As an Occupational Therapist in private practice, I work in partnership with each client to identify and release primary barriers to full and free engagement in work, self-care, play, and leisure activities, the daily occupations of life. 

 

Identifying and releasing primary barriers and thereby allowing full and free activity, facilitates the body's innate healing capacities and wellness.

Drawing on many years of training and practice I utilize a variety of different treatment approaches, including manual therapy, sensory integration, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular reeducation.  General goals are often to decrease pain, strain and discomfort, increase joint mobility, and improve stress related symptoms for better overall function.  Developmental and transitional issues are also effectively addressed with a combination of therapeutic approaches. 

Zero Balancing is a manual therapeutic approach with particular benefit that I use regularly in my practice.  Zero Balancing can help relieve body aches and pain, release restrictions in movement, and provide lasting relief from emotional distress to improve overall quality of life.  It can also be helpful with specific goals such as relief from back pain, headaches, improving concentration or sleep, releasing unwanted stress, eliminating old behavior patterns, and boosting well-being. 

Developed by Fritz Smith, MD in the early 1970's, Zero Balancing is a powerful body-mind therapy that uses skilled touch to address the relationship between energy (everything that is alive) and structures of the body. Following a protocol that typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, finger pressure and gentle traction are used on areas of tension in the bones, joints, and soft tissues, allowing the body to relax and reorganize.  

Specific goals are formulated in partnership with each client. I welcome children and adults to my practice, and truly enjoy seeing the life-changing benefits that therapy can provide.

In addition to private therapy, I also teach Yin Yoga classes.  Yin yoga activity is slow and steady, and a great complement to an active lifestyle.  It promotes health in mind, body and spirit.

My B.S. in OT in 1979 is from the University of Puget Sound, my M.S. in OT (with specialty in sensory/motor processing) is from Rush University in Chicago in 1987. 

As a therapist I've worked in acute and rehab hospitals in California and South Bend, IN, and in clinics and schools in Arizona, Virginia, and Maryland.  I maintained a private practice in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC for 15 years, and moved back to the South Bend area in 2004. 

I have advanced certifications in Neuro-developmental Treatment (Pediatric) and evaluation of sensory/motor processing (SIPT).  Since the early 1990's I have extensively studied and practiced a variety of manual therapy and holistic healing approaches.  These include Myofascial Release, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Healing to the Core, Zero Balancing (certified in 2008), Visceral Manipulation, and have trained as a Yin Yoga teacher with Paul Grilley.

I hold memberships in the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association, the International Association of Health Care Practicioners, and the Zero Balancing Health Association.

American Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy #432088

Indiana Occupational Therapy License #31004108A

Phone at 574-514-5931

Email at WellnessOT@sbcglobal.net