Makena, MSOT, OTR/L

Makena finds joy in swimming in mountain lakes, planting flowers in her garden, paddle boarding on the river, cooking and sharing a meal with her friends and family as well as exploring new hobbies such as printmaking and embroidery. Makena was first introduced to occupational therapy while working as a preschool teacher in Sonoma County. The more she learned about OT, the more she felt excited by a career that combines science, creativity, a child’s strengths, play, and collaboration to support children in developing skills to feel empowered by who they are and how they take in the world around them. Since she finished her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California, Makena has been working as an OT in a TK-8 school. She has loved working with students on their foundational skills as well as collaborating with teachers, families and the students to implement supports both in the classroom and at home to foster participation and joy in their learning. She enjoys building genuine connections with each child, and their family, and meeting them where they are in order to support engagement in the occupations that matter most to them!