Yes& Occupational Therapy is rooted in an unapologetic passion for inviting everyBODY to the emotional wellness conversation. A simple truth: Every human learns, processes information, and feels differently each and every day.
Personally, I find that I can ride the waves of life reasonably well when it’s predictable, but when a huge wave comes and knocks me off balance, it’s those moments when I search for more tools. My neurodivergent brain and the seeker in me, thankfully, has an endless desire to learn strategies that honor all aspects of my body, mind, and heart. And the occupational therapist side of me says, “How exactly can I share these?”
What I share is rooted in the work & theories of Ayres Sensory Integration®️, Matthew Sanford and Mind Body Solutions, Voice Colors Yoga, attachment theory, therapeutic use of humor, movemindfully®, polyvagal theory, and more.
I can name my emotions and listen to them, but for me, the profound transformation happens when breath, sensory strategies & movement help me shift out of my overthinking, overwhelmed, and oversharing mind and back into my body. It is then that I can see things more clearly. With a clearer mind, I can then decide my next best step.
Each of us is a body full of wisdom. Join me in exploring tools to navigate stress, learn what it means to have a sensory body, and experience safety, self-compassion, confidence, and community.
Occupational Therapist, Adapted Yoga Teacher, ADHD Rehab Provider
Founder, Yes& Occupational Therapy
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-Midwestern University: Masters in Occupational- 1999
-Michigan State University: B.S Physical Education & Exercise Science- 1994
-University of Southern California’s OT 610: 4-month training in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) theory and intervention-2000
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-Making Pranayama Accessible: Overcoming Obstacles Through the Breath, Accessible Yoga School. 7-hour course, 2023
-Michigan Implicit Bias Training, 2022
-From Anxious to Embodied and Empowered-Asanas for Autism and Special Needs, 12-hour Trauma-Informed Yoga & Somatic Movement For Youth Course, 2022
-ADHD-Rehabilitation Services Provider, 2021-current
-Adapted Yoga for Disability Level I/II Mind Body Solution. 2019 & 2022
-Voice Colors Yoga - Yoga for Autism 30-hour Teacher Training, 2021
-Mindy Body Solutions’ Continuing Studies Workshop, 12 hours, 2021
-Moving into the Zone: Implementing MoveMindfully & Zones of Regulation, Online, Live 6-hour course, 2021
-Telehealth Meets Play: Treating Children and Adolescents in a Virtual Setting, Online Self-Paced Course, 2021
-Community Workshop: Parenting the Sensory Child and Adolescent, STAR Institute, Live Webinar, 2021
-Human Trafficking, Online 2-hour course, 2021
-Finding Safety & Stability: A Trauma-Informed Sensory Motor Approach, Vital Links, Live 6-hour Webinar, 2020
-Shortening the Distance: A Panel Discussion on Telehealth and Occupational Therapy with Children, Youth & Adults, Live Webinar, 2020
-Mind-Body Approach to Trauma, Mind Body Solutions, 2018
-Theraplay Interventions, Live 8-hour Course, 2018
-Yoga & Mindfulness, Live 8-hour Course, 2017
-Certificate in Meditation, Online Self Paced 8-hour course, 2017
-MN Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids: Improve Emotional Regulation and Increase Attention, Live 8-hour course, 2017
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-Volunteer role on Alumnae Advisory Committee of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women: 2023- Current
-Board Member- Hats & Mittens: 2015-2018
-Collection & Distribution Volunteer - Hats & Mittens 2009-2018
-OT Volunteer- Donley Elementary, MI -2022; Whittier Head Start Program MPLS-2018
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-NBCOT Member, 2000-current.
-AOTA Member, 2000-current
-Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA) 2022-current.
-Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) 2001-2019.
-Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, 1994-current
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-Michigan State University- Contracted to create five to seven emotional wellness videos based on Energy Cycle for an asynchronous graduate degree program. November 2024-current
-Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding and Exploring Strategies for Inclusive Teaching. Presentation at FFA Professional Development Conference. Lansing, Michigan. October 9, 2024
-Mental Health Awareness Workshop. Presentation to College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. April, 2024
-Mindfulness and Movement Workshop. Experiential workshop for youth and parents through the Student Parent Resource Center at Michigan State University. April, 2024
-Therapeutic Diets” What OTs can do to help families. Presentation at MOTA conference 2013, 2014
-How Food Affects Learning and Behavior Nutrition Series- 1 of 3 presenters, 2014