OWLS: Outdoor Work and Life Skills

The OWLS program teaches life skills for teens with a variety of developmental disabilities and neurodivergent ways (, ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, FASD etc). We provide a supportive environment to learn new skills. We use nature, farm/homestead activities and everyday tasks to teach the skills needed to live a full adult life one day. We can also help teens recognize their strengths and identify their interests while exploring future hobbies and potential employment. We serve Boulder County, CO (Longmont, Boulder, Niwot, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville) and beyond.

Our Services

Any or all of these categories can be a part of the service objectives depending on your personal goals.

Cooking

Planning
Shopping & Money Use
Measuring
Stirring/scooping/mixing
Knife skills
Following a recipe
Simple appliance use – mixer, blender, food processor, microwave
*We can manage many dietary restrictions or needs

Gardening

Planning
Shopping & Money Use
Starting seeds
Following a garden layout
Planting outdoors
Watering & Trimming
Simple tool use
Composting
Harvesting

Animal Care

Food and water needs
Petting and attention
Hoof maintenance
Animal housing & fencing
Egg collection

Soft Skills

Interest Inventory
Workplace etiquette
Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Emotional Intelligence
Follow building plan, instructions or recipe
Follow visual or written schedule
Reading signs (stop, exit, enter etc)

Money Use

Budgeting
Purchasing
Understanding money
Using debit/credit card
Tracking spending

Home Maintenance

Cleaning
Organizing
Basic tool use
Laundry
Creation of home products - cleaning or self care products
Basic sewing and embroidery

Our Service Costs

Individual session packages include four 90-minute one-on-one sessions that can be booked with flexibility over a period of four weeks. For instance, once per week for four weeks, or four days in one week. The individual four-session package cost is $895.
Multiple four-session packages may be booked at a 10% discount for each package when booked at the same time. For example, two groups of four sessions cost $1611.

Summer group session package is offered upon request and based on availability. Group programs include 90-minute sessions once per week for 8 weeks from June 2-July 26, 2025. Inquire for more details or request to be placed on a waitlist.
The 8 week group session cost is $595.

Due to the unique nature of these services we cannot bill insurance. Scholarships and sliding scale are available, please inquire for further details.

Lisa Cover, OTD, OTR/L

Lisa received her bachelor and doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. She has worked in the school district for over 20 years with kids from preschool to high school.
She has extensive training and experience working with children with a variety of challenges including developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, Autism, FASD and drug exposure, trauma, and attachment challenges.
She has specialized training in sensory integration interventions, trauma informed practices such as Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), feeding challenges and executive function challenges.
She firmly believes in the power of nature to help improve physical and mental health as well as the importance of functional activities to prepare kids for a bright future.
Lisa and her husband, Ben, have three children (two biological and one adopted). When not working with kids she loves to be outside working on the farm or enjoying the outdoors.

About Birdhouse Farms

At Birdhouse Farms we believe in the importance of wellness by following organic and permaculture practices as much as possible. By maintaining a healthy natural environment we can nurture all in body and mind. Lisa's husband, Ben, manages the farm. Our animals are small, docile and friendly. The Farm offers teens the opportunity to learn from the animals, natural elements like the gardens, and functional homestead activities.

Why Us?

Dedicated to clients' success.
Focused on client and family goals.
Committed to maximizing future outcomes.
A safe environment to try new things and learn new skills.

At Mountain Jay Therapy we believe in the power of nature to improve lives. We also believe in using meaningful activities to build skills and prepare teens for the future. We will strive to find the meaningful activities that will motivate your child.