute dog,  six ducks, fish, fruit trees, and just about every vegetable I can get my  hands on. We are never alone when we are outside in the company of trees!

Get started with Courtney!

 Courtney’s Degrees and Certificates

Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

The University of Missouri

Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy

The University of Missouri

Occupational Therapist of the Year

from the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association

2024

Julie Freidhoff

Respite Care Coordinator &
Group Assistant

About Julie!

I am a mom of three neurodiverse children and understand how difficult and isolating this parenting journey can be. The relief felt when you find people who ‘get it’ is life giving. This is why I am excited to join Nurture in Nature!

I appreciate Caitlin’s gentle and relational approach and look forward to assisting her on her mission in creating felt safety while helping kids understand what is getting in their way.

Julie’s Degrees and Certificates

Bachelor’s of Science
in Health Science

Grand Valley State University

Master’s of Science
in Environmental and Public Health

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Ashley Struckmann

Group Assistant

About Ashley!

Hi, I’m Ashley! I have a BA in Public Health from Winona State University. I’m currently a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling our two youngest kids in elementary school. We also have two young adults who graduated in 2024!

For the past four years, I’ve been leading the Rochester Free Nature School and helping run a small homeschool co-op for our community. Our family loves spending time outdoors—camping, biking, taking care of our chickens, and keeping up our little spot of land just outside of Rochester.

When I have some free time, you can usually find me sewing, baking sourdough bread, or working on a new craft project.

I’m really excited to be joining Nurture and Nature! Getting families outside and helping others enjoy all the benefits of nature is something I’m truly passionate about. I can’t wait to meet everyone and share more outdoor adventures together!

Caleb Smith

Group Assistant

About Caleb!

I've spent most of my professional career working with kids and youth or in educational settings, and I love nothing more than getting outside and spending time in the natural world!

As a Mayo Clinic Trained Wellness Coach, I love the challenge of deeply listening and helping others tap into their unique skills, experiences, and interests to help them become the best version of themselves.

Outside of work, you'll probably see me running, biking, rock climbing, playing soccer, or otherwise moving around and not sitting still.

At the end of the day, my family is everything to me and nothing brings me more joy than being husband and dad!

Jona Elam

Group Assistant

About Jona!

I am from Evanston, Illinois, and I moved to Rochester a few months ago to pursue a BS in Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota.

I have experience as a preschool teacher, swimming teacher, and summer camp aquatics supervisor. So, I am especially passionate about fostering experiences for young people that allow them to learn and grow!

When I am not in class or working, I enjoy swimming, reading magical realism novels, and baking.

Amelia Peck

Summer Assistant

About Amelia!

My name is Amelia Peck. I am a student at UW-Eau Claire, majoring in Communications Science and Disorders. Some things I like to do are hiking, reading, and being active. I wanted to work at NIN because I like working with kids and I want to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Nicole Ferrara

Summer Assistant

About Nicole!

I’m a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and founder of Damselfly Forest Therapy in Rochester. I guide gentle nature-based experiences that invite people to slow down, engage their senses, and connect with the natural world and one another.

I have a longstanding interest in supporting neurodivergent children and families through both personal experience and community involvement. From 2018–2022, I coordinated the Rochester Area ADHD Support Group. As a family member of and advocate for neurodivergent individuals, I have developed a deep appreciation for the strengths, creativity, and unique perspectives they bring to the world.

I am passionate about the benefits of spending time in nature and excited to support children and families through Nurture in Nature's programs. Joining the team is an opportunity to combine my love of the outdoors with my commitment to creating welcoming, supportive experiences for others.

Before becoming a forest therapy guide, I spent 28 years working as a writer, editor, and communications professional in Rochester. I hold a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in English and bring strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills to my work.

Kate Bruce

Summer Assistant

About Kate!

Hi, my name is Kate and I am a Group Assistant at Nurture in Nature! I am a rising sophomore at the University of Florida, but I have grown up in Rochester my whole life. I am studying Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis and hope to go into Occupational Therapy post-grad school! I love working with kids and getting to know each of their unique qualities, because I believe that seeing and understanding someone for who they are allows them to thrive. I can’t wait to meet all of the families of NiN!

Edan Lamping

Fill-In Assistant

About Edan!

Edan is the oldest child of founder Katie Lamping. With 3 younger neurodivergent siblings, Edan is already an expert at caring for kids and helping peers through intense feelings and experiences. He attends Nurture in Nature’s teen group, and fills in as a group assistant for other groups when needed!

Stephanie Arnold

Administrative Assistant

About Stephanie!

I was raised in Alabama, moving to Minnesota when I was 15. I have one child, and four dogs! I've received a degree in Health Information Technology and am currently working on a second degree in Information Technology. My professional path has bounced around from technical support, to elderly care in an Assisted Living Facility, to Administrative work for a hospital, even municipal work as a Deputy Clerk. No matter where I've gone, I've always wanted to help people. I'm excited to be able to use my skills to help NIN grow and continue to help kids for years to come!