ABOUT
Get to Know Me and My Philosophy
A B O U T M E
Dana Pais OTD, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist &
Child Development Expert
Dana has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 14 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.
Dana currently works in an elementary school and sees clients after school through Early Intervention and private insurance. She lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with her husband and two sons (5-year-old and 1-year-old). In her free time she enjoys cooking, Zumba and trying new restaurants.
M Y A P P R O A C H
The Whole Child and Family
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I evaluate and treat children who have difficulty in any one of their daily occupations. This includes activities of daily living (eating, grooming, dressing, mobility and toileting), sleep, education, play and social interactions. Since children are a part of the larger family unit, I believe that the family is just as much the client as the child. My ultimate goal is to be an advocate and resource for your family to help your child be most successful in his/her daily life. Hence, your partner in promoting your child's development.
MY TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY
Consistency, Communication and Working as Partners
These elements are essential to help maximize your child’s potential:
1. Consistency: Consistent therapy leads to results. I expect that we will keep up with weekly therapy sessions so that your child makes progress. I understand that things come up and sessions may need to be canceled; if so, we will work together to find a time for a make-up session, and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.
2. Communication: Open communication between the therapist and the parents/caregivers is important in helping your child reach his/her goals. My intent is to work with your family in a manner that best suits your needs, and I will make several suggestions of ways to help your child. If you disagree or don’t feel that you are able to follow through with my suggestions, let me know so we can work together to find an alternative that works for you, your child and your family. I am dedicated to helping improve your child’s participation in his/her daily routines, and however that looks for your family, I will do what is needed to facilitate your and your child’s success.
3. Working as Partners: In order for therapy to be successful, it is essential that we work as partners. While I have a lot of experience as a pediatric specialist, you are the expert on your child. We will work together to determine how your child can best reach his/her goals. Additionally, it is critical that you carry over the work that we do during our sessions throughout the rest of the week. We are a team.