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
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.
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.
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.
Relevant trainings include
Full CDT Certification course at Norton School
Head and Neck Lymphedema Management with Klose Training
Myofascial Release I at the John Barnes school
Modern MLD at ILWTI
Plastic Surgery Recovery with Kathleen Lisson
NeuroLymphatic Drainage at Monarch Continuing Ed
CranioSacral Therapy I at Upledger
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
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.