Hello and thank you for visiting

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.

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. It is our purpose to support the family unit, to share ideas, model strategies, and ways to engage with their child, to help parents advocate for their child and navigate the systems they are working within, to provide strategies at home to make life a little easier, and to provide an occasional “breather” to walk along the waterfront or sit on the patio with a coffee. We are here to support your family and be a part of your team!

I am happy to announce the addition of speech therapy services by Melinda Sidor, SLP, Inc.  Please contact Melinda directly at melinda.sidor.slp@gmail.com. She will provide helpful information to support the intake process for your child.  Melinda is a Washington native and has been working as a speech-language pathologist in the Puyallup School District for the last ten years. She attended Washington State University for a bachelor’s degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences; then earned a master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders at Western Washington University. Melinda has her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, is trained in PROMPT therapy, and enjoys working with pediatrics. She resides in the Pierce County area with her husband, three young kids, and family dog.

I am happy to announce our newest collaboration with Stacey Sheridan and her physical therapy practice, Sound Care Physical Therapy!  Stacey was born and raised in Georgia, earning her B.S. Ed in Kinesiology from the University of Georgia, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia. After graduating in 2009, the Pacific Northwest drew her west and she began her career working at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now married with two children, she expanded her interests in physical therapy care to pediatrics. Both of her lovely children have neurodiverse conditions, and partnering in care with their occupational therapist has expanded her horizons in early childhood development.  Please call Stacey directly at 253-306-0427  or email her at stacey@soundcarept.com.

Luna, our “Good Citizen Certified” Golden Retriever, might be in the office from time to time and she enjoys napping in the office, being fed treats by the kids, and receiving soft pats on her head!