Practitioner Mary Jo Smayra

Mary Jo Smayra

Occupational Therapist

License No: 22343834-001

Mary Jo is a compassionate and dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with 3 years of experience in clinical and NGO settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon and has worked extensively in schools, private clinics, and rehabilitation centers, providing specialized therapy for children with diverse needs.

Throughout her career, Mary Jo has worked closely with children facing a range of developmental challenges, including Cerebral Palsy, ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Processing Disorders. She has experience conducting standardized assessments and developing intervention plans.

She is deeply committed to helping children gain independence by improving their fine and gross motor skills, cognitive functions, visual and sensory processing skills, social skills, handwriting, and daily living activities such as dressing, using cutlery and managing school materials.

Mary Jo is recognized for her child-centered approach, seamlessly combining clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion. She believes that therapy extends beyond structured sessions about building trust, empowering children, and guiding families through every step of their child’s development. She values collaboration with parents, educators, and other therapists to create supportive environments where children can thrive at home, in school, and within their communities.

Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, Mary Jo effectively communicates with children and families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that every child feels understood, supported, and valued.

A firm believer in continuous learning, Mary Jo has pursued advanced training in ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnosis), Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP), the Snoezelen Approach (Multi-Sensory Therapy), Assistive Products & Wheelchair Service, and Functional Analysis of Behavior and Challenging Behaviors. She is also a handwriting specialist.

As a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), Mary Jo stays engaged in the latest advancements in her field, to provide the highest level of care. Her mission is to help her patients develop confidence, achieve independence and reach their full potential through inclusion and evidence-based interventions.

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Languages

Arabic, English, French

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Areas of Expertise

SPD, ASD, ADHD, ADD, DCD, motor skills difficulties, visual perceptual difficulties, emotional regulation, developmental screening, teacher and parent training, advocacy, CP, handwriting, developmental screening,

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Years of Experience

3 - 5 years