Chelsea McCarthy, MS, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
“There are no bad parts of you. All parts are welcome.”
-Peter, Executive Function coach
I embrace all the parts of a child’s identity, especially how they view themselves in the world. I aim to nurture their self-determination, helping them turn areas of need into unique strengths. In my treatments, we’ll likely make a mess, deviate from plans, laugh at mistakes, and learn through the process—then we’ll begin again.
As an occupational therapist, my passion lies in breaking down barriers for children and their families to achieve what’s most meaningful to them. From a family photo capturing a child sitting up independently for the first time to observing a blind child lead the LEGO club like a boss I’ve been moved by what can be achieved with Occupational Therapy. A “one-size-fits-all” approach never applies and it pumps me up to think about creating some individualized therapy!
Occupational Therapy & Credentials
Chelsea graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from Illinois State University and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
- Co-presenter at occupational therapy association of California in 2015
- Advancing children’s educational success program(ACES) published in AJOT, program development, lead treating therapist
- Mindful schools certification
- Extensive training in the visual system in children with neurological disorders
- Worked closely with vision therapists in schools and community
- Certified, ADHD, professional – intensive training
- Creator and facilitator of Mable table, kids, cooking group access for all at farmers market in Los Angeles, CA.
- Spearheaded 3 school community gardens, and many accessible gardens within families’ homes
- Facilitated integration in school settings that gave leadership roles to children with visual impairments in the gardening, cooking, and Lego club
- Board member of healthy community project, nonprofit board, Los Angeles, California
- Volunteer at boys and girls club of Los Angeles in Venice, California
- Volunteer farmer
- Partnered with a Materials Engineer to design and develop adaptations, and multiple modes of access for children with multiple disabilities
- Cooking with your senses, cooking group at the Pico Boulevard women’s walk Los Angeles, California
- Volunteer prep chef at Surfas kitchen Depot cooking classes Los Angeles, CA
- Implementer of modified versions of handwriting without tears, pre-writing program in preschool and kindergarten classrooms for children of all abilities
My Recess Therapy Team ⇒ Chelsea McCarthy