Our Team
Zoe DeSaulnier, Founder, CEO, & Occupational Therapist.
As the founder of Whole Child Occupational Therapy, I have a passion for learning and practicing whole person integration, whether for myself or with the children I work with. For me, this means being present, noticing emotions, and tuning into body consciousness. It has been both my pleasure and honor to work with children for over 25 years. Most of all, I enjoy helping children succeed and thrive in achieving their goals.
I have found mindfulness, yoga, and emotional awareness to be instrumental in supporting the children I work with. Along with a deep understanding of child development, sensory integration, and reflex integration, I strive to work with the whole child (mind, body, and spirit) to better support connection, happiness, and growth.
Mark Desaulnier, Executive Director
Hello! My name is Mark, and I am thrilled to join Whole Child Occupational Therapy as Executive Director!
For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of leading businesses in the music and cultural sectors, guiding them toward sustained success through strategic planning, marketing, and team building—always with a focus on growth and impact.
At WCOT, our mission is to help children build confidence, improve skills, and overcome challenges, while also supporting their families throughout the process. Our commitment is to you—our families—and I am honored to be part of a company that places that commitment at the heart of everything we do.
I look forward to working alongside this incredible team and contributing to the meaningful work we do every day!
Marissa Heirich, Occupational Therapist
Hello! I'm Marissa, and I'm honored to be part of your family's OT journey. My passion for working with children started in high school as an outdoor camp counselor, and continued as a co-founder of the UC Santa Cruz chapter of Camp Kesem. These experiences, along with my personal journey with chronic pain, inspired me to join a pain neuroscience lab at Stanford where I worked with families navigating chronic pain. During this time I also became a certified yoga teacher and shadowed at a pediatric OT clinic, where I found my true calling in occupational therapy.
I'm eager to bring my diverse experiences and genuine enthusiasm into my role as your child's therapist. I strive to create collaborative and meaningful relationships with my clients, empowering your child and family through our sessions together. I look forward to meeting you!
Maria Fernanda Matos-Larrañaga, Occupational Therapist
Hello, my name is Maria! I’m excited to be part of the team at Whole Child Occupational Therapy. My journey into OT started when my younger sister received OT services in middle school, sparking my interest in the field.
While at Pacific Union College, I discovered the world of Allied Health careers, and the positive impact OT had on my own family inspired me to pursue it. During OT school, I found my passion for pediatrics, particularly through fieldwork in school and clinic settings.
Since 2020, I’ve practiced in schools, helping students thrive. I am excited to continue my journey in the clinical setting and use the tools I’ve developed as we work together to build your child’s confidence and skills!
Lawrence Buot, Occupational Therapist
Hello! I’m Lawrence, an occupational therapist with a passion for helping children thrive. My journey into OT began while I was studying kinesiology at Sonoma State University, where I discovered my love for working with kids through my experience at the bike camp and various non-public schools.
Since becoming an OT in 2018, I’ve gained diverse experience in acute inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in clinic and school environments. My focus is on pediatric occupational therapy, and I’m dedicated to empowering parents to support their children’s development.
I’m trained in sensory integration, reflex integration, and the Handwriting Without Tears approach, and I strive to create engaging, individualized therapy experiences that foster growth and independence. I look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of the children and families I work with!
Nylah Lummer, Occupational Therapist
Hello, I am Nylah! I am excited to return to Sonoma County and join the team at Whole Child Occupational Therapy. I obtained my master’s degree from NYU in 2017 and have focused my career exclusively on pediatrics.
Before having my son in 2023, I led the occupational therapy department at a clinic in Florida, where I split my time between the clinic, a school, and early intervention. As a neuro-affirming practitioner, I am also certified in DIR Floortime, which I use to support the unique needs of the children and families I work with.
I absolutely love what I do and receive so much joy in supporting my clients in achieving their goals.
Tanyia Avery, Occupational Therapist
Hello! My name is Tanyia, and it is my privilege to be part of your family’s occupational therapy journey.
My passion for working with children began in massage school, where I took extra courses with a maternal-child health nurse in infant massage to support parent-child attachment and attunement. It was there that I discovered how deeply rewarding it is to work with families. When I later found occupational therapy, I knew I had discovered the perfect career.
I began my OT journey at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where my favorite courses focused on Maternal-Child Health and Pediatrics. Since 2009, I have worked in a variety of OT settings, primarily in schools, supporting children from preschool through age 21 with a wide range of diagnoses. I chose to dedicate my career to pediatric OT because I love how child-centered, therapeutic play can create meaningful and lasting positive changes in children’s lives.
I look forward to supporting you and helping your child reach their full potential!
Bianca Westcott, Administrative Specialist
Hello! I’m Bianca, and as the Administrative Specialist, I bring extensive experience in management, marketing, and client support.
A Marin native, I recently returned to the area after spending 15 years in Los Angeles. Most recently, I served as a Product Manager for Martha Stewart at Skechers, where I played a key role in brand development, product strategy, and driving innovation.
Beyond my professional work, I love exploring local hidden gems, spending quality time with family, and unwinding by any lake. Passionate about making a positive impact, I’m excited to be part of a team dedicated to supporting others and fostering meaningful connections.