Occupational Therapy

Neurodiversity-Affirming | Based in Ann Arbor & Farmington Hills | SErving all ages

Occupational Therapy Coming to Farmington Hills August, 2026

At Mala Child & Family Institute, we offer comprehensive occupational therapy (OT) services in Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills, Michigan and virtually, designed to support individuals across the lifespan. Our trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approach ensures that each client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Our two WHYS are clear: We believe every individual deserves affirming, empathetic, and empowering support. And we are committed to creating a place where occupational therapists can do their best—and truest—work.

Our department was born from lived experiences of our director, Katy Bachleda, and the pain of watching her loved one navigate a world that didn’t understand or affirm them. We exist to be the support that so many families need but don’t receive: the kind that validates each person’s identity, honors their neurodivergence, and walks alongside them with compassion. Our mission is to help children, adults, and families thrive authentically, even when the world makes that difficult. We know how hard it is to practice in environments that claim to value collaboration, balance, and care, but don’t back it up in practice. At Mala, we are building an OT department that centers integrity: a space where clinicians are respected, supported, and empowered to deliver high-quality care without compromising their own well-being. Here, we nurture both professional excellence and human sustainability.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Child participating in sensory integration therapy at Mala Child & Family Institute in Ann Arbor, MI

At Mala Child & Family Institute, our occupational therapy (OT) services in Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills and virtually offer a compassionate, hands-on approach to helping children, teens, and adults develop, recover, or maintain the skills they need for everyday life. Whether it's improving fine motor coordination, building sensory integration, or supporting executive functioning, our goal is to increase independence and enhance daily functioning.

Because your daily life deserves support that’s attuned to your whole self.

Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with speech-language pathologists, psychologists, educators, physicians, and families to ensure your care is comprehensive and personalized. We specialize in child-led, neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy, creating a supportive environment where every individual is respected for their unique strengths and needs.

Who Can Benefit from Occupational Therapy?

Feeding Therapy

Helping bring joy
back to meal time.

Ages 6 months+
Ann Arbor & Farmington Hills offices

Our OT Services

Now Offering the Safe and Sound Protocol

for kids, teens, and Adults | Ann Arbor-Based

Why Choose Our
OT Services?

Collaborative Care: We work closely with psychologists, educators, medical professionals, and families to create integrated treatment plans.

Child-Led Interventions: Emphasizing the child's interests and strengths to foster engagement and progress.

Expert Team: Our licensed occupational therapists are experienced in addressing a wide range of developmental and mental health challenges.

Meet Our Occupational Therapists

  • Katy Bachleda, MOT, OTR/L

    Director of Occupational Therapy

  • Amanda Padilla, MOT, OTR/L

    Lead Occupational Therapist

  • Dr. Michelle Speer, OTD, OTR/L

    Doctor of Occupational Therapy

  • Shelly Watkins, MSOT, OTR/L, CAS

    Occupational Therapist

  • Kona Mocha

    Occupational Therapy Dog

Enroll Today

Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, & Virtually | Available for all ages