Are you a parent looking to connect with a pediatric occupational therapist regarding questions related to sensory processing, sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills, or other developmental skills?
Are you a parent seeking to engage with a pediatric occupational therapist to address questions related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?
Are you an occupational therapy student, a recent graduate, or a professional transitioning into the pediatric setting in search of guidance and mentorship?
MY JOURNEY
My name is Melissa, and I am a licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist. As a neuro-affirming therapist, I employ a relationship-based approach to therapy. My goal is to assist parents in understanding how relationship-based interventions and sensory strategies can effectively support and enhance their child's learning and engagement in daily activities. I am committed to teaching individuals how to engage with children by meeting them where they are, building upon their strengths and interests, and celebrating their neurodiversity rather than attempting to alter it. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from San Francisco State University (2015) and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (2021). My career in pediatrics began in 2017 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and I have since worked with children of varying ages and abilities. Through my experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the distinctions between compliance-based and strength-based approaches. My goal is to empower and educate parents on the significance of child-led, strength-based learning approaches, with a strong emphasis on sensory processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age groups do you offer consultations? My area of expertise spans from ages 2 to 21.
2. Do you accept Insurance? This consultation service does not qualify as a healthcare service or occupational therapy, so it is not eligible for insurance coverage
3. Can you diagnose my child with ASD or SPD? While I can provide strategies for sensory processing, I am not able to make a diagnosis.
4. Do you offer 1:1 OT sessions? I must clarify that I am solely a consultation service. While I can observe your child engaging in play with you virtually and offer strategies, this does not constitute an occupational therapy session.
Do you accept international clients? Indeed, the remarkable advantage of providing virtual consultation services lies in their accessibility from virtually anywhere.
6. I can’t decide if I need 1 call or 3 calls, how do I choose which will be more beneficial? The number of scenarios or areas you wish to explore will significantly influence our consultation. If you are primarily seeking answers to specific "why" questions, we can likely address those within a single call. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive coaching experience, I recommend scheduling three calls.