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.

Mara in silhouette profile with a dark rainbow overlay

Somatic Therapist

My specific training is in Somatic Experiencing, and I finished my training as an SE Practitioner in May 2024. I have additional training in Motivational Interviewing, life coaching, and energy work that also informs my practice, in addition to my 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

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

Stock image by Koshu Kunii of protest in front of the white house. A Black Lives Matter sign is raised.

Activist

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

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.