Welcome to my pediatric occupational therapy practice, where I celebrate all forms of play and honor your child for their true self. I believe in empowering children by respecting their choices, communication styles, and body language, fostering a kind and safe environment that supports their growth toward independence. My therapeutic approach focuses on understanding and integrating sensory systems to promote regulation before setting expectations, ensuring that your child’s nervous system is in a state that helps them play, learn, grow, and eat!

Hi! My name is Teresa Cao, MS, OTR/L.

I started my career working in a sensory integration clinic and received my certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration to support the foundations of my practice for those with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity. After working in California for multiple years, I moved to Oregon to pursue a pediatric fellowship at a children’s hospital. There, I completed clinical rotations in feeding, autism, neurodevelopment, early intervention, and the NICU. In addition, I completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training program, which seeks to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities through interdisciplinary learning and neurodiversity-affirming care. Following the completion of my fellowship, I opened my practice to work with caring families and young children with feeding difficulties and neurodevelopmental disabilities for the years to come!

Furthermore, I have always been passionate about seeking and providing quality mentorship at all stages of my career path, and aim to support pre-OT students and new graduates in discovering their passions in occupational therapy profession. 

Outside of OT, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking with my corgi, finding new ice cream and coffee shops, and reading a good book!

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My Education and Training

Credentials

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)

CLASI Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration®

Additional Training

Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship

Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: The Essentials by Catherine Shaker

Advanced Infant / Pediatric Dysphagia by Catherine Shaker

Neurobiology of Dysphagia by Feeders and Growers

Teaching Kids to Eat: Using Baby Led Weaning for Enhanced Feeding Outcomes by Feeders and Growers

Introduction to Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy by the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Ayres Sensory Integration®: Application & Individualization for ASD

Education

University of California, Los Angeles: Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology and Child Development

California State University, Dominguez Hills: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

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