Hi! My name is Marielle Marquez and I am a wife, mom, and pediatric occupational therapist based in the Santa Clarita Valley in northern Los Angeles County. Growing up I always knew I wanted to work with kids. Like many teenagers, I babysat all throughout junior high and high school. One child in particular was very special to me. She had developmental disabilities and wasn’t an easy kid, but we formed a special bond over the years. After that experience I knew I wanted find a career where I could help children with developmental needs.
After discovering what occupational therapy was, it seemed like a perfect fit for me. I studied Human Development in undergrad and went on to get a master’s in occupational therapy.
After OT school I worked in a few different settings. That first year I worked in schools, in private clinics, and in client’s homes. After about a year, I started a job in a community hospital and I worked there for almost 15 years! In the hospital I worked mostly in the outpatient therapy clinic and the NICU, but would also see patients on the pediatric floor or in postpartum as needed as well.
In 2024 I began seeing private clients on weekends and began doing classes for the community. After just about a year of juggling both, I was able to leave my hospital job and transiton to my business full time!
I love to learn new ways to help my patients and have pursued many specialty areas over the years. I have a certification in neonatal massage, am a certified lactation educator, and have an advanced certification in feeding and swallowing. I am passionate about infant development and helping babies to thrive in all ways!
When I had a baby of my own, I realized there is still so much I did not know or understand about babies and parenting. After experiencing firsthand how many long-term challenges can result from tongue ties, I became passionate about tongue tie/tethered oral tissues (TOTs). It’s interesting how some of the most challenging experiences in life can ignite new passions and you can be grateful for this in a way (at least that’s how it is for me).
Thanks to my kids, I have learned a lot about TOTs and airway disorders and this has allowed me to help my patients in completely new ways. I have always been passionate about teaching parents how to advocate for their children, but after becoming a mother I have learned this at a much deeper level.
Please enjoy the resources on our site and reach out to us if you are interested in a consultation! Check out our services page for more information!
How can I help your little one thrive?
What to expect in therapy with Marielle
I am passionate about doing what I can to make therapy holistic and nurturing. I don’t think babies or children should be crying during therapy every week! I make nervous system regulation a top priority, and not just for the baby. Parents feeling regulated is so important too!
The last thing I want is for parents to leave a session with me feeing worse than when they came in. My goal is to empower you, understand your family’s needs, and to offer my support in a kind and loving way.
I tend to avoid strict recommendations such as doing exercises a set number of times or reps per day. If that’s something you really want, I can do it! But I will also explain to you why I usually don’t. I don’t want to set you up for feeling like you failed if you missed your 3rd set of exercises with your child that day. Parenting is hard enough and I don’t want therapy with me to increase your stress level!
I will aim to help you find ways to incorporate therapeutic techniques into your daily routines, so it’s more natural and easy to remember to do. And we will always keep the goal of everyone involved feeling regulated a top priority!
I have gained many technical skills over the years, but I really believe that establishing this overall approach to therapy is what makes it beneficial, effective, and a positive experience.
Want to schedule a session? Click here to learn more about my services.
Disclaimer: As with all things you find on the internet, the information you read on this page should not be considered medical advice. Always check with a healthcare provider regarding your specific case.