Meet the Team
Hi! I’m Blythe Ardyson
Owner and Occupational Therapist at Running Cedar Therapies
My passion for building Running Cedar Therapies is guided by my experiences as a mother of two children with special needs. My goal is to create the kinds of services I know that children and families need.
Beyond just offering amazing therapy for kids and teens, I believe that families will experience improved quality of life by engaging together in a community that provides social support and knowledge sharing.
Support not just from therapists but from like-minded parents has been crucial to my journey as a parent to children with differences. However, this support was not always easy to find. And this gap in support is what I hear and see from other families in my work as an occupational therapist.
I am a life-long nature enthusiast, a former biology teacher, and a mother who has seen first-hand the incredible benefits of time spent in nature. Through my personal experiences and extensive research, I have become so convinced children and families will flourish with nature-based therapy. That's why I channeled all my energy into bringing nature-based services to my community.
Most of all, I’m guided by my love for children, teens, and their families. I believe love is a necessary ingredient in all I do.
It’s literally my job to love each child and foster stronger family connections.
Beyond a big heart, I share years of training and experience:
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Extensively trained in the ConTiGO Approach for providing evidence-based outdoor therapy
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Trained in advanced topics to help children and teens including social thinking, feeding skills, self-regulation, and interoception
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Empowered to use effective Autism specific strategies through Learn, Play, Thrive and TEACCHⓇ Autism Program
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More than 5 years working as an OT in the school system, working with children from preschool through high school age, after graduating with a Masters in Occupational Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2016
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Deep understanding of adolescents and education from spending 11 years as a science and math teacher at the Carolina Friends School – which fostered a love for experiential learning and an outdoor curriculum
Hello! I’m Shelley Rhudy
Physical Therapist at Running Cedar Therapies
My favorite part of being a physical therapist is helping kids be as independent as possible using problem solving and adaptations. Whether I can help children to play in their own backyards, camp with their family and friends, or play laser tag in their neighborhood - I’ve seen doors open with the right combination of therapy and support.
I am excited to combine my passions for accessibility and the outdoors with my work at Running Cedar Therapies. We offer a powerful combination of physical therapy and immersion in the natural environment.
Enjoying outdoor activities has been a huge part of my family life. My husband, two kids, and I love having adventures together, from digging in the creek in our backyard to camping and hiking. Time in the outdoors has positively impacted my family and I want other families to experience the same benefit, especially when it feels out of reach.
Beyond a passion for the outdoors, I share years of experience and knowledge:
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Over 20 years experience as a pediatric physical therapist, in schools and homes
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Expansive experience across age groups and diagnoses, especially drawn to neurological and genetic-related diagnoses
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Extensive experience working with families and equipment vendors regarding mobility and adaptive equipment needs
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Prioritize the social-emotional benefit of my work with my clients and families
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Connecting families with community resources
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I love incorporating yoga into my work with individuals and groups across age ranges and ability levels.
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Check out Physical Therapy Services