Meet Marissa

Marissa Diaz, M.Sc.OT
From the time I was in elementary school, I have loved working with children and families in a supportive role. Throughout my experiences as a peer, volunteer, respite caregiver, and student, I found my true passion in pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT). OT is an amazing profession that calls for creativity, playfulness, and constant learning.
After completing my initial OT education in 2011, I relocated to the Okanagan to pursue my interest in working with young children at the OSNS Child & Youth Development Center in Penticton. Since then, I have worked as an Occupational Therapist in Early Intervention, elementary/middle/high schools, and a variety of private pediatric organizations.
After earning my most recent title of “mom” in 2017 and 2020, I have gained even more insight to the value of family-centered, collaborative, and responsive local support. During my second maternity leave in 2020/21, I became inspired to create my own pediatric practice, Kettle Valley Kids OT. Though I am a little more busy these days (and a lot less rested), I am more motivated than ever to provide individualized OT services in my home community.
Formal Education
Master’s of Science (Occupational Therapy), University of Western Ontario
Bachelor of Arts (Therapeutic Recreation), University of Waterloo
Continuing Education
3 Steps to Improving Interoception, An Evidence-Based Approach, Kelly Mahler
A Strengths-Based Approach to Autism and Behaviour, Meg Proctor
The Learn, Play, Thrive Approach to Autism, Meg Proctor
The SCERTS (Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support) Model: Introduction; SCERTS Model in Action, Emily Ruben & Amy Laurent
Vision 101 for School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Jamie Spencer & Robert Constantine
Clinical Assessment & Practice Interventions for Praxis: From Ideation to Execution, Teresa May Benson
Teaching Executive Functioning Skills to Preschool & School Aged Children, Sarah Ward
DIR Floortime Approach, Stanley Greenspan
Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), Kate O’Brien-Minson
Handwriting without Tears, Erin Dolin
Advanced Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach, Kay Toomey
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), Dr. Bruce Perry
Mental Health and Sensory Processing, Kim Barthel
Using a Sensory Integration Framework in the Home, School, & Preschool, Ellen Yack