Occupational therapy
Dr. Thea Shukaliak-Neufeld, OTR/L, OTD
Easy Weekday Dinners!
Occupational Therapy Services
in Lafayette, California
Occupational Therapy (OT) enables children to improve sensory and emotional regulation by expanding sensory preferences and supporting development so the whole family can enjoy life to the fullest! Children learn through play - so OT is fun.
Research shows that children, and adults, learn more quickly through play. We learn through our senses, such as seeing, touching, manipulating, exploring, and tasting. OT supports children to participate in the activities they need and want to do, such as comfortably joining mealtimes at the table and to one day try & eat a variety of foods.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here!
Hi! I'm Thea a pediatric Occupational Therapist with 17+ years experience and a specialty in feeding & eating and sensory regulation. I started More than Milestones OT to support children and families in their homes.
As a mother to three unique children, I understand the complexities of feeding a family of five healthy balanced meals everyday (and getting kids to eat!). My oldest is a supertaster with expanding likes, my middle child is a wild card with likes and dislikes changing daily, and my youngest was a picky eater with a few calorie heavy favorite foods.
I have two post-professional degrees: Masters (2016) and Doctorate (2018) in OT. I presented my Master's capstone project: Creating a Sensory Rich Preschool Classroom, at both the CAAEYC conference in Santa Clara and the AOTA conference in New Orleans in 2019. I love working with children and families to achieve their unique and individual goals.
My treatment style and practical strategies combine my lived experiences and years of expertise to support enjoyment and sensory regulation in life and at mealtimes.
In my free time, I enjoy walking & running with Hiro (my Vizsla), reading, and hanging out in my cozy backyard with my family.
The Sensory Approach to Feeding & Eating
Build confidence and positive mealtime habits
- Increase food confidence for children and families
- Create supportive meal routines for anxious eaters
Empower healthy choices and foster relationships
- Promote healthier eating by expanding variety
- Increase connection and enjoyment at the table
"My Sensory Approach to feeding & eating is evidence-informed, neuro-affirming, and enables children to enjoy the foods they eat, while supporting parents to provide nurturative meals."
~ Dr. Thea Shukaliak-Neufeld, OTR/L, OTD
Parent Support for your Neurodivergent Child!
Thea is passionate about empowering parents to navigate the unique journey of raising confident, happy, and healthy neurodivergent children.
Empower your child's relationship with food!
Feel confident that every meal you make is working towards more enjoyment, less stress, and healthier choices for your family.
Fast-track to peaceful dining with the Parent Consultation Action Hour.
No long-term commitment—just one hour to unlock personalized solutions! Strategic and game-changing support—usually available within the week.
Schedule now to begin stress-free meal & food experiences!
Testimonials about Parent Consultation with Thea
“Overall, the knowledge sharing, practical tips and creative approach has been super valuable!”
“I just love finding neuroaffirming people who can help in practical ways without trying to change who my kid is. We appreciate Thea!”
My Story
It was easier to make whatever he requested. I fed him dinner before the rest of us and let him be... One day I decided to put into action my own sensory approach, a gentle redirection of how and what food is offered, centered around the sensory aspects of eating.
My son went from tantruming every dinner to coming to the table most nights without any fuss and choosing and eating (!) something from the family style meal. My approach worked for my picky eater and it can work for yours too!
A picky eater was born!
My third and youngest started out as a great eater but overtime it became clear: he was a super picky eater. He survived the pandemic year on white carbs and cheese. If HIS dinner wasn't mac & cheese or grilled cheese, he would have a tantrum, screaming on the dining room floor.
Although I had worked on feeding with clients for over a decade, I didn't have the energy in 2020 to therapize my son and work on expanding his repertoire.
Upcoming Talk in 2024 for SEED Lafayette
Let's connect!
Dr. Thea Shukaliak-Neufeld, OTR/L, OTD
Email: Thea@MorethanMilestonesOT.com
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