Madonna Mitzel, OTR/L

When Everyday Life Feels Hard

Many parents come to therapy worried that their child's behaviors are affecting family life, friendships, or school success. They may wonder if their child will be ready for school, struggle to manage challenging behaviors in public, or feel like nothing they've tried has worked.

If that's where you are, you're not alone.

Therapy isn't about blaming parents or labeling children. It's about understanding what's driving the behavior and helping children develop the skills they need to succeed.

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What to Expect

Building trust is the foundation of everything I do.

During our first sessions, I focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where your child feels understood and comfortable. Through connection, play, observation, and collaboration with your family, we'll begin identifying your child's strengths while developing practical strategies to address their challenges.

Along the way, I provide caregiver coaching, emotional support, and education so you feel confident helping your child outside of therapy as well.

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Meaningful Progress for the Whole Family

Success isn't just about completing therapy activities, it's seeing your child focus better during daily routines, listen more consistently, participate without constant struggles, and enjoy family life with less stress.

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Families often tell me they're amazed by how quickly they see positive changes and appreciate the strong therapeutic relationship we build together. They value the coaching, education, and practical strategies that help their child succeed across home, school, and community environments.

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A True Partnership

I know many parents quietly wonder whether screen time is affecting their child, why everyday outings feel so difficult, or whether they're doing enough to help.

Those are important conversations, and I want you to know they're always welcome.

You know your child better than anyone else. My role is to partner with you, answer your questions, provide evidence-based guidance, and help your family feel supported every step of the way.

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Outside the Clinic

When I'm not working with families, I enjoy spending time outdoors, baking, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and making memories with family and friends. Those experiences remind me how important connection, balance, and joyful everyday moments are, both in life and in therapy.

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Not Sure Whether Therapy Is Right for Your Child?

If you're wondering whether occupational therapy could help, trust your instincts and start the conversation.

Early support can make a tremendous difference, and therapy isn't about focusing on what's wrong, it's about discovering your child's strengths and giving them the tools to become more confident, independent, and successful in their daily life.

You don't have to navigate this journey alone. We'll work together to help your child thrive.

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Areas of Interest

• Emotional regulation

• Sensory integration

• Trauma-informed care

• Pediatric mental health

• Attachment and developmental relationships

• Neurodiversity-affirming care

• Zones of Regulation

• Therapeutic Listening

• Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)

• Astronaut Training

• Aquatic therapy

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Madonna provides occupational therapy in the clinic, aquatic setting, through telehealth, and in community-based settings. She is currently accepting new patients.