About us

What is Gye Di?

Gye Di (pronounced zhee-dee), meaning "Believe" in Ghanaian, was created by Occupational Therapists who are passionate about building a more inclusive world - one where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.

Our mission

Every child is born with purpose and potential

Our mission is to design and build an indoor recreation and trampoline park specifically created for children with complex physical disabilities - spaces that are truly without barriers. But more than that, we aim to foster a community where children of all abilities can come together to play, learn, and support each other in a shared environment of joy and acceptance.

Too often, society separates kids by their abilities - through events like the Olympics and the Special Olympics - when what they really need is a space to connect. Gye Di is that space. A place where inclusion is the standard, not the exception. A place where the power of play brings kids together, challenges outdated perceptions, and helps reshape what it means to live with a disability.

We are here to help shift the narrative - not just by building accessible spaces, but by changing hearts and minds. Because we believe in the greatness of all children.

Changing the world through play.

See Our Intensives

Therapists and children together in the Gye Di therapy gym

A smiling girl walks on a treadmill inside the SpiderCage with a therapist's support

A child finger painting at a table during therapy

What we believe

Inclusion is the standard

Not the exception, and not an accommodation added after the fact. Spaces should work for every body from the first sketch.

Kids need to connect

Separating children by ability teaches everyone the wrong lesson. Play alongside each other is how perceptions actually change.

Never assume "can't"

A child who has never been given the opportunity to move hasn't shown you their ceiling - only ours.

See Our Events

The people your kid will remember

Our Team

Co-Founder

Melanie Thompson

OTR/L, ATP

Melanie Thompson is one of our co-founders and has been a practicing Occupational Therapist in Arizona for over 20 years. She brings a unique skill set in training very young children to use powered wheelchairs, supporting all her clients in achieving greater independence through mobility. Melanie is also a skilled AAC evaluator, helping individuals access and communicate using augmentative and alternative communication systems. She has shared her expertise at national conferences such as Closing the Gap and ATIA, as well as local conferences like AzTAP. Melanie is also the Co-Founder of Believe Beyond Ability, a nonprofit organization dedicated to evaluating and facilitating access to assistive equipment for individuals with multiple disabilities. She has also received the NBCOT Impact Award for her dedication and contribution to her families and the OT field.

Co-Founder

Lauren Janke

OTD, OTR/L

Lauren Janke is one of our co-founders and has been a practicing OT based in Arizona since 2021. Her work is dedicated to enhancing access and opportunities for individuals with complex bodies through assistive technology, seating and positioning, and the power of play. Lauren is also an Adaptive Video Gaming specialist, where she helps individuals of all ages and abilities engage in accessible video gaming. She has presented her expertise at national conferences such as Closing the Gap and local conferences like AzTAP. Lauren is passionate about breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of therapy, inclusion, and accessibility. Lauren enjoys reading, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family, friends and dogs.

Rima Mehta

MBA, COTA/L

Rima is a passionate pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant practicing in the Phoenix-metro area who brings a deeply personal perspective to her clinical work. A mother of three boys, including a son with global developmental delays, she uniquely understands the emotional and physical struggles families face on challenging days. Rima earned her degree in Occupational Sciences from Pima Medical Institute in 2019 and specializes in comprehensive pediatric care. Her clinical skill set includes Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), the TheraSuit Method, sensory integration, developmental therapy, neuro-sensory-motor functions, and rhythmic movement reflex integration. Beyond her practice and her role as a mom, she is dedicated to nutrition and home organization, and loves to travel and explore the world.

Ambrosia Greer

COTA/L, LMT, OTD/S

Ambrosia is a dedicated pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant with a passion for helping children build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. With a background spanning nearly 20 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist and experience as a mother of children with developmental, sensory, neurological, and learning differences, Ambrosia values treating the whole child while partnering closely with families. Currently completing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Huntington University Arizona, her clinical interests include sensory integration, primitive reflex integration, executive functioning, emotional regulation, neurodevelopment, and family-centered care. Beyond the clinic, Ambrosia serves as a Disability Specialist within her church community. She enjoys time with her family, creating adaptive tools with 3D printing, and finding innovative ways to help every child discover their potential.

Courtney Tosto

OTD, OTR/L

Courtney earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University and is passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential. She provides occupational therapy services in both clinic and home health settings and has experience working with a wide variety of pediatric populations and diagnoses. Courtney holds specialized certifications in the TheraSuit Method, reflex integration, and supporting children with complex physical needs. She believes that therapy should be engaging, meaningful, accessible, and inclusive - empowering children to build confidence, independence, and success in their everyday lives. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys workout classes, reading, needlepoint, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Jaclyn Johnson

OTD, OTR/L

Jaclyn earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University and has experience working with children with a wide variety of developmental, neurological, and learning differences. She is especially passionate about helping children who may not fit neatly into traditional therapy approaches. Her interests include intensive therapy, literacy, hippotherapy, nature-based practices, and supporting children with complex physical and learning needs. She enjoys finding creative, individualized ways to help each child succeed while building confidence and celebrating meaningful progress along the way. Outside of therapy, Jaclyn enjoys hiking, strength training, playing the piano, spending time with animals, and exploring the outdoors.

Holli Johnson

OTD, OTR/L

Holli earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University and has experience working with children with a wide range of neurological and developmental differences. She is passionate about helping children build adaptability in everyday activities while empowering them to recognize and showcase their unique strengths. Holli values becoming a trusted member of each child's support team, partnering with families to navigate the therapy journey together. She enjoys finding creative, individualized approaches that help every child build confidence and make meaningful progress toward their goals. Outside of work, Holli enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and swimming.

Hannah McKinney

OTD, OTR/L

Hannah earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University and loves helping children discover their strengths through play, movement, and meaningful experiences. She has experience in pediatric and hippotherapy settings and is especially passionate about nature-based therapy, emotional regulation, and supporting children in building confidence and independence. With a background in sports science and human development, Hannah enjoys applying her knowledge of biomechanics and human movement to help children develop the skills they need for everyday life. She believes in meeting each child where they're at, celebrating every milestone, and creating fun, individualized therapy experiences. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, and attending music festivals.

Kate Oeser

CCC-SLP

Kate Oeser is a speech-language pathologist who has supported children and families since 2013. She's worked in schools, clinics, and homes, and loves helping kids with complex communication needs find their voice. Kate believes communication grows best through connection, joy, and play, and she's always looking for creative ways to make talking and interacting feel fun. She's passionate about helping kids participate fully in the moments that matter most to them. Alongside her clinical work, she's presented at conferences, taught at universities, and served on the board of a nonprofit supporting children with complex needs.

Request a Consult

Want to be part of the big dream?

Every donation is eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona tax credit.

Make a Difference Contact Us