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 135-hour professional training 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

  • Kinesio Taping Assessments, Fundamental Concepts and Techniques 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

  • Neuro-Lymphatic Drainage from Monarch Continuing Education

  • Somatic Experiencing professional training 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

  • Interoception Supports for Chronic Pain, Health Management & Emotional Well-Being in Adults with Kelly Mahler

  • Autistic Burnout - Understand it, Support it, Prevent it with Kelly Mahler

Mara in silhouette profile with a dark rainbow overlay

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

My specific somatic training is in Somatic Experiencing. I completed my training in May 2024, and now serve as a training assistant for SE trainings. 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.

mara doing gentle lymphatic drainage massage on an ankle

Certified Lymphatic Therapist

I’ve been building my skills in lymphatic drainage massage since 2013. I received the CLT-LANA credential from the Lymphology Association of North America in 2017, demonstrating my 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 for all parts of the body, including lymphatic massage (also called manual lymphatic drainage), multi-layer bandaging, and recommending appropriate compression garments. I’ve trained in multiple styles and techniques, including Vodder, Leduc, “Modern MLD”, and neurolymphatic drainage.

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

Educator

I’m an educator, speaker, and podcast guest in various healthcare, professional, spirituality, and adult settings. My speaking experience includes professional training programs, conference workshops, medical grand rounds speeches, support groups, and adult education classes.

Currently offered topics 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

  • Trusting your queer body

  • Becoming a hero: How to do something when the world needs us

  • This is your brain on kink: Exploring the threat response cycle in kinky play

Additionally, I’m an adjunct instructor at Potomac Massage Training Institute where I teach manual lymphatic drainage and special populations in massage therapy.

I welcome opportunities to speak! If you’re interested in having me present one of the above classes or create something new for your group, please reach out via my contact form.

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.

Groups I’m involved with include 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.