About me…

Mara Levy

MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP

They / Them

I am…

  • Queer and genderqueer

  • Mid fat, white, Xennial

  • ADHD-powered, cancer survivor, mostly nondisabled

  • Anti-racist and anti-oppression

  • Queer positive and trans affirming

  • Fat positive and Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned

  • Sex positive

  • Kink friendly

  • Polyamory friendly

  • Pagan friendly

  • Neurodiversity and disability aware

  • Trauma informed

Mara smiling in front of rainbow mural. They have short burgundy hair with shaved sides, a nose ring, and a rainbow tree necklace. They are wearing a vest and button-down.

Occupational Therapist

Since 2005, I’ve been an occupational therapist working with folks who have a wide range of medical conditions - cancer, lymphedema, arthritis, fibromyalgia, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis to name a few.

I’ve been a certified lymphedema specialist and a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. I’ve worked in a spinal cord injury day program, a seating and mobility clinic, and a nationally known post-polio clinic.

I’ve helped people redesign the way they live their lives, manage their fatigue, understand their chronic pain, learn to maximize their executive function, use their hands again, and adjust to a changed level of function.

In addition to my piles of informal study, formal training relevant to my current practice includes:

  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Boston University

  • Certified lymphedema therapist from Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy

  • Head & Neck Lymphedema Management from Klose Training

  • Breast Cancer Rehabilitation from Klose Training

  • Myofascial Release I from John Barnes

  • Kinesiotaping from Rehab Education

  • Mindfulness for Pain from Medbridge

  • Motivational Interviewing from Medbridge

  • Modern MLD from International Lymphedema & Wound Training Institute

  • Certificate in Life Coaching from Oxford Home Study Centre

  • Plastic Surgery Recovery and Fibrosis Massage from Kathleen Lisson

  • Modern MLD from International Lymphedema & Wound Training Institute

  • Neuro-Lymphatic Drainage from Monarch Continuing Education

  • Somatic Experiencing from Somatic Experiencing International

  • Focusing from Annette Dubreuil

  • 3 Steps to Improving Interoception: An Evidence-Based Approach from Kelly Mahler

  • Craniosacral Therapy I from Upledger

  • Foundations of Development: Sensory Processing, Regulation, and Relationship from STAR Institute

Mara in silhouette profile with a dark rainbow overlay

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

My specific training is in Somatic Experiencing, and I completed my training in May 2024. I have additional training in Focusing, Motivational Interviewing, life coaching, and energy work that informs my practice, in addition to my long experience as an OT.

As a lifelong dancer, I’ve always been a believer in how deeply our bodies affect everything about us. The focus of my undergraduate philosophy degree was on what it means to be human - how our bodies, minds, and spirits are all essential to who we are. As I’ve grown as a human, I’m only more convinced that healing any part of us is best when we address all parts.

lymphatic system anatomy graphic

Certified Lymphatic Therapist

Since 2013, I’ve been building my skills in lymphatic drainage massage. In 2017, I received the CLT-LANA credential from the Lymphology Association of North America, indicating that I’ve demonstrated the highest level of expertise in managing disorders of the lymphatic system. Since then, I’ve served people with all stages of lymphedema, lipedema, and other swelling disorders. I’ve been part of many people’s journey through breast cancer including ongoing surveillance for lymphedema. I’m experienced in all the stages of complete decongestive therapy, including lymphatic massage (also called manual lymphatic drainage), multi-layer bandaging, and recommending appropriate compression garments.

Mara sitting on the ground in front of rainbow mural, gesturing as if teaching

Educator

I’ve been an educator and workshop presenter at my state professional conference, medical grand rounds, adult/alternative sexuality conferences, support groups, and adult education organizations.

I’ve presented on communication skills, sexual health, adapting sexual expression with disability, addressing sexuality as a healthcare professional, and managing various medical conditions. Currently offered classes include:

  • Doing better: How to manage first reactions to getting called in

  • Be a safer provider with size-neutral care

  • The magic of embodiment

  • Trusting your body after cancer

  • Neuro-lymphatics: Supporting wellness in cancer and beyond

  • Activism & mental health: Supporting resiliency (co-presented with Mary Alice Reilly LMSW)

line of rainbow umbrellas in front of the supreme court

Activist

As an activist, I work to fight oppression wherever I see it. I actively support transgender and queer rights, anti-racism, decolonization, immigrant safety, reproductive rights, and fat liberation.

I’m part of Doctors for Camp Closure and the Queer Mental Health Initiative.

I take your oppression seriously, even when I don’t share it myself. I don’t always get it right, but I do welcome corrections and the chance to do better.