Hello! I'm Mallory McDowell-VanBuskirk, a passionate pediatric occupational therapist and the co-founder/co-owner of Motivate Children's Therapy. I hold a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Medicine from Saginaw Valley State University. Since graduating, I've dedicated my career to empowering children to reach their fullest potential, with a particular focus on primitive reflex integration, sensory processing, fine motor coordination, feeding, and self-care skills.

My approach is play-based and neurodiversity-affirming and emphasizes compassionate, individualized care that respects each child's unique abilities and needs. Through Motivate Children's Therapy, my mission is to help children participate fully in the activities they love and develop the skills they need to thrive and achieve lasting independence.

Outside of providing therapy, you can usually find me traveling to new places, designing different spaces in my home, reading romance and thriller novels, or thrifting for treasures.

Bringing occupational therapy into the community has been a dream come true, and I’m so excited to walk alongside families as we build skills, confidence, and independence together.

Hi, I'm Savanna Hughey, pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder/co-owner of Motivate Children's Therapy. I earned both my Master in Occupational Therapy and my Bachelor in Kinesiology from Wayne State University, where I developed a strong foundation in movement science and client-centered care.

I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and in-home therapy, which has given me a well-rounded perspective on supporting children and their families. I’m passionate about helping kids build confidence, independence, and functional skills through fun, engaging, and individualized therapy.

My special interests include school readiness, sensory processing, strengthening, and promoting independence with everyday activities. I’m committed to providing compassionate, neuro-affirming care that celebrates each child’s unique strengths and abilities.

I love partnering with local community programs to support inclusive learning environments and raise developmental awareness. When I’m not providing therapy services, you can find me practicing pilates or yoga, reading a book, or on a flight to explore a new place. I’m so excited to bring occupational therapy into the community and look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families I work with.

Hello! I'm Natalie Oakwood, a pediatric occupational therapist at Motivate Children's Therapy. I earned my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Saginaw Valley State University and I'm dedicated to help children grow through a play-based, child-led approach.

I love the dynamic nature of occupational therapy and the chance to work with a wide variety of clients, meeting each child exactly where they are and supporting them as they develop new skills. My goal is to help my clients feel safe and welcome and to create a space where they can explore and learn.

My sessions are filled with creativity and connection because I believe children learn best when therapy is fun, engaging, and meaningful. Working alongside families to help kids gain confidence and independence in their daily activities is truly the most rewarding part of my work.