Hi, I'm Mara! I am an occupational therapist who works with both children and adults, specializing in sensory processing, mental health, trauma, and neuroaffirming care. Whether you are a parent supporting your child, or an adult seeking to better understand yourself, my role is to help you learn practical, personalized strategies that work for your life, your body, and your brain.

My practice is grounded in neuroscience, which means I focus on understanding how a person's brain and body process the world -- and I work hard to remove moral judgment from everyday challenges. When I see that someone finds it difficult to do tasks like brushing their teeth, showering, interacting with others, doing chores, or struggles with school or work, I don't see it as laziness or "just not trying hard enough." I understand there can be many reasons, such as sensory processing differences, pain, hypermobility, fatigue, posture challenges, executive functioning differences, and so much more. This is why I believe that physical health, mental health, and cognitive function are intertwined (and research shows it!).

I have lived and worked in 3 countries, bringing a broad, culturally informed perspective to my practice. In 2012, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Philippines Manila. I have since completed postgraduate training in Sensory Integration with Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, and I am currently pursuing a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I am certified in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I am licensed and in good standing with multiple regulatory bodies, including the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT), the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) in the United States.

In my free time, I love singing, baking, traveling, nature walks, learning other languages, ice skating (badly), and spending quality time with my family and friends.