8 Sensory Systems
STAFF
Founder and Lead Therapist
Dr. Taira Fischer, OTD, OTR/L,
STAR Proficiency Certification in SPD
Taira received her training at Huntington University where she was awarded a doctorate of occupational therapy degree (OTD). She earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University majoring in psychology. Taira specializes in pediatrics with an interest in sensory processing disorder and child neurodevelopment. Her passion is helping parents understand their child's uniquely wired nervous system and to support children to reach their fullest potential.
​
Taira’s experience includes completion of a 4-month residency at the STAR Institute Treatment and Research Center for SPD in Greenwood Village, CO. Taira attended a week-long intensive mentorship during her training at STAR to be certified as a Level I: Advanced Mentored Clinician in SPD and has completed the course work to achieve the SPD ProCert 1 (Professional Credential in Sensory Processing Disorder). She attended the basic SOS Approach to Feeding course to help kids who are struggling with picky eating and/or self-feeding skills and completed certification of the Sensory Beginnings Master Course dedicated to sensory integration and regulation within the first two years of life.
Within Taira’s professional career she has been recognized as a presenter by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy at the First Occupational Therapy Conference in Ukraine to therapists, medical doctors, psychologists, and other health care providers on the role and use of play in occupational therapy. Most recently Taira has researched and has taken continuing education on child neurodevelopment including topics of brain and nervous system development, infant mental health, attachment, and emotional regulation. She plans to continue to be a part of the advocacy, research, and education of supporting childhood neurodevelopment.
“Therapy should be fun! Our goal for every session is to see a child smiling and laughing while simultaneously reaching therapeutic goals.”
​
- Taira
Occupational Therapist
Megan Montgomery, COTA/L
Megan is a proud graduate of Marion Technical College, where she earned her title as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). She is also the very first member of the Sensory Savvy Kids team!
​
Before joining Sensory Savvy Kids, Megan completed multiple clinical rotations focused on pediatrics, where she gained experience using a neurodiverse-affirming and sensory-informed approach to treatment. After graduation and obtaining her COTA license, Megan trained under the direct supervision of Dr. Taira, developing strong proficiency in the Sensory Savvy Kids framework and is now a trusted and loved part of our therapy team.
​
Megan is passionate about sensory regulation and supporting the neurodivergent community. She is dedicated to helping children feel more organized in their bodies, understand their sensory needs, and develop the tools to be the best version of themselves.
When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find Megan spending time with friends, cooking, or exploring new places.
​​​
“I love working with kids because the opportunities are endless. Each day brings new ideas, creations, and moments of joy. Watching children grow, progress, and build confidence is the most rewarding part of my job — and I love the laughter, curiosity, and emotions they bring to every session!”
​
- Megan
OUR APPROACH
Children are the masters at play! It is a child's "occupation" or "job" where they learn and develop physical skills, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and social skills. That is why our approach to treatment is committed to following the child's inner drive to play and using that motivation to build their skills. They are the leaders of the session and guide the therapeutic process.
​
What our sessions are NOT: they are not drilling a child and demanding a response, they are not practicing the same activity over and over, they are not following a strict schedule, they are not completing a set number of activities.
​
Mission Statement: Sensory Savvy Kids’ mission is to support parents in taking a proactive approach to their child’s development by providing evidence-based services that will help reduce the number of preventable developmental delays, mental health, and sensory processing disorders in children.
​
Vision Statement: Sensory Savvy Kids' vision is to empower parents to feel competent in the sensory health of their children by developing a secure, positive parent-child relationship that will enable children to feel safe in order to learn about the world around them.
Diversity Statement
"At Sensory Savvy Kids, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all children and families. Our outpatient pediatric occupational therapy clinic, specializing in sensory processing and regulation, values and respects the unique cultural, social, and individual factors that shape each child's journey. Our commitment to diversity is embedded in our therapeutic approaches, ensuring personalized and culturally sensitive interventions. We strive to provide a welcoming space where every family feels heard, understood, and supported. By actively engaging with and learning from diverse communities, we aim to empower every child to reach their full potential, making diversity an integral part of our ethos at Sensory Savvy Kids."