Why Play Matters: How Sadiya Ahmed's Swings and Wings Is Changing the Way We Support Kids
Interview by Heather Anderson
When Sadiya Ahmed became a mom after years as an occupational therapist, she noticed something missing in the parenting landscape: play spaces that actually supported kids' development. Not just noisy chaos, but calm, intentional environments where children of all abilities could feel regulated, connected, and supported—and so could their parents. That's exactly what she built in Alameda, CA. Swings and Wings is now a thriving hub of sensory-rich play, neuro-affirming OT, and a preschool built on social-emotional learning. We sat down to talk about the science of sensory play, her ecosystem of services, and why your child might need movement—not a deep breath—to get back on track.
You’ve dedicated nearly two decades to working with children as an occupational therapist. When did you realize you wanted to build something of your own?
It started during my years working in schools, homes, and community settings. I noticed a huge gap—kids, especially those who are neurodivergent, had nowhere truly supportive to go outside of home and school. There were recreational spaces, sure, but nothing sensory-rich or intentionally designed to meet their developmental needs.
Then I had my own kids. As a parent, I suddenly experienced that gap firsthand. I realized, if even I—an OT with years of training—was struggling to find places that felt safe and supportive for my kids, what about everyone else? That’s when I knew I had to create a space that would fill that need for families.
Most people assume opening a play space is just about having fun. But your background as an OT makes Swings and Wings something else entirely. What do people miss about the science behind your space?
Sensory processing is foundational to a child’s development. If your senses are out of sync, you can't access higher-level brain functions like learning, emotional regulation, or social engagement. That’s why every element of our space is intentionally designed.
We have swings to engage the vestibular system, a bounce house for proprioception, and a quiet room with no music—just soothing lights for down-regulation. Even our minimalist layout is intentional. Too many toys can overwhelm kids. Here, they can focus, choose, and self-direct. And because the play is child-led, caregivers get to observe what their child naturally gravitates toward—which often tells you a lot.
You also run a sensory-based preschool and an OT practice. How do all three businesses work together?
We’ve built an ecosystem. Drop-in play is the most accessible way for families to connect with us, but we also offer more structured support. Our preschool emphasizes sensory-rich, social-emotional learning. Then, for kids who need it, we provide individualized OT services.
Families might start with play, then enroll in preschool. Or preschoolers might join our camps or get therapy support. It’s all connected. What makes it powerful is that the environment and staff remain consistent across all three offerings, and that builds trust for parents and security for kids.
“Replace the old ‘take a deep breath’ advice with a movement break. Kids need to move to regulate.”
Your OT practice recently launched a social-emotional regulation group that’s seen huge success. What makes group work so powerful?
So many kids we see don’t have formal diagnoses—they’re just struggling with regulation. Group work makes support more accessible and affordable, and it introduces peer connection, which is huge. We combine evidence-based curricula with movement-rich activities to help kids learn regulation through play.
We’ve watched friendships form, seen parents bond over shared challenges, and helped families realize they're not alone. It’s been beautiful.
What ages do you serve in that group?
Right now it's for ages 6 to 8, but we've had so much demand for younger kids that we're creating a waitlist for ages 4 to 6.
You’re also developing a course for preschool teachers. What are some of the biggest misconceptions educators have about managing big emotions in the classroom?
The biggest one? That behavior is just behavior. In reality, every behavior is communication. No child wakes up wanting to be “disruptive.” They're telling us something—maybe they feel unsafe, overstimulated, or disconnected.
When teachers approach behaviors with curiosity instead of judgment, everything changes. It also helps when they understand their own sensory profiles, so they can better match and support the kids in their care. It’s not about fixing kids—it’s about creating environments where they can thrive.
What’s one change you recommend for teachers that makes a big difference?
Replace the old "Take a deep breath" advice with a movement break. Kids need to move to regulate. Try something simple and playful, like “Be a banana!” or “Pretend to be a pretzel!” It’s tangible, effective, and fun.
As a mom yourself, how did parenting your own children shape the way you designed Swings and Wings?
If I hadn’t been a parent, this space would look totally different. We have couches and chairs so parents can relax. It’s clean—really clean. We have shoe covers, free coffee, a snack machine, a fridge and microwave for families who need to store or heat meals. Everything we offer comes from a place of lived experience.
What’s something funny or unexpected that’s happened along the way?
My kids genuinely believe they own the place. They tell people they’re going to run it one day. It’s pretty cute.
Running three businesses is no small feat. How do you stay grounded?
I delegate well and I trust my team. I now only see OT clients two days a week. The other days I focus on my well-being: volunteering at school, cooking, gardening, and working out. I don’t need to be a millionaire. I just want to build community. And that’s what we see happening here every day—parents, kids, staff, all connecting in joyful, meaningful ways.
What should parents know before their first visit?
We’re small but mighty. Your child will be having fun, but underneath that, they're building skills, forming connections, and growing. Come ready to play—and maybe even learn a little about your child along the way.
What are the different ways families can work with you?
Drop-In Play: Stop by anytime during open hours for unstructured, sensory-rich play.
Camps: We offer 11 weeks of sensory play-based summer camps, plus holiday sessions.
Date Night Drop-Offs: Kids get three hours of fun while parents get a well-deserved break.
Birthday Parties & Events: Let us host your next celebration in a sensory-friendly space.
Community Events: Catch us around Alameda at local festivals and family activities.
Preschool: A sensory-rich, social-emotional learning environment with low student-teacher ratios.
Occupational Therapy Services (Ages 3-12): Neuro-affirming, individualized support for kids with sensory or emotional regulation needs.
Connect with Sadiya Kazi on Facebook or Instagram.
You can also find her on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.