Our Story
Bouncing Beans' story began in February 2020, when Allison (pediatric OT and mom) was beginning to coordinate playgroups in the Woburn area, hoping to provide a space where families could learn more about developmental skills, while also feeling a sense of connection with other parents/caregivers and the community. This project was put on hold as the world experienced the start of the pandemic, and Allison had twins (yikes!). She was quarantined with 3 kids under 3, with lots of time to brainstorm kid-friendly activities, and to wish there were other families to join in the play. Once the twins were close to a year old and community programming was ramping back up, Allison began running playgroups at the local library and recreation department, hoping to offer caregivers and their little beans the chance to connect with others, while also providing new and exciting places to bounce! Jessie (teacher and mom) attended every playgroup with her kids, and helped this young program and the community of followers grow.
Allison Osipow
Founder, Occupational Therapist, Mom
Allison Osipow is a pediatric occupational therapist in the Boston area and mom of 3. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings, including in Early Intervention, an integrated public preschool, an outpatient hospital setting, and a community-based clinic. She has taught pediatric OT seminars at Boston University and the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Allison has facilitated playgroups for kids ages 0-3 receiving Early Intervention services in the Greater Boston Area, and she is excited to be developing playgroups for children and families in the Woburn community. Allison is an alumni from Boston University where she earned a Masters of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy and Boston College where she earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Child Development and Bachelor Degree in Philosophy.
Jessie Wetzel
Founder, Teacher, Mom
Jessie looks forward to sharing the Bouncing Beans experience with members of the community! Jessie is a Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI). Currently, she volunteers her time at Perkins, supports the school system through the PTO, and runs an Early Childhood program group through the public preschool. She’s a mom to three young girls who are active in the Woburn community. Jessie worked at Perkins School for the Blind teaching students and fostering relationships with families. Previously, Jessie worked with corporate clients finalizing deals to bring business to the Boston area. She shifted paths and pursued an education degree after the birth of her first daughter. Jessie is an alumni from University of Massachusetts where she earned a Masters of Education (MEd) in Teaching for the Visually Impaired and Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Business.