Hi! Deb here. I'm a bit non-traditional in my approach to OT and parenting and life. I hate screens and love human connection, but absolutely thrive in solitude. I find my joy in the in-between spaces of sunrise coffee, kitchen dance parties, jigsaw puzzles, container gardening, reading with steaming cups of tea, and going on tiny human adventures with my daughter.

Here's a little bit about my story:
In 2007, I earned a small, seemingly insignificant scar on my left shoulder that was placed there by a 4 year old; not in anger, but in an expression of excitement to see me. In 2008, I lost a 5 year old I dearly loved. She always knew my voice despite her lack of sight. My 2011 was filled with kitchen dance parties, dinosaurs, trains, melt downs, tears and an autism diagnosis for a child I nannied for. I supported them, but I wanted to better know how to help. My pursuance of a career in Occupational therapy is directly inspired by the three aforementioned children and a host of others whom I have loved.

In 2019 I completed my clinical rotation then I worked for Kayla Bryant at The Family OT with kiddos ranging from 3-17 and from her brilliant, empathetic mind I learned a therapeutic approach that is always trauma informed, child led, and family inclusive. I learned that OT is mostly about regulating my own nervous system and learning from the kids I'm working with.

In 2022 I began working with infants at the Tongue-tie Laser Center of Atlanta. While there, I began to see patterns emerge. Fearful pregnancies, cascades of interventions, and birth trauma before these mothers even met their babies. Partners who looked on with no idea how to walk through PPD, PPA, and other postpartum experiences. Disconnection, uncertainty, and fear during a time that should have been filled with rest, bonding, cuddles, and care.

In 2023 my daughter was born. My body grew an entire human and I became an entirely new human in the process. From maiden to mother. I believe that we owe mothers so much more. Through intentional play, nervous system regulation, sensory supports, and breast and bottle feeding support, we can find our way back to the magic that is the new, human life of both mother and baby.

I now own and operate Haven Occupational Therapy. A most excellent, super fun, OT business where I support new moms, babies, and kiddos whose families are looking to collaborate and work together in community. I work with tongue-ties, breast and bottle feeding, sleep, delayed milestones under 12 months, sensory processing, spectrum disorders, and parenting support.