Claire Werner, MOT, OTR/L

I am an occupational therapist (OT) specializing in treating children with sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, autism, and social and emotional challenges. My goal as your child's OT is to help empower you and your child to reach your fullest potential, allowing your child to shine no matter their deficits, diagnosis or personal factors.

I was drawn to helping and teaching people with disabilities at a very young age. When I was 12, I began a small babysitting business, caring for a 3-year-old girl newly diagnosed with autism and a sweet boy with muscular dystrophy. This experience led me to be trained as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) technician in high school. Eventually, I discovered OT, and I knew it was the career for me. I strive to help and support children with disabilities and feel blessed to do what I do!

I want families to know that I genuinely believe in a family-centered approach to care, meaning I consider both the child and their caregivers to be my patients. This unique part of working with children is something I thoroughly enjoy. I educate families on using visual supports to provide structure and guidance while promoting independence. This can include giving families visual schedules for daily routines, turn-taking cards, and social or sensory stories for teaching appropriate social skills and expected behaviors. I always promote play and leisure skills as this is one of a child’s most important daily occupations and an activity that many kids do not get enough of.

I live on my husband's family farm, where he grew up. I never imagined this life as I grew up in the Indianapolis suburbs. We have several cows, over 50 sheep, goats, chickens, several farm dogs and barn cats! I also perform in my local community theatre where I’ve played the main character in multiple productions.