ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Ariel Mansholt

Ariel Mansholt: An Advocate for Inclusive Play

For Ariel Mansholt, OTD, OTR, CPSI, her capstone project with Landscape Structures, Inc., developed into a professional career after graduation. Now, as an Inclusive Play Specialist, she designs and advocates for play areas that meet the needs of children of all ages and abilities. It is something Ariel holds dear to her heart, and she is collaborating with Baylor Occupation Therapy to evaluate inclusive versus traditional playgrounds to gain more understanding about how play is impacted.

“My piece of advice would be to do the things that scare you,” she said. “I did not see myself becoming a public speaker and traveling across the United States speaking to advocate to groups about the importance of inclusive playgrounds. I went into my career headfirst—as well as with an open mind and open heart.”

Ariel also serves part-time as a school-based occupational therapist in Gardner, Kansas. In this field, she works closely with young children and their families.

She strives to regularly participate in professional development to continue her education on topics like emotional regulation, feeding, fine motor development, and sensory integration. Ariel attended a SOS Approach to Feeding course. At the STAR Institute, she completed the Level One Advanced Intensive Mentorship program, and this summer she plans to attend its Praxis & Motor Mastery: Decoding Dyspraxia and Apraxia course. 

In Fall 2025, Ariel will come full circle with Baylor Occupation Therapy and achieve a “huge career goal.” She will host a capstone student, helping to mentor the next generation of occupational therapists.