Our Team
Ushma Sampat, MS, OTR/L | Founder and Owner
Hello! I am Ushma Sampat, your occupational therapist and partner in progress!
I founded World of OT in 2017 because I wanted pediatric occupational therapy to be available outside of schools and clinics with more focus on providing holistic services where the parent is involved as the expert of their child. I love helping children of all ages to live life to the fullest by becoming more independent in their self-care and daily activities. I am strongly committed to the learning, development, and recovery of children of all ages.
Fun Facts
- My husband and I, along with our furry puggle, Luke, have been residents of San Francisco since 2012 and have grown fond of the beautiful sights and sounds of the Bay Area.
- I learned first-hand the joys and challenges of motherhood when I welcomed my first child, Dhir, in June 2018. And again with my second child in 2020. I am grateful for how the parent perspective also made me a better occupational therapist.
- Family time is crucial for me. Favorite family activities include: hiking, enjoying weekend picnics, and engaging in cultural experiences through travel.
- I’ve been an athlete all through my childhood and recently re-entered the arena and now enjoy participating in triathlons and marathons.
Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Manipal University, India
- Post-professional Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University
- SPD ProCert 1: Certified provider for sensory processing disorders by STAR institute
- Powerfully You Training and Curriculum
- Credentialed Certified Autism Specialist through IBCCES
- Bal-A-Vis-X
- Handwriting Without Tears® Certified
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding Program Certified
- Completed the coursework for Zones of Regulation® Program
- DIR Floortime Approach Certified
- Advanced skills in administering and interpreting pediatric assessments
I have worked with children ranging from preschool to high school and have extensive experience with children with sensory processing disorders, autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, learning disability, ADHD, Down’s syndrome, and neurological impairment among others.
Kirsten Mascarenas | Practice Manager
Hi! I’m Kirsten, and I’m a Practice Manager here at World of OT. At the heart of what I do is a genuine love for helping people feel supported, cared for, and a little less overwhelmed by all the details that can come with navigating therapy.
I’m naturally someone who likes to bring order to the moving pieces behind the scenes, whether that’s making sure a family knows what comes next, keeping communication flowing, or creating systems that make everyone’s day a little easier. My goal is for families to feel like there’s always a real person on the other side who is happy to help, while making sure our therapists have the support they need to focus on the kids they work with.
Fun Facts
- My Favorite Role: I’m a mom of two boys and a homeschool parent. A lot of my life revolves around learning alongside them, watching them discover who they are, and trying to keep up with all the things they’re interested in!
- Always Learning: I genuinely love learning new things and finding better ways to organize everyday life and work. Whether I’m exploring a new system, reading, writing, or working on a creative project, I usually have something new in the works.
- At Home: When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time with my family, tending to my plants, writing, cooking something from scratch, or enjoying a very necessary cup of coffee.
Training and Experience
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) with several years of experience in therapy practice management, healthcare administration, and client care.
- Experienced in overseeing day-to-day practice operations, including scheduling, intake and onboarding, billing processes, administrative workflows, and team support.
- Skilled in developing and improving SOPs, systems, and workflows that help practices stay organized, efficient, and consistent as they grow.
- Passionate about creating strong behind-the-scenes operations while keeping the experience warm, personal, and supportive for families and clinicians.
Abigail Miller, MOT, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist
Hi there! My name is Abigail Miller, and I am a pediatric occupational therapist with a devotion to helping children find purpose and meaning in their daily lives. My goal for each child is to become thriving, confident, and independent participants in their community.
I believe it is crucial to building close and long-lasting relationships with the child and their family. Therefore, I trust in using child-led and play-based approaches and collaborating with parents by using coaching and consulting methods of treatment.
Fun Facts
- I grew up in the first town in the first state, also known as Lewes, Delaware.
- I moved to San Francisco after college with many unknowns and I haven’t left since.
- I enjoy spending time with loved ones, cooking, traveling, the visual and performing arts, making human connections, and finally cuddling with my two cats whose names are Art and Deco.
Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service Studies from Queen’s University of Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown, Delaware.
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Cabarrus College of Arts and Sciences in Concord, North Carolina.
- Mentorship Level 1 Clinician for sensory processing disorders by STAR institute
- Powerfully You Training and Curriculum
- DIR/Floortime Approach
- Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI)
- Bal-A-Vis-X
- Sensory Integration and Processing
- Interoception Curriculum
Before going back to school to earn my Occupational Therapy degree, I worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for 4 years with children from ages 2-12 years old in a variety of settings. I have extensive experience working with children with developmental delays, neuro-developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders, self-regulation and/or social-emotional challenges, learning disabilities, and developmental coordination disorders.
Sammi Parisi, MS, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist
Hello! My name is Sammi Parisi, and I am a pediatric occupational therapist who is passionate about using creativity, movement, and play to help children thrive. My goal is to create engaging, child-centered sessions that support each child’s sensory, motor, and emotional development while building strong connections with both the child and their family and team.
I believe in the power of building trusting relationships, using playful and meaningful activities, and supporting families through collaboration and coaching. My diverse background working with children in varied settings allows me to bring a holistic and personalized approach to each session.
Fun Facts
- I am a certified barre instructor and former competitive dancer who loves incorporating movement into my sessions!
- I founded a mentoring program for pre-OT students to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys.
- I love traveling and learning from different cultures. A recent trip to Japan inspired me with its thoughtful, intentional approach to daily life.
- When I’m not working as an OT, you can find me teaching fitness classes, exploring new cities, or enjoying quality time with my friends & family.
- I’m originally from a beach town called Encinitas and just made the move to San Francisco. I’m so excited to explore the city!
Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Psychology Minor – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (University Honors)
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy – San Jose State University (Pi Theta Epsilon Honors)
- Mentorship Level 1 Clinician for sensory processing disorders by STAR institute
- Zones of Regulation
- Prior to starting OT school I worked as an ABA therapist (BCAT certification)
I have experience providing services to children with a wide range of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, genetic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, limb differences, and muscular dystrophies, among others. My clinical background spans various pediatric settings such as outpatient clinics, public and medical-based programs like CCS, and school-based environments. Beyond clinical work, I bring over 12 years of experience working with children as a daycare teacher, tutor (grades K–10), and nanny, which has deeply enriched my understanding of child development in everyday contexts.
I’m passionate about supporting children through their unique needs while celebrating their individual strengths. I strive to make each session meaningful, engaging, and full of joy—because I truly believe that when children are having fun, they’re learning and growing at their best. It’s an honor to work with your children, and I’m committed to making a lasting, positive impact on their development.
Emily Naughton, OTD, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist
Hi there! My name is Emily Naughton, and I’m a pediatric occupational therapist who is passionate about creating spaces where kids feel safe to explore, challenge themselves, and build life-long confidence. I believe that therapy works best when it’s child-led and play-based, allowing kids to grow through activities they genuinely enjoy. My approach centers on building strong connections with both the child and their family, partnering together to help children develop the resilience and skills they need to thrive.
Fun Facts
- I was born and raised in San Francisco and love living here!
- I’m a big fan of traveling and am currently trying to visit every National Park.
- I stay active by skiing, practicing yoga, and playing Gaelic Football with the Fog City Harps.
Training and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology – University of Oregon
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Rocky Mountain College
- Mentorship Level 1 Clinician for sensory processing disorders by STAR institute
- Zones of Regulation Curriculum
- Learning Without Tears Curriculum
- Powerfully You Training and Curriculum
- 2026 Virtual Summit: Testing and Integrating Primitive Reflexes by Sensational Brain
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Training
I have experience providing OT services to a wide range of needs, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and various developmental or social-emotional challenges. My clinical background includes working within school-based settings and community clinics, where I focused on helping children build the skills they need to be independent in their daily routines. Beyond my formal training, I have spent years in natural environments as a summer camp counselor and teacher’s aide, as well as volunteering with organizations like Best Buddies and the Special Olympics.
Amanda Rage, MS, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist
Hello! I am a pediatric occupational therapist who enjoys combining my compassion and creativity to help children develop the skills they need in order to live, learn, and play. Experience in school-based, outpatient, and outdoor settings has helped me to better understand how children generalize skills across different environments and find creative ways to help kids develop resilience, confidence, and a love for movement. My unique perspective allows me to create motivating, individualized therapy plans that empower children to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful progress. My treatment style is child-led, client and family centered, and play-based.
Fun Facts
- I moved to California from Chicago, IL this past July of 2025 (and I couldn’t love it more!)
- I have a corgi named Oliver who loves exploring the dog beaches of the Bay Area with us.
- I enjoy exploring, crafting, taking care of my plants, yoga, running, lifting, and biking when I am not working as an OT.
- I am a certified aerial yoga instructor.
Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.
- Powerfully You Training and Curriculum
- Vital Links Astronaut Training and Curriculum
- Primitive Reflex Integration Brain and Sensory Foundations Course
- Interactive Metronome Certified Provider
- Sensory Integration and Processing
- Zones of Regulation
- Social Thinking Curriculums
- Mentorship Level 1 Clinician for sensory processing disorders by STAR institute
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I have experience providing OT services to children with a wide range of diagnoses including developmental delays, neuro-developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders, self-regulation and/or social-emotional challenges, learning disabilities, and developmental coordination disorders, amongst others. In practice, I am committed to advancing therapeutic strategies that empower each child to thrive in their daily activities.
Katrina Rockwell | Creative Growth Architect
Hello Hello! I’m Katrina, a growth-focused professional who specializes in amplifying brand presence through strategic social media management, innovative marketing, and streamlined workflows to help businesses reach a wider audience. My first job at 16 was in a salon, where I worked for 8 years before attending cosmetology school, completing a 2000-hour course. After 17 years in the salon industry, I transitioned to customer-facing healthcare and later to the startup world, where I applied my expertise in sales and social media.
Fun Facts
- I was born in England and have a deep love for travel, always seeking new adventures and experiences.
- I’m a wife and mom of two, and family is the heart of everything I do.
- I thrive on staying organized—whether it’s in my home or through social media strategy, I love to keep everything running smoothly.
- I really enjoy interior design and love creating beautiful, functional spaces.
Training and Experience
- 2000-Hour Certification of Cosmetology from the International Beauty School of Martinsburg, WV
- Hands-on experience in social media marketing, sales, and systems optimization across multiple industries
- Some platforms I’m skilled in include Canva, Metricool, Notion, CapCut, Loomly, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Erika Miras | Admin and Pre-OT student
Hi! I’m Erika and I’m so excited to be working at World of OT while I prepare for OT school myself!
I have spent the majority of my life as a classical musician and music teacher (I play the French horn!) and now eager to become an OT (my twin is a PT) myself!
I want to use my love of routines, creativity, and adaptability to help others feel empowered and achieve their goals. I love how World of OT prioritizes focusing on children’s unique strengths in the therapeutic process, and I hope I can embody these values in my own work in the future!
In my spare time, I love meditating, baking cupcakes, and hanging out with Dale (my dog), Bailey (my cat) and Joe (my husband).