Occupational Therapy Providers
Michelle Desjardins, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Michelle is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She is licensed in NH and ME. Michelle attended the University of New England in ME where she obtained her BS in Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy in 2003 and her MS in Occupational Therapy in 2004. Shortly after graduate school, Michelle successfully completed advanced training thru USC/WPS to obtain Ayres Sensory Integration Certification. Michelle brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience working with both children and adults, in varied settings including acute care, private and public schools, psychiatric facilities, home health, out-patient centers, within the community, and private-practices. In addition, she has a passion for lifelong teaching/learning. Michelle has taught varied OT college courses and has mentored numerous Level II OT Fieldwork Students. Michelle is passionate about promoting the essential role of OT in mental health. In addition, areas of interest include neuro-affirming care, using a strengths-based approach, promoting child-led therapy, neuro-rehabilitation, sensory modulation, emotional regulation, executive functioning, self-feeding, assistive device/adaptive equipment training, and most importantly addressing the patient/family holistically. Michelle provides a safe, child-led, strengths-based approach during her sessions. Families describe Michelle as easy to talk to and very supportive during the OT process. Michelle lives on the seacoast with her husband and two daughters. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys kayaking and any ocean side activities with her family.
Email: mdesjardins@garrisoncityspeech.com
Marissa Dunn, COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Marissa is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who brings warmth, creativity and a playful spirit to her work with children. She graduated from North Shore Community College and is licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She has experience across outpatient, private school and outdoor settings, and specializes in play-based, child-led intervention that helps kids explore, move and learn in ways that feel natural and fun. Marissa loves that her job lets her work closely with children and their families to find creative ways to support meaningful progress in fine and gross motor development, sensory processing and emotional regulation. Families describe her as kind, calm and deeply compassionate, and they value the collaborative, safe, joyful environment she creates. Outside of work, Marissa enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and spending time with her husband, dog and horse. When she's not outside, she enjoys crafting and sewing.
Email: mdunn@garrisoncityspeech.com
