I Help Families Find Their Footing.
An occupational therapist, an advocate, and a parent who has been where you are.
Hi, I'm Erin Spaniol
Founder, Beacon Rehabilitation
I founded Beacon Rehabilitation to bring together my clinical, research, and policy experience in service of individuals and families. Grounded in neuroscience and guided by a commitment to accessible, meaningful care, Beacon supports people at every stage of life—from young children to adults.
Through my experiences at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where I worked with service members recovering from traumatic brain injuries and limb loss, along with experiences leading assistive technology programs at numerous academic medical centers in the northeast, I saw how often patients and families struggled to access the care they needed. This inspired me to pursue a public health and policy degree at Columbia University.
I went on to lead federal initiatives at the National Institute of Health and the Veterans Health Administration, overseeing research into therapies and technologies that help regain independence. These experiences continue to shape Beacon’s approach: combining innovative science, practical support, and compassionate care to help every person reach their fullest potential.
Why Beacon Exists
Occupational Therapist and Founder, Beacon Rehabilitation
I have been in your shoes, and even with my clinical training, there were moments I did not have every answer. Advocating for my own child was not always easy either.
If it was that hard for me, I knew it was harder for parents without that background. Beacon Rehabilitation grew out of that. I want to be the guide I wish I had: someone who understands your child, knows the system, and stands beside you.
I also believe every child has strengths worth building on. My role is not to change who your child is, but to help them participate more fully in the activities, relationships, and routines that matter most to them.
Before this work, I spent years in policy in DC. That experience taught me how systems are built, and how easily families get lost in them.
While much of my work is one-on-one with children and families, I also collaborate with trusted professionals and community partners when additional expertise or support would benefit a family.
Credentials & Professional Experience:
- Licensed Occupational Therapist serving families throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC
- In-home occupational therapy, parent coaching, advocacy support, and standardized assessments
- Collaboration with a consulting developmental pediatrician
- Former policy professional in Washington, DC
Who I Work With
- Children executive function challenges and handwriting challenges
- Kids with sensory differences and self-regulation needs
- Families navigating evaluations, IEPs, and accommodations
- Parents who want to advocate with confidence
- Schools looking for practical classroom support
- Standardized assessments and second opinions
Our Approach at Beacon Rehabilitation
Every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
At Beacon Rehabilitation, we believe support should begin with understanding the whole child, not just a diagnosis or a list of challenges. That’s why we take a collaborative, individualized approach that focuses on each child’s strengths, environment, goals, and everyday experiences.
Rather than focusing solely on deficits, we work alongside families to identify practical solutions that build confidence, increase participation, and support success in daily life.
We also believe that support should be relevant to a child’s real world. While clinic-based services can be valuable, meaningful progress happens when strategies can be applied at home, at school, and within the routines that matter most.
Through occupational therapy, parent coaching, advocacy, and collaboration with other professionals when appropriate, we help families bridge the gap between recommendations and real-life implementation.
Let’s Start With a Conversation
If any of this sounds like what you have been looking for, I would love to hear about your child.