Meet Jasmine Noghrey

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Noghrey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine , 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?

My purpose is rooted in helping children and families find their rhythm in a world that doesn’t always accommodate their needs. As an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics, especially early intervention and neurological outpatient rehab, I have seen how small gains can lead to life-changing outcomes. There is something incredibly powerful about watching a child master a new skill or seeing a family begin to understand and support their child’s potential in a new way. That is where my heart is.

Teaching future occupational therapists has only deepened that sense of purpose. After over a decade in the classroom, I have come to see that shaping the next generation of compassionate and skilled therapists is another way to create lasting impact. Each student I teach carries forward the values and knowledge we build together, reaching more children and families than I ever could alone.

I also carry the heart of a special education professional. I miss that space deeply. It taught me the importance of collaboration, the value of individualized care, and the joy of celebrating every kind of progress.

What gives me purpose is the belief that every child deserves to participate fully in life, and that with the right support, they can. My work is a blend of science, advocacy, and love. That is what drives me every single day.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Alongside my work as an occupational therapist and professor I am the founder of Joojeh Joy a brand that grew out of love curiosity and a genuine desire to help families. It all started when people began asking me for toy recommendations. They were looking for toys that were not only fun but also developmentally appropriate and purposeful. Over time it became clear that I had a real talent for finding toys that support motor sensory and cognitive development in meaningful ways.

I began creating customized toy boxes for families and professionals. What started as a personal project turned into a growing business. Joojeh Joy has since made its way into pediatric clinics dental offices private schools and even some public schools. Seeing how much joy and value our boxes bring to children and families has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

What makes Joojeh Joy special is the heart behind it. Each item in our boxes is chosen with intention backed by clinical experience and driven by a deep understanding of childhood development. These toys are more than just playthings. They are tools for connection engagement and growth.

Right now we are focused on expanding our reach. We are working on new product lines building relationships with more clinics and schools and always listening to what families and professionals need. There is so much more to come and I am truly excited about the direction we are headed.

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?

One of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been curiosity. I’ve always been deeply curious about people, especially children-the way they think, move, learn, and connect. That curiosity has driven me to keep learning, asking questions, and staying open to new ideas. For those starting out, I would say stay curious. Let your curiosity guide your growth and don’t be afraid to explore areas outside your comfort zone. That’s where the magic often happens.

Second is empathy. Whether I’m working with a family in early intervention, supporting a child in outpatient rehab, teaching graduate students, or curating a Joojeh Joy box, empathy is the foundation. It helps you listen better, build trust, and make decisions that are truly client-centered. My advice is to practice active listening and keep showing up with compassion. Over time, empathy becomes your strongest clinical and professional tool.

And third is adaptability. Things rarely go as planned, especially when you’re working with kids. Being flexible, thinking on your feet, and adjusting your approach based on what’s needed in the moment has made all the difference. For those early in their journey, I’d say be open to learning from every situation. Some of your best growth will come from the moments that didn’t go how you expected.

At the end of the day, your journey will be uniquely yours. Trust it, nurture it, and stay connected to the reason you started.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One thing we are really focusing on right now with Joojeh Joy is increasing exposure and helping more people discover us. Every time someone finds us for the first time their reaction is so encouraging. They’re excited about the products they see the quality and intention behind what we do and they often say they wish they had known about us sooner. That’s something we hear a lot and it motivates us to keep growing.

We’re actively working on getting the word out by building relationships with pediatric clinics schools and family-centered businesses. We’re also expanding our presence online and connecting more through social media and community events. Our goal is to make sure that anyone looking for thoughtful purposeful play tools knows that Joojeh Joy is here. The response so far has been amazing and we’re excited to keep sharing our work with even more families and professionals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.joojehjoy.com
• Instagram: Otwithjasmine & JoojehJoy
• Facebook: Joojeh joy
• Yelp: Joojeh joy
• Other: Tiktok: joojeh joy and jasminenogs