Ushma Sampat, MS, OTR/L, CAS- Founder and Owner
Hello! I am Ushma Sampat, your occupational therapist and your 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.
Donielle Hair, MOT, OTR/L – Occupational therapist
Hello! My name is Donielle Hair. I am a pediatric occupational therapist with a fiery passion to aide the learning and development of children of all ages. I am so excited to be joining World of OT in the fall of 2022.
I feel so blessed to be in a career that allows me to holistically meet our children where they are at. I began working with children because I strongly believe in the power of PLAY and its influence on our children’s mindsets, as well as their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. I am a huge advocate for mental health and wellness, parent-family collaboration and holistic child-centered therapy. With your help–as the expert of your child–I am dedicated to crafting a meaningful plan to reach your child’s full occupational potential!
Fun Facts
- I was a 5 year resident of Marin County before recently relocating back to my hometown, Sacramento, California. The Bay Area and San Francisco (in particular) will always have my heart!
- When I have free time, I am traveling, trying new recipes, spending time with my partner and family, working out, and spoiling my fur child (My dog “King”)
- I am a huge sports fan! I played basketball for over 12 years and at the collegiate level. You can also find me glued to the TV during football season.
Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from Dominican University of California
- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California
- Reflex Integration
- Visual Perception and Visual Processing Delays
- Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Care
- Lifestyle Redesign
- Therapeutic Listening and Sound-Based Interventions
- Sensory Processing
- Handwriting Without Tears and SMHP handwriting programs
- Zones of Regulation and social emotional development
I have over 4 years of experience working with children from 3-22 years of age! I have extensive experience working with children with specific learning disabilities (dysgraphia, dyslexia etc.), ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, social-emotional needs, trauma, Fragile X Syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, neuro-developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, visual processing delays, sensory processing and other developmental needs.
Liza Gerwig OTD, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Liza Gerwig and I am a pediatric occupational therapist committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. I am thrilled to be joining World of OT in the fall of 2021.
I began working with children in order to help support growth, learning and success in the most important settings they occupy. I believe most strongly in supporting the whole child – including physical, mental and emotional needs. With the help of you- their families, we will work towards reaching your child’s full, unique potential.
Fun Facts:
- I grew up in a small town in Western New York, which is most known for glass art and innovations
- I came out to California for OT school and moved to the beautiful Bay Area as soon as the stars aligned. So far I love it here!
- During my free time, I love to care for my two cats at home, paint watercolor, find new hikes around the area and explore the city.
Growing up, I spent summers swimming, boating, sailing (especially sailing) at my favorite place on earth, Keuka Lake.
Training & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Brain & Cognitive Science from University of Rochester, NY
- Masters and Doctorate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California.
- Training in nature-based and animal-therapy approaches to pediatric therapy.
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 & 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.
- 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.
Tiffany Testa, MBA – Head of Operations
Hi there! I’m Tiffany Testa, lover of efficiency and organizer of people and processes as Head of Operations at World of OT.
After many fast-paced years as a litigation defense paralegal, I made the switch to the world of tech startup operations where I used my trained eye for detail and efficiency to help several brand-new startups grow from seed-stage to Series B and beyond. After my toddler was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma tumor and associated neurological disorder that required OT, I felt the pull to focus more time on him. When I met Ushma and the team and learned about their philosophy and approach to caring for little ones and the people in their lives, I knew I had found my next adventure. I’m thrilled to be a part of the team!
Fun Facts
- I’m a fiercely proud native of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia (Montani Semper Liberi!).
- A year after abandoning a decade-long infertility journey, my precious son Dominic surprised us out of the blue. He’s the sweetest, most joyful little soul and being his mommy is my favorite thing ever.
- For a few years after college, my husband and I lived in Baltimore, Maryland before coming home to West Virginia. We retain an affinity for all things related to Old Bay seasoning and crabs.
- Outside of work, I love yoga, experimenting with new recipes, learning new languages, hikes with my German Shepherd, Samson, and world travel. I’ve been to 18 countries and counting, and love to talk travel with anyone who will listen!
Training and Experience
- Master of Business Administration from Eastern University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Bachelor’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia
- Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from West Virginia Business College in Clarksburg, West Virginia
- Product Strategy Certificate from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Illinois
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).