Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanira Arce.
Hi Yanira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I knew in my heart I wanted to become an occupational therapist since I was 11 years old. Watching an early intervention OT treating my cousin who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, got me very curious and interested in learning about this career.
I obtained a bachelors degree as a special education teacher and worked with children with Down Syndrome for one year while waiting to be accepted in the OT program at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus.
I received my Masters degree and began my career as a pediatric occupational therapist in Puerto Rico in 2012, where I built a strong clinical foundation and discovered my deep passion for working with children and families.
In 2015, I took a leap of faith and accepted a traveling occupational therapy position in Houston, without fully knowing all that God had in store for me during that season. I was so blessed to have worked with Faith Stillen, an amazing and passionate OT during that time, from who I learned and grew so much professionally. Then we moved to Fort Hood, Texas and got to work with with another amazing OT “Kelli Easley” who has also been one of my mentors during this process and I’m truly grateful for her. Every clinic I’ve worked in brought amazing therapists into my life who contributed so much to my growth. I’m beyond grateful for those experiences and connections.
It was in Houston that I met my husband, and our journey together led us through multiple moves due to military life.
Each relocation allowed me to continue working in diverse settings, expanding my clinical skills, and deepening my understanding of the unique needs of children and families across different communities. In 2022, we settled in San Antonio, where I clearly saw a growing need, particularly on the east side. I saw a need for a more holistic, family-centered approach to pediatric occupational therapy. It was in 2025, when I knew it was the right time. After 13 years in the field, and with a vision that had been placed in my heart long before, I started my private practice in August 2025.
This work is more than a career for me, it is my passion and my calling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road.. Building a practice from the ground up has come with challenges, including marketing, navigating insurance systems, and establishing referral relationships with physicians.
Building trust and visibility in a new community takes time, but showing up consistently and authentically has made all the difference.
Choosing to create a values-driven, family-centered model, rather than a high-volume approach, has required patience and persistence.
Growing into the role of both clinician and business owner has stretched me in new ways, especially while balancing family life and motherhood alongside entrepreneurship. It can be challenging to be fully present with my family, some days more than others, but I trust the process and I know I am building something meaningful. I have to say that my husband has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. I truly couldn’t have done this without him. I’m so grateful for all the ways he has helped, for believing in me, and for always lifting my spirits when I need it most.
I have also been incredibly blessed to build meaningful connections along the way with other occupational therapists and speech therapists who are small business owners as well. Their guidance, support, and willingness to share their knowledge have been invaluable in helping me navigate the many aspects of running a practice and better understand the business side of care. Having a community of like minded professionals has made this journey feel far less isolating and has been a true source of encouragement.
Growing into the role of both clinician and business owner has stretched me in new ways, especially while balancing family life and motherhood alongside entrepreneurship.
Despite these challenges, I have been truly blessed and have been working with wonderful families and clients throughout these months. Families reaching out after hearing about my work has been deeply affirming and a reminder that purpose-driven care, rooted in connection and trust, naturally attracts the right families.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Infinity & Beyond Kidz, LLC provides child-led and play-based pediatric occupational therapy practice located in Garden Ridge. We offer in-office therapy services.
We provide therapy services in both English and Spanish. We understand the importance of effective communication in a child’s development and strive to create a comfortable and inclusive environment for all families.
At Infinity & Beyond Kidz, we take a holistic approach to pediatric occupational therapy.
We use a non-traditional occupational therapy approach that focuses on the nervous system and the root cause of challenges, rather than surface-level strategies.
We specialize in primitive reflex integration and sensory processing, which strongly influence attention, behavior, coordination, emotional regulation, and learning. When these foundational systems are not well organized, everyday skills can feel hard for children.
Therapy is individualized and movement-based, using a variety of techniques to support how the brain and body work together. By strengthening these foundations first, children can build lasting skills that carry over into home, school, and daily life.
We believe in collaborating closely with families to understand each child’s unique needs and create tailored therapy plans to promote their well-being and independence in daily life skills.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I truly love what I do. Being part of each child’s journey is something I don’t take lightly. I genuinely care about the families I work with and really want to support them in a way that feels meaningful and lasting.
I stay up to date with evidence-based practices and continue taking courses so I can provide the best care possible. I’m always learning because our kids deserve that.
I focus on the root cause and not just the surface behaviors. If we don’t understand the “why,” we can’t create real and lasting changes.
My passion and drive for what I do is what fuels me. It’s what keeps me inspired and ready for what’s ahead.
My sessions are intentional, child-led, play-based, and always results-driven. It may look like play (because it is), but there is purpose behind everything we do.
I don’t believe in keeping kids in therapy longer than necessary. The goal is progress, independence, and giving families the tools they need.
Parents are never left guessing about what’s happening in sessions. They’re encouraged to observe, ask questions, and truly understand what we’re working on and why , so they feel confident supporting their child at home.
Communication is ongoing. I take time after each session to explain progress, answer questions, and give guidance.
Connecting with parents and really listening is such a big part of what I do. I know that sometimes families come in feeling overwhelmed, especially when their child has just received a new diagnosis. There can be so many emotions and confusion of the unknown, and many questions about what it all means.
I make space for that. I take time to listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and help break things down in a way that feels clear and manageable, not scary. I want parents to leave feeling informed, supported, and empowered, not alone in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.infinitybeyondkidz.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575794379396
