
Our Story
Our mission is to provide a special place where families feel supported and empowered to meet the joys and challenges of raising a child with neurodiverse needs, all the while appreciating the unique personality and character inside! It is not the intent to change the child to be more like us but to support each child in becoming the most independent, confident, and happy person he or she can become.




Hear It From Folks we've helped
Meet
Cameron
About Commencement Children’s Therapy
Hi! I’m Shari Addleman, owner of Commencement Children’s Therapy, pediatric occupational therapist, and southern belle from Tennessee who moved to the Pacific Northwest almost 30 years ago; I still have the accent to prove it so be prepared! I fell in love with the Northwest and now call it home! The more time I spent on the Puget Sound and by Commencement Bay, I realized this is where I belong!! I raised a beautiful and delightful son, Cameron, and was married to an Air Force NCO for 18 years. I love Tacoma and the eclectic, genuine nature of this area. My heart is the happiest along the waterfront which is where the inception of Commencement Children’s Therapy happened! I am so happy to provide occupational therapy services for the growing number of children, birth to 8 years of age, who need services in Tacoma and the surrounding areas.
Both of my sons did OT at CCT for visual motor/handwriting development and I cannot stress how helpful it was. Miss Shari and her team are incredibly kind, welcoming and so so skilled at the work they do. I will be forever grateful.
Kelsey
We have been with Commencement Children's Therapy for five years, and I cannot recommend Shari and her team enough. Shari's passion for her work is evident in the incredible growth we've seen in our son. She carefully selects equally enthusiastic, goal-oriented, and passionate staff, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
A
My son received OT services for ADHD and sensory processing disorder. Shari and Cassandra provided excellent care and support for our son and our family. We were so lucky to find an amazing care team to help our son thrive and be successful in school!
Lindsay
I cannot offer enough praise for Miss Shari and her team. She worked with my son for about 3 years. During that time our family gained valuable insight and helpful tools that will continue to help us for years to come. Her caring nature and love for the work is pretty much legendary at this point. Thank you for everything, Shari!!
Lexy
We have been going to CCT for over three years and the staff has become extended family. They really help educate me on how to work with my son outside of session time, answer questions, brainstorm with his staff at school if needed, and are constantly his cheerleaders. His session time is so intentional, from the moment we walk in the door, they're ready with prompts for him, back-up plans in case he doesn't like or do well with an activity, and a balance of activities to keep him engaged the entire time.
Rachelle
Commencement Children's Therapy is a true treasure. Everyone we encountered was truly invested in the growth and success of our child. They were also extremely supportive of me as a parent in making sure I had the tools I needed to best aid my child's development. Although we have moved on from our time there, I would go back in a heartbeat if the need arose.
Megan
Shari is amazing! She’s an absolutely gifted therapist who is able to meet each child where they’re at. I’ve lost track of how many years my daughter has worked with her. Thanks to Shari’s guidance, my daughter thrives and is constantly challenged to meet her potential. Shari has a passion for what she does and consistently goes above and beyond to support the kids... AS WELL AS their families. I cannot recommend her highly enough!!
Hylan
We met Ms. Shari in 2015 just before my son was officially diagnosed with autism, and have been with her ever since! I can’t recommend Children’s Commencement Therapies enough and of course her practice has grown so much since then because she is so great! I feel lucky I got in when I did! With her guidance, my son has made great gains and is a completely different kid now than when he started, in the very best way possible!
Venus
We have been with Commencement Children's Therapy for a year. As someone who has been through years of different kinds of therapy at many different providers, I can testify there is a HUGE difference. Commencement Children's Therapy has been one of the BEST therapy experiences we have had for our son, and we look forward to many more years with them.
Holly
Commencement Children's Therapy is an absolutely wonderful place with both caring and wonderful staff. Ms. Shari and staff have worked diligently in their approach and time in working with my son, in a fun yet calming environment. Following each visit, I can see that small spark of positive change in my son. I can't thank CCT enough for all they do.
Jeffery
I can’t say enough good things about Commencement Children’s Therapy. My son has been seeing Ms. Shari since October of 2018 for Occupational Therapy and I have noticed so much growth and progress in my son. She offers great advice and encouragement and you can definitely tell she carries true passion in her work with children and their families. Ms. Cassandra has been a pleasure to work with, she knows what she is doing as well. I recommend CCT
Nellie
Hear It From Folks we've helped



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