Your Partner in Promoting Your Child's Development
ABOUT
Dana Pais OTD, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Dana has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 13 years. She obtained her Masters of Occupational Therapy (MS) and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has experience working with children birth through 13 who have difficulties with sensory processing, self-regulation, autism, developmental delay, learning disabilities, ADHD, sleeping and feeding. She is passionate about sensory health and wellness and educating others to understand children through the lens of sensory integration.
Dana is an Early Intervention Specialist and has specialized training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and sensory behavior management. In addition to direct treatment with children, she also offers coaching and support to parents, new moms, caregivers, educators and other healthcare professionals.
Zumbini
Zumbini is a music and movement program designed for children birth through 4 and their caregivers. Dana is a licensed Zumbini instructor and is available to run single classes, multiple class sessions and birthday parties via Zoom.
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
Sonja B.
"We had the joy of working with Dana for nearly one year until our son aged out of early intervention. She was so helpful to us during that time and provided valuable education on how we can support and progress our son's skills. I appreciated that while she did use benchmarks and other standardized tools to chart his progress, she also has a lot of experience to be able to speak to our son's specific needs and strengths that a test cannot necessarily demonstrate. I am impressed with not only her professionalism but her ability to relate on a personal level as a parent herself. I would highly recommend her to any family looking for an OT!"
Marie O.
"Dana has been an invaluable part of our daughter’s life for the past two years. She quickly built a loving and trusting relationship with our daughter while also pushing her to be the best version of herself. I am always impressed with Dana’s professionalism, always giving me her professional and honest opinion. I appreciate being able to ask questions and also problem-solve through situations that arise at home or at school. Our daughter has made so much progress with regards to her sensory regulation and executive functioning. More than anything, it is reassuring to know that we have a team working in the best interest of our daughter."
Michael F.
"Dana worked with our son for almost 2 years, and during this time we learned how to understand him so much better. Through understanding him, we were then much more capable of working with him and helping him become more successful. Dana built a trust with our son that not many people have been able to do, and she was able to push him beyond his comfort zone to try new exercises, and build his own self confidence. Over the course of Dana working with our son, he became much more confident when it comes to trying new things, as well as in school. We cannot thank Dana enough for the help she provided our son, but we will always be grateful for how much she cares, and the difference we see in our son.”
Gabriela L.
"Before meeting Dana, my son struggled with simple every day activities such as brushing his teeth and taking baths. Doing more complex activities like arts and crafts was out of the question. I felt hopeless and had no idea where to get started. Dana helped me better understand the way his brain and body works. She walked me through strategies that would help my son cope with his sensory processing issues in a structured yet fun way for the both of us. My family and I have seen so much growth in our son in the last 6 months! He loves to brush his own teeth, he enjoys bath time, and can sit for several minutes through activities. He is now in preschool, loves to learn, and plays very well with others. I appreciate her always being available via text or phone if I ever have any questions or need some extra help. She is always professional, caring, flexible and understanding. Samson loves Dana and we look forward to working with her every week. We’re so lucky to have her in our corner!"
Michael F.
"Dana worked with our son for almost 2 years, and during this time we learned how to understand him so much better. Through understanding him, we were then much more capable of working with him and helping him become more successful. Dana built a trust with our son that not many people have been able to do, and she was able to push him beyond his comfort zone to try new exercises, and build his own self confidence. Over the course of Dana working with our son, he became much more confident when it comes to trying new things, as well as in school. We cannot thank Dana enough for the help she provided our son, but we will always be grateful for how much she cares, and the difference we see in our son.”
Gabriela L.
"Before meeting Dana, my son struggled with simple every day activities such as brushing his teeth and taking baths. Doing more complex activities like arts and crafts was out of the question. I felt hopeless and had no idea where to get started. Dana helped me better understand the way his brain and body works. She walked me through strategies that would help my son cope with his sensory processing issues in a structured yet fun way for the both of us. My family and I have seen so much growth in our son in the last 6 months! He loves to brush his own teeth, he enjoys bath time, and can sit for several minutes through activities. He is now in preschool, loves to learn, and plays very well with others. I appreciate her always being available via text or phone if I ever have any questions or need some extra help. She is always professional, caring, flexible and understanding. Samson loves Dana and we look forward to working with her every week. We’re so lucky to have her in our corner!"