Therapist-Led Pediatric Therapy in Phoenix
Pure Hearts Therapy is a home-based, neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice serving families across the Phoenix area.
Founded by an Occupational Therapist
Pure Hearts Therapy was founded by Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, an Arizona-born occupational therapist and Army veteran. After working in healthcare and home health settings, Brian saw the need for a model that prioritized flexibility, family relationships, and regulation-focused care.
As a therapist-led practice, Pure Hearts is built on clinical integrity, autonomy for providers, and meaningful support for families. Our goal is simple: create an environment where both children and therapists can thrive.
Our Practice Model
At Pure Hearts Therapy, our approach is built on one simple belief: therapy should feel like support, not stress. We create plans that fit your child’s needs, your family’s routines, and your real life.
This same belief guides how we work with families and how we support our therapists.
Neurodiversity-Affirming
We focus on strengths, honor differences, and create environments where children feel safe, accepted, and empowered to grow.
Family-Centered
We collaborate closely with caregivers and build plans that fit daily life — not clinical checklists.
Play-Based & Practical
We use meaningful, real-life activities to support growth in communication, regulation, feeding, and participation.
Home-Based & Flexible
Therapy happens where children are most comfortable. This reduces stress and supports natural carryover.
Team-Based Culture
We support families and therapists through collaboration, clinical respect, and clear communication.
We believe therapy should fit into real life — not disrupt it.
Families Share Their Experience
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“In a short amount of time my daughter has made huge strides under her therapist’s kind and helpful guidance.”
— Sherri S.
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“Therapist goes above on our goals. We have fun and enjoy our therapy sessions. Professional service!”
— Maria R.
Leadership & Team
Brian
Founder
Brian combines his military background and holistic health expertise to deliver neurodiversity-affirming, client-centered care. His playful approach empowers children and families alike.
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Brian Keene brings a unique blend of life experiences and professional expertise to everything he does. Born and raised in Arizona, Brian’s journey has taken him from the mountains of his home state to the beaches of Hawaii, where he served as an Army veteran and worked at Tripler Hospital for four years as a laboratory technician. After transitioning from military life, he embraced his passion for health and wellness by earning degrees in exercise science from GCU and occupational therapy from NAU.
Brian’s approach to therapy is playful yet deeply rooted in cultural sensitivity, client-centered care, and a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices. He believes in empowering families and clients, ensuring that each person receives care tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s through his work as an occupational therapist or his playful exploration of yoga, basketball, weightlifting, mountain biking, and more, Brian is always in motion.
His personal love for fitness and holistic health, combined with his previous experience as a licensed massage therapist, inspired him to start Pure Hearts Therapy. He also launched the Autism Family Resource Podcast to further empower clients, families, and therapists with the education and tools to achieve the best possible care.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find Brian soaking up the Arizona sun, swimming, or spending time at the beach. His dedication to wellness and helping others has earned him recognition, with features in publications like The NAU Review and The Arizona Republic.
Maria
Occupational Therapist
Maria brings extensive experience in sensory integration, providing comprehensive evaluations, hands-on treatment, and personalized home programs. She’s passionate about helping children feel regulated, confident, and successful in their everyday lives
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Dr. Maria Roots holds a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University, with a specialization in pediatrics. She brings over eight years of clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy, with advanced training in sensory integration and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.
Her doctoral capstone project, “Using Sensory Integration to Treat Tactile Defensiveness: Establishing Fidelity of Treatment,” was presented at the 2018 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference. She recently mentored her first doctoral capstone student and co-developed a pilot study titled “Establishing an Adaptive Sports Group in Pediatric Outpatient Occupational Therapy: Activity Protocol Development and Implementation.”
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Roots has extensive experience in feeding therapy, as well as infant positioning and handling. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists and finds great fulfillment in supporting fieldwork students and emerging professionals as they enter the field.
Dipali
Occupational Therapist & Ayurvedic Practitioner
Dipali integrates sensory integration therapy with holistic wellness practices to support clients' overall development.
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Dipali is a licensed and experienced Occupational Therapist with a specialized focus on Sensory Integration Therapy. With a passion for supporting individuals of all ages in processing and responding to sensory information, she collaborates closely with clients to enhance their ability to engage in daily activities, improve motor coordination, and develop effective emotional regulation strategies.
Specialties Include:
Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Developmental Delays
Anxiety and Stress Management
Fine & Gross Motor Skills Development
Emotional Regulation & Behavior Management
Sensory Diet Creation & Implementation
Parent Education and Coaching
In addition to her work as an OT, Dipali is a compassionate Ayurvedic Practitioner dedicated to promoting holistic wellness. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, she empowers individuals to achieve balance and vitality by addressing the connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
Dipali's integrative approach helps clients thrive by blending modern therapeutic techniques with timeless principles of well-being.
Admin Team
Scott
Client Onboarding &
Scheduling
Scott ensures smooth operations with his extensive background in healthcare administration, supporting families throughout their therapy journey.
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Scott brings over twenty-eight years of dynamic and diverse experience in the medical and healthcare fields. A proud Mesa, Arizona native, he started his academic journey with an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. Since 2014, Scott has been a dedicated Patient Access Associate for a prominent pediatric therapy company in Tempe, ensuring families receive exceptional care and support.
Scott’s career journey is marked by an impressive variety of roles. He spent six years as the welcoming face at a cardiologist’s front desk in Mesa, and prior to that, he contributed significantly to Banner Behavioral Health Center. There, he took on multiple positions as a Health Unit Secretary, a Patient Financial Service Representative, and a Psychiatric Technician until the facility’s closure in November 2006.
Outside of work, Scott dives into his passions. He loves experimenting in the kitchen, unwinding with science fiction movies, and retreating to Sedona’s scenic beauty for refreshing vacations. Since 1998, Scott has shared life’s adventures with his devoted partner, Kirt, creating countless cherished memories together.
Kimora
Admin
Kimora keeps things running smoothly with a blend of organization, heart, and hustle—bringing fresh ASU smarts and local pride to our behind-the-scenes magic!
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Kimora is an administrative assistant and human resources specialist who enjoys helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. She’s currently studying Business at Arizona State University and brings a mix of real-world experience and fresh perspective to the team. Originally from Arizona, Kimora takes pride in being dependable, organized, and always willing to lend a hand. She puts care into everything she does and loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives.
Clarissa
Media & Community Engagement Lead
Clarissa is the creative heart behind our social media—bringing warmth, color, and connection to the Pure Hearts Therapy community through every post, story, and share.
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Clarissa is a California native with a deep love for creativity, connection, and all things colorful! After relocating to Arizona seven years ago, she has fully embraced the vibrant energy of the Greater Phoenix area—especially its diverse culinary scene, which she absolutely loves exploring...one restaurant at a time.
With a lifelong passion for cooking, painting, and digital media, she brings a creative and crafty touch to everything she touches. Staying active and spending time by the beach (whenever she can!) keeps her grounded and inspired.
For the past three years, she has proudly served as the Social Media Manager for Pure Hearts Therapy, where she combines her eye for design with a heart for community and mental wellness.
Whether she's curating a feed, crafting a new dish, or working on her next art piece, always seeking out ways to grow, express, and connect.
Community & Education
Beyond direct therapy services, Pure Hearts Therapy is committed to parent education and advocacy. Through workshops, webinars, and the Autism Family Resource Podcast, we aim to equip families with practical tools and a deeper understanding of regulation and sensory needs.
We believe empowered parents create empowered children.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re a parent looking for support, explore our therapy services.
If you’re a therapist interested in joining our team, learn more about career opportunities.