Samantha, MS, OTR/L

Samantha has curated her expertise as an occupational therapist to evaluate and treat youth with diverse needs, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, genetic/chromosomal disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and global developmental delays. She prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration with speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and developmental therapists/special education teachers and consistently centers the client and family to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Samantha focuses on providing affirming, trust-based, and relationship-based occupational therapy.

Samantha was led to pursue a career in occupational therapy after receiving OT for family members and serving as a support partner for youth with various disabilities. Throughout both her OTA and OT programs, Samantha gained diverse experience in OT practice in various settings, including community and school-based youth programs, mental health, adult day centers, skilled nursing facilities, and vocational rehabilitation.

Starting her career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Samantha gained broad experience working with medically complex and fragile children, in sensory integration-based clinic settings, and with individuals in the community before returning to school for her Master’s in Occupational Therapy.  Samantha leverages play-based strategies and aligns with client values to tap into intrinsic motivation and the principles of neuroscience, fostering the development of essential skills. She engages caregivers by educating them on the importance of interventions, providing them with knowledge on how to support their child’s growth, and fostering a spirit of collaboration throughout the therapy process.

Samantha has specific certification and training in Interactive Metronome, LAMP/Words For Life, Oral Placement Therapy, DIR/Floortime, Trauma and Attachment, and Trust and Relationship-Based Interventions. Samantha lives in Cary with her wife and their four children, three cats, and a dog.