Maria Fuchs, OTD, OTR/L

I'm an occupational therapist with special training in manual wheelchair training and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). My career journey led me to this specialized area of pediatrics through various meaningful experiences. I have always found children to be one of the world's most significant sources of joy. Still, my passion for pediatric therapy was ignited when I volunteered for an organization called "Pete's Pals" in college. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I spent time weekly with a child who had physical and cognitive deficits in a leisure group setting, working on fun play-based motor goals. The connection I created with this child and his family was powerful, and the growth I watched him achieve was beyond rewarding.

In graduate school, I became interested in complex rehab technology and working with children with neuromuscular conditions by assisting in developing and implementing a pediatric wheelchair skills training program. The program taught me the importance of access and inclusion.

I value family input! While I may be the occupational therapy expert, families are the experts on their children. I want to know what means the most to you and your child so my services can significantly impact your daily life.

I believe fun is the foundation of skill learning for children. This philosophy drives me to bring creative and motivating activities into my sessions and adapt them to meet the needs of each child. I incorporate playfulness, music, socialization and new sensory experiences as often as I can. Therapy is not only about building new skills; it's about building core memories.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, socializing, being active, playing piano and painting.