ABOUT US

JUSTINE DAVID

Justine David occupational therapist

Justine David, OTR/L is the founder and clinical director of The Sensory Brain. She treats individuals across the lifespan, from infants to adults with a variety of challenges. These include physical and “invisible” disabilities such as Sensory Processing Disorder and symptoms, Tic Disorder, Tourette's syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD/ADD, coordination difficulties, and those who just need help in certain areas like social skills, self-regulation, and fine or gross motor skills. 

Her certifications include:

  • Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics

  • USC Sensory Integration

  • Safe and Sound Protocol

  • Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach - Feeding Therapy

  • UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Adolescents

Justine is an occupational therapy graduate from USC. She shares her knowledge with educators and physicians through workshops and presentations on neurodiversity. Her passion for teaching extends to helping others understand the distinction between sensory avoidant, seeking, and boundary-testing behaviors. She goes beyond her role as a therapist and serves as a parenting coach. Justine firmly believes that empowering and educating clients is crucial in facilitating progress in the lives of their loved ones.

When she isn’t treating, Justine loves to do hot yoga, cook meals from scratch, and be in nature with her dog, Bowie.

EMMA WALLACE

Emma Wallace, OTR/L is a Sensory Integration Certified pediatric occupational therapist. She completed her doctorate degree at USC and residency with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles USC University for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UUCED) with a specialization in sensory processing, motor development, emotional regulation, and trauma informed care.

She is dedicated to working with children and teenagers and their families to promote independence and skill growth in daily life skills, improved parent-child relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

In her free time, Emma loves to travel to new places and is a huge foodie. She loves doting on her two cats (Poppy and Prue) and attending local concerts.

SARINA CASS

Sarina Cass, OTR/L obtained a Master's in Occupational Therapy from Stanbridge University.  She has experience working with clients of all ages, specifically individuals with sensory processing differences, motor challenges, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. Her special experience includes primitive reflex integration, leading social skills groups, and her continued training in Sensory Integration.

She works from a place of compassion, play, and trust and loves guiding her clients to find their intrinsic tools for problem-solving, independence, and resiliency. Sarina hopes no one ever feels they are not good enough to love and accept all the parts that make them whole. 

In her spare time, you can find her cuddling with her two senior cats, trying out new recipes, weight lifting, going on hikes, and dreaming of where to travel next.

TALI BLANDO DEMARCO

Tali is our HIPAA-certified clinic assistant. She recently graduated from UCLA as a Cognitive Science undergraduate with a specialization in computation. Her studies centered around human cognition and behavior with an emphasis on human-computer interaction. During her time at UCLA, she delved into research surrounding perceptual development, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology.

Outside of The Sensory Brain, she assists with event planning at a dance studio nearby. Her hobbies include aerial acrobatics, indoor rock climbing, observing her gecko, and playing video games with her friends.

MACARENA BLANDO DEMARCO

Maca is our lovely HIPAA-trained clinic assistant. She started as a volunteer at the Sensory Brain in December 2022 and will be applying to graduate school for Occupational Therapy in the summer. Outside of the Sensory Brain, she leads several social skills groups for children on the spectrum ranging from ages 5 - 17. In her spare time, she enjoys her occupations such as boxing, singing, video games, and hosting a movie club with her friends.