Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gwen Claussen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gwen , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I never set out to find my purpose. I just kept doing what needed to be done. At first, it was for my own child. Then, for my family. Then, for the kids and families I met at the clinic. One by one, the circle grew until “doing what needed to be done” became a calling to fight for all children and families who deserve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
The truth is, I wasn’t always the person who could do this kind of work publicly. I was the kid who practiced saying her name before it was her turn to speak. The one who counted paragraphs so I could be ready to read mine aloud, still sweating when it came. But over the past few years, I’ve changed. I’ve pushed myself past every comfort zone I’ve ever had, because the mission of Flourishing Lives matters more than my fear.
About two and a half years ago, I was asked to speak at a conference and share my story. I cried the entire morning. My hands shook. My voice trembled. But I did it anyway. I spoke through tears and fear, because I believed in the message more than my comfort. Afterward, people came up to me in tears, telling me my story mattered to them. That moment changed me. It was the first time I really saw that my voice could make a difference.
Last week, I stood in Washington, D.C., meeting with congressional representatives at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Summit. I spoke about the real needs of families we serve, calmly, confidently, without sweating.
That’s what advocacy has done for me. It’s what it does for every family and every clinician who refuses to give up.
At Flourishing Lives, we are relentless advocates for children, for families, and for each other.
Because when something truly matters, you do it anyway.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Flourishing Lives is more than a pediatric therapy clinic. It is part of a movement to reimagine what therapy can feel like for children and families. We believe progress does not just happen in a session. It happens through relationships, trust, and connection that extend far beyond clinic walls. Our approach is child-led, family-centered, and built on evidence-based care that honors each child’s individuality and every parent’s intuition. We serve children with sensory processing challenges, autism, ADHD, feeding difficulties, anxiety, and developmental delays. But more than that, we serve families who want care that feels personal, compassionate, and collaborative.
What makes Flourishing Lives special is the way we build safety and partnership into every interaction. We do not ask families to fit into a system. We build the system around them. Every decision we make, from the way our spaces are designed to the way we train our clinicians, runs through one question: Does this align with our mission, vision, and values? That commitment shapes our work culture and the experience families have when they walk through our doors.
Right now, we are expanding our reach through new family education programs and professional development opportunities for therapists who want to practice in alignment with our relationship-based model. We are also developing workshops and community events that help parents feel supported, not alone, in their child’s journey.
At Flourishing Lives, our mission is simple but profound: to help children and families truly flourish, in therapy, at home, and in every part of life.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey most: relentless compassion, adaptability, and alignment with purpose.
Relentless Compassion
Compassion is not softness, it is strength. It means showing up when things are hard or uncertain. I learned that real compassion requires courage to advocate, listen, and keep believing in progress.
Advice: Let empathy guide your actions, not just your feelings.
Adaptability and Lifelong Learning
Running a clinic while raising a family has taught me to adapt quickly and stay open. Growth happens when you are willing to learn something new or let go of what no longer fits.
Advice: Stay curious. Ask questions even when you think you should already know the answers.
Alignment with Purpose and Values
At Flourishing Lives, every decision runs through one filter: does this align with our mission, vision, and values? That clarity keeps me grounded and consistent.
Advice: Know what matters to you and let it guide every choice.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Our ideal clients are families who value connection, collaboration, and growth. They are parents who want more than therapy sessions; they want a partnership. Many come to us feeling unheard or overwhelmed after trying other systems that did not fit their child’s needs. They are ready for care that feels personal, grounded, and hopeful. They believe progress happens through relationships and are willing to work together to support their child both in and out of the clinic. They ask questions, share insights, and stay engaged in the process.
Most of all, our ideal families believe that every child has potential and that small, consistent steps forward matter.
When that mindset meets our mission, meaningful change happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.floursihinglivesmi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishinglivesmi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlourishingLivesMI
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishinglivesmi
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