2011 AWIB Young Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Winner

Rebecca Dean
President
Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc.

Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc. (TTT) offers pediatric therapy services which include occupational, physical and speech therapy, and supportive services to community at large. TTT’s mission is to provide quality traditional and alternative pediatric therapy services and to maximize independence in functional skills in children. Headquartered and serving many school districts in New Jersey, and with a staff of close to 40, TTT has grown into a leading therapy provider for center based, home based and school based therapy services.
 

Rebecca was born and raised in Qatar and came to the U.S. when she was 18-years old. After graduating from Kean University with a BA in Occupational Therapy, Rebecca worked as an Occupational Therapist for several years. Rebecca saw the need for an alternative therapy practice for children with special needs, which was not being supported while she was working for other organizations. So In 2007, she opened TTT in Scotch Plains, New Jersey to have the freedom to practice her profession without any boundaries, as children or humans are so fluid, that each child deserves to have more than the cookie cutter method provided to them to reach their maximum potential.

Rebecca is a young entrepreneur at 33-years old, but don’t let her age fool you. She says“Don’t be fearful, you can make it, regardless of color, age, or your background. Even if you look young, if you are passionate, it will gain you the respect ”.

A self-proclaimed natural leader, Rebecca admits that it sometimes can be hard to let go of control and let someone else take charge. But under Rebecca’s direction, TTT has added a second location and has grown to serve over one-hundred children. At her clinic, she’s helped launch specialized programs and support groups to address kids with special needs. TTT has grown tremendously in just four years thanks to Rebecca’s leadership.

Rebecca’s advice to Asian female entrepreneurs is “If you work hard, you can accomplish anything. Nothing is impossible if you believe in your ideas, work hard and focus. Also remember to brush off any negativity”.

When Rebecca isn’t busy with work, she’s giving back to a number of charities that focus on children with special needs. She is actively involved with and is the “Practice Chair” for the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association. She is also actively involved with Autism Speaks, and the Apraxia Foundation. She says helping children with learning disabilities or behavioral problems is something she feels strongly about and that’s one of the main reasons she wanted to open TTT.

Rebecca lives in New Jersey with her husband, who helps her run TTT, and their 4 & 2 year old daughters.