In my undergraduate years at the University of California, Berkeley, I became interested in the field of occupational therapy, because I felt it embodies the philosophies and traits that she values, such as viewing the individual holistically – as an integrative unit with psychological, emotional, social, and physical needs. Thus, I pursued and received her Master’s of Occupational Therapy in August 2013 from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

I’m a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with over eight years of experience supporting children and families in sensory integration-based outpatient clinics. I provided comprehensive evaluations, interventions, and ongoing support for children ages 3-21 with diverse needs. I developed home programs, educated parents, and advocated for families, aiming to empower them throughout the therapeutic process. I also led therapeutic group programs that promoted kindergarten readiness, self-regulation, emotional regulation, social skills, and mindfulness for children aged 5-11. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I adapted services to include telehealth, creating instructional videos, educational social media content, and co-facilitating a virtual parent support group. 

I’ve completed specialized training across a wide range of therapy methodologies to enhance my therapeutic approach with children of all ages. My training includes DIR/Floortime, where I learned the DIR and DIRFloortime model to foster meaningful engagement and emotional development. In handwriting development, I am skilled in Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) for school readiness and writing for kindergarten through 5th grade.

In sensory and auditory integration, I am certified in the Integrated Listening Systems Safe and Sound Protocol and have completed extensive coursework with Vital Links, covering Therapeutic Listening, sensory integration using suspension equipment, and trauma-informed sensory motor approaches. I’ve also been trained in Kelly Mahler’s Interoception methods, including supporting non-speaking clients and establishing body awareness in early learners.

With Social Thinking, I utilize vocabulary and concepts tailored for young children through adults to aid social learning, and I integrate Zones of Regulation principles to assist with emotional regulation. For feeding challenges, I’ve trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, a program for sensory-based feeding interventions.

Finally, I received visual rehabilitation training through Vyne Education, including techniques for improving visual processing and function in pediatric care. This multidisciplinary training allows me to provide a holistic and individualized approach to each child’s therapeutic journey.

As an occupational therapist, I strive to address my clients holistically by building strong therapeutic rapport, facilitating client-centered interventions, and collaborating with other professional disciplines and family members. My commitment to collaboration led me to work closely with psychologists, speech-language pathologists, teachers, and behavioral analysts to deliver individualized, multidisciplinary care. Additionally, it is very important that my clients feel worthy, valued, and successful. In my free time, I like crafting, eating out, cooking, connecting with my husband, family, and friends, learning, exploring, moving my body, and snuggling with my cats. 

I always knew that I wanted to be in a helping profession, and I found occupational therapy in my first job after graduating from University of Maryland. I worked as an activities specialist in pediatric and adult psychiatry inpatient units at Johns Hopkins, in my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. I was lucky enough to be included as part of the occupational therapy team. After observing OTs in psychiatry, and in other units, I decided to go to school at the University of Florida to become an OT. I knew that this profession would be perfect to combine my passion for working with kids and my creativity and love of art. 

I have a passion for supporting children and their families through individualized, evidence-based care and have had the opportunity to work both in the United States and abroad. With experience across diverse settings, I have worked with children from infancy to young adulthood, addressing a wide range of needs and diagnoses.

I prefer to utilize a family-centered coaching approach to address development within natural environments. Additionally, I specialize in feeding therapy, Astronaut Training, Handwriting Without Tears, Sensory Integration, and Zones of Regulation. I have been able to learn a lot outside of traditional OT in my past, through collaborating with other developmental therapists to enhance outcomes as part of a multidisciplinary team.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and having new experiences with my family, as well as crafting and art.

Born and raised in Mumbai, India, I grew up as a city girl eagerly embracing every adventure that came my way. I was naturally drawn to activities that sparked curiosity and imagination—interests that, over time, shaped my creativity and my ability to connect meaningfully with children.

After completing my undergraduate degree in science, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mumbai, where I also served as the Cultural Secretary for my college. Over the past 15 years as an occupational therapist, I have worked across a wide range of settings in India, including private pediatric clinics, orthopedic and surgical units, burn units, and community-based rehabilitation programs.

Driven by a strong commitment to learning and evidence-based practice, I went on to complete a Diploma in Rehabilitation from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), India, followed by a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.

For the past 10 years, I have specialized in working with children with Autism, PDD, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and learning disabilities. Through this work, I discovered my passion for pediatric occupational therapy—particularly supporting children with sensory processing differences. I am a registered and certified occupational therapist through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and became SIPT Certified (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) through the University of Southern California in 2011.

My growing interest in sensory-based feeding led me to pursue training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach, along with advanced coursework focused on feeding challenges in neurodiverse children. I am also a Certified Autism Specialist through IBCCES, allowing me to further support neurodivergent youth and their families.

I strongly believe in teamwork and a holistic approach to therapy. Supporting and empowering parents to better understand their child is a central part of my practice and one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my husband and two daughters, exploring new cuisines, hiking, baking, and writing blogs to promote thoughtful, effective occupational therapy practice.

Growing up, I had the unique opportunity to observe my mother’s impactful, creative, and joyful work as an occupational therapist. Watching the difference she made in the lives of children and families deeply inspired me and ultimately shaped my own career path. Early in college, I committed to pursuing occupational therapy, earning my undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis and my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from San José State University.

Throughout my training, I developed a strong foundation in play-based learning, child development, and movement through diverse roles as a gymnastics coach, preschool teacher, and personal trainer. These experiences continue to inform my clinical lens, allowing me to approach each child with both developmental insight and a deep appreciation for the power of movement and play.

Professionally, I have worked in both private clinic and non-public school settings, where I have prioritized building meaningful, trusting relationships with children and their families. I believe that authentic connection is the foundation for growth in therapy. When children feel understood and safe, they are better able to navigate the complexities of development, sensory processing, and everyday life.

My practice integrates a variety of evidence-informed approaches, including Reflex Integration, Sensory Integration, the SOS Approach to Feeding, and Integrated Listening Systems (iLS). By thoughtfully blending these methods, I design individualized, child-centered interventions that honor each child’s unique strengths while addressing areas of need. I bring creativity, energy, and compassion to every session, helping children build skills in ways that feel engaging and empowering.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, lifting weights, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

My mother worked in the field of special education, and from the ages of 5 to 18. I would go to work with her and watch with amazement at how she taught skills to kids. She would let me help when it was appropriate, and I was always fascinated with the practice. I remember a time when an OT came to the classroom to provide therapy and I thought to myself, “this is where all of the fun stuff is going on!” In 1996, I received my bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and my first job out of college was at the same school where my mom taught.

I met my husband, who is in the military. As you can imagine, this led me into a life of moving to new places every few years. The benefit of this is that it helps me continue to learn and grow.

Our first stop was in San Diego, where I worked at San Diego Children’s Hospital. This is where I honed my skills as an OT, as I was able to learn from some of the best in the field. In 2001, we moved to Maryland, and I worked with a woman who provided OT therapy at home rather than in an office. It was here that I realized the power of in-home therapy; this consistent environment empowers not only the kids but the whole family. This is also where I became SIPT certified.

In 2001, I became a mom with the birth of my daughter, and again when my son was born in 2005. This opened up a whole new world of learning for me.  It opened my eyes to the realities of parenting a child with individual differences and the value of providing the “just right” challenge for my own kids in my own home.

2005 brought us to post-Katrina New Orleans, where I worked in the public school system and learned about the impact of trauma on kids; I learned about how it impacts the nervous system and how it can create challenges for the growth and development of a child. I now bring a rich, trauma-informed approach to my OT practices.

We moved to Virginia in 2010, and I actively sought out work in a population where I could focus on self-regulation for kids and the role stress has on self-regulation. I discovered critical tools and techniques that make a dramatic impact.

In 2011, we moved back to San Diego, where I worked for the KIDSTART program at Rady Children’s Hospital. This program allowed me to bring the culmination of trauma-informed treatment, sensory integration programming, and parent coaching to children and families with the highest levels of need.

In 2018, we moved to Guam, which provided me with an immersive experience of the impact of culture and extended family on the OT process. It was a game-changer for my outlook on OT and the use of simple techniques and tools that can empower parents to be agents of positive change for their kids.

2020 brought us back to California, where I have continued my private practice in the Bay Area.  I continue my studies in DIR/Floortime and have advanced my skills by learning to become a DIR/Floortime trainer.  My goal is to bring a true neuraffirming model of autism support to the Bay area.  One that embraces a developmental, family centered approach focusing on nurturing relationships and understanding the individual’s profile.

I enjoy hiking with my family, relaxing on a beach somewhere or reading mystery novels in my spare time.