Ciara, MS, OTR/L

Ciara has evaluated and treated children of varying ages, abilities, and diagnoses throughout her OT career. Utilizing a neurodiversity-affirming approach, Ciara has worked closely with children with autism spectrum disorder, attention disorders, prematurity, Down syndrome, global developmental delays, and a variety of other diagnoses. Ciara collaborated with speech-language pathologists and physical therapists in co-treatments to support a holistic approach. She has been a mentor for newly graduated OTs, guiding them through parent education, clinical analysis, activity analysis, and review of reports.

As a Massachusetts native, after graduating from OT school at Springfield College in Massachusetts, Ciara moved to North Carolina and began working with children with autism at an outpatient behavioral clinic. Ciara found a passion for educating families, professionals, and the community on the importance of utilizing a play-based approach and implementing sensory integration theory in care. She then continued her OT journey at a sensory outpatient clinic.

Ciara has worked with children and their families to achieve their therapeutic and personal goals while focusing on sensory integration, self-regulation, social-emotional skills, fine and gross motor skills, attention and focus difficulties, daily living and self-help skills, and feeding challenges. Additionally, Ciara worked closely with her therapeutic team to organize and run multiple social clubs throughout the year to support carry over skills amongst peers.

Ciara prides herself on utilizing a play-based, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approach to ensure a strong therapeutic relationship supports the child in their development, while feeling confident in their abilities. Ciara enjoys including family members in her sessions to support carry over of care in between sessions.

When not working, you can find Ciara and her husband taking their dog around town! They love to explore new walking trails and restaurants and spend time outside! When her extrovert capacities are running low, you can find Ciara with a good audiobook and a puzzle!