Maternal Health OT
We are truly better together.
Meet
The founders
Maternal Health OT was founded by 4 occupational therapists from 3 different states, all working in maternal health. As OTs that became mothers and began to work with mothers, we realized there was an enormous gap in the care and attention for maternal health within the medical system and model. We took a leap to specialize in supporting mothers, parents and their infants before, during and after this crucial perinatal period and have witnessed firsthand the incredible outcomes and gains in the families we've worked with. We initially sought mentorship and collaboration from each other to improve our clinical skills and bounce ideas off one another. After we realized how many others like us were in need of a community supporting this exciting and novel practice area, we decided to team up to create something that would do just that.
Hayley Chrząstowski
OTD, OTR/L, CEIM
Wild OT
FREDRICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
Hayley has over 8 years of OT experience both nationally and internationally in outpatient pediatric, inpatient acute care, and Neonatal ICU settings. Hayley created Wild OT 3 years ago after witnessing the unaddressed needs of maternal and infant populations within our traditional healthcare system. She combined her skillset as an OT and labor/delivery doula to help educate and empower women during this exceptionally transformative journey from pregnancy, through postpartum, and into motherhood while addressing both the needs of the woman and their infant. Hayley has a passion for elevating other practitioners into this incredibly rewarding niche of OT and is excited to hold this space with Libby, Jessica, and Gayle.
Jessica Peterson
OTD, OTR, CLC, PMH-C, CEIM
MILK STORIES
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Jessica's journey into maternal health began after her own experiences becoming a mother. After over a decade of experience in traditional settings with adults, she realized that she had the foundation to support others in early motherhood, and reignited her passion for her profession and lifelong learning as a private practice owner and entrepreneur. In 2022, she co-founded Matrescence Occupational Therapy, and is now owner of Milk Stories, a mobile private practice that specializes in lactation, maternal and infant health related to the co-occupation of breastfeeding. Jessica is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Perinatal Mental Health Professional and Infant Massage Educator and is currently pursuing her IBCLC. She recently completed her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University focusing on building resources and education for occupational therapy practitioners to better serve parents with disabilities. She is honored to contribute to the innovative practice area of maternal health with Gayle, Hayley and Libby!
Gayle Schwee
MOT, OTR, PMH-C
Matrescence ot
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Gayle is a Filipinx-American, born and raised Texan, occupational therapist, and Co-Founder of Matrescence Occupational Therapy. In her second career, Gayle has been practicing occupational therapy in acute care since 2017 and has previous pediatric experience in early intervention. Just as the pandemic shut down the world, Gayle birthed her first child. She strives to bring occupational therapy to the forefront in perinatal health and bridge the gap in traditional maternal care. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and is dedicated to raising awareness and providing direct support to people suffering from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). When not focused on her work, Gayle enjoys spending time with her family or exploring the great outdoors with her husband and young daughter. She is passionate about supporting other OT practitioners and eager to work with Hayley, Jessica, and Libby in this space!
Libby Skolnik
MS, OTR/L, CEIM
BORN TO BLOOM
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Libby Skolnik OTR/L, CEIM, PMH-C* is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Educator of Infant Massage with over 8 years of experience in acute care, inpatient pediatrics and special expertise in the Neonatal ICU working with premature and medically complex babies and their families.
Libby founded Born to Bloom: Maternal and Infant OT in 2023 to address the unique demands of motherhood, empower parents with the tools to support their child's individual development and foster motherhood community and connection. Libby runs numerous mom and baby groups, works with moms and babies both in the home and hospital setting, provides developmental consultation/teacher in-services to local preschools and has been a repeat guest lecturer at her local OT program in Memphis, TN. Libby is a wife and mother to a 4 year old daughter and 6 month old son.
Libby is so grateful to work alongside Gayle, Hayley and Jessica to create and run this incredible platform for Occupational Therapists working in the maternal health and infant space.
