Meet Mary

30+ Years of Experience
NBCOT Certified
AOTA Member

Mary is an occupational therapist, practicing for over 30 years, and has practiced in school-based pediatrics since 2007. She holds a master’s degree from Rush University in Chicago. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Mary is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is trained in Rhythmic Movements, Brain and Sensory Foundations, Bal-A-Vis-X, Brain Gym, Size Matters Handwriting Program, Learning Without Tears, and visual motor and perceptual deficits. She follows the principles of primitive reflex integration, integrating retained reflexes to assist her students with gaining functional independence. Mary has extensive experience working with preschool through high school students with various diagnoses and disorders, including autism, attention deficit disorder, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, anxiety, ocular-motor deficits, and learning disabilities. Mary has several years of experience consulting with educators and other related service providers in elementary special classes that follow the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Areas of Expertise

Primitive Reflex Integration
Individualized Sensory-Motor Therapy
Consultation for Educators & Service Providers

There is a developmental progression to learning and problem-solving and higher levels of cognitive functioning. Primitive reflex integration is the foundation upon which higher skills are built. Primitive reflexes and postural reflexes are associated with movement patterns that become integrated into more complex voluntary movement patterns. They are also associated with our survival systems; flight or fight, fear, withdrawal, growth, and the ability to thrive. All functions, such as sensation, posture, strength, gross motor/fine motor functioning, laterality/directionality, ocular motor skill, spatial awareness, language, and auditory processing, depend on primitive reflex integration. Addressing retained primitive and postural reflexes is imperative to improving independence in functioning. If a reflex is retained, it may impede higher-level functioning (cognitive, motor, and sensory development).

Mary’s training in Rhythmic Movements, isometric exercises, Bal-A-Vis-X ball and bag activities, Brain Gym exercises, and playful movement activities focus on reflex integration to transform her student’s challenges into successes. Treatment is gradual, beginning with a brain tune-up and prescribed movements. The body’s response guides treatment and follows a continuum that is gentle, allowing calmness through movement. Treatment involves parent/caregiver training to optimize success. Mary welcomes the opportunity to serve your child and family to promote independence and lead a joyful life.