About

How we began...

Our story began with two occupational therapists who wanted to change the world by helping those affected by disability and poverty lead a better quality of life. Dahlia Castillo of El Paso, Texas and Carol Doehler of East Greenwich, Rhode Island came together with a shared vision: to use their knowledge and talents in occupational therapy to TEACH caregivers basic therapy skills enabling them to TREAT the people with disabilities they care for with greater skill, and empowering them to TRAIN others. So, instead of building houses or churches, they would build a sustainable, positive change in the quality of life of those living with disabilities… one person, one family, one clinic at a time.

In January 2007, Dahlia and Carol traveled to Juárez, Mexico to visit Fundación Integra, an agency started by families of children with disabilities. In Juárez, professional therapy services for children and adults with disabilities were limited, and family members were left to provide most of the support and care. During that visit, families traveled from afar to the see the “therapistas de occupational”. Clients were evaluated and family members were taught methods to help make care at home more manageable. The clinic staff was trained in more up-dated therapy techniques. The change that was beginning to take place at the clinic was profound, and a promise was made to return.

In July 2007, 14 therapists returned to Juárez to work at Fundación Integra. During this two week teaching assignment, it became clear to Dahlia and Carol that there was a need to create an organization that could continue and expand upon the work they had started in Juárez to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities using the TEACH, to TREAT, to TRAIN development model in countries where professional therapy services are limited or non-existent. And so, Therapy Missions, Inc. was created.

Since its conception, the goal of Therapy Missions, Inc. is simple:

• to TEACH family members and other caregivers basic therapy skills and techniques, enabling them...
• to TREAT the children and adults with disabilities they care for with greater skill...
• empowering them to TRAIN the local staff of our program partners in up to date therapy techniques

How we continue...