Melanie

Owner, Occupational Therapist

With a child-led, neurodiversity-affirming approach, Melanie believes that therapy should be engaging, affirming, and most of all—fun!

A core part of Melanie’s work is a commitment to meeting children where they are, celebrating their strengths, and creating a space where they feel safe, capable, and understood. She values humor as a powerful tool for connection and learning, using play to spark joy and motivation while helping kids develop meaningful skills.

Collaboration with families is a cornerstone of Melanie’s approach. She understands that parents and caregivers know their children best, and she works closely with them to ensure therapy aligns with their goals, values, and daily routines.

Whether in the clinic, at home in the community, or in the pool, Melanie tailors each session to fit what is most important to the child and their family, fostering progress in a way that feels natural and empowering.

Melanie is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all children can thrive. She is dedicated to honoring neurodiversity, embracing each child’s unique way of being in the world, and making therapy a place where kids feel free to be themselves.

Board certified and licensed
Specializing in aquatic therapy
Adaptive swim instructor
Member of Therapist Neurodiversity Collective

Clinical Experience

Clinic based, home based, and tele-health based occupational therapy

Aquatic therapy (occupational therapy in the pool) + a certified adaptive swim instructor
Peer social groups: a place for neurodivergent children to meet peers, spend time, share interests, initiate social relationships
Adaptive gymnastics
Diagnoses:
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Neurodivergent children/teens of all ages (autism, ADHD, AudHD, 2e, etc)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down Syndrome, various genetic disorders
- Post-surgery rehab
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Developmental challenges in fine motor development, gross motor development, cognitive development

Brooke

Occupational Therapist

With nearly 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Brooke brings a wealth of knowledge, deep empathy, and a warm, child-centered approach to every session. Passionate about honoring each child’s individuality, she believes in the power of play as a vehicle for learning, growth, and connection.

Guided by a child-led philosophy, Brooke creates a space where kids feel safe, empowered, and excited to explore their abilities. Whether engaging in imaginative play, sensory-rich activities, or movement-based learning, she tailors each session to meet the child where they are—celebrating their strengths and supporting their unique needs.

With a background spanning a variety of settings, including clinic and in-home therapy, Brooke has developed a deep understanding of how to help children thrive in their everyday environments. Families appreciate her ability to make therapy both effective and fun, fostering meaningful progress while ensuring that each child feels seen, heard, and valued.

At the heart of Brooke’s work is a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care, collaboration with families, and a belief that every child deserves to feel confident in their own abilities.

Board certified and licensed

Clinical Experience

Clinic based, home based, and tele-health based occupational therapy
Peer social groups: a place for neurodivergent children to meet peers, spend time, share interests, initiate social relationships
Diagnoses:
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Neurodivergent children/teens of all ages (autism, ADHD, AudHD, 2e, etc)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down Syndrome, various genetic disorders
- Post-surgery rehab
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Developmental challenges in fine motor development, gross motor development, cognitive development

What does it mean to be "neurodiversity affirming"?

Infographic depicting neurodiversity affirming practiecs

We believe that therapy should be about better understanding your child, exactly as they are. Therapy is not about changing your child or how their brain works.

Mission

At Bayshore Occupational Therapy, we aim to provide lived-experience informed care that is aligned with the values of the neurodivergent community, to appreciate the importance of neurodiversity, and above all, to empower families to identify their child’s strengths and to advocate for appropriate supports that best fits their family’s needs.