Our nervous system is constantly working to help us feel safe and secure
Our nervous system continuously works to maintain a sense of felt safety and security. However, trauma or individual neurobiological differences can sometimes disrupt this balance, making it difficult to fully connect with others or engage in meaningful activities. By exploring your unique sensory profile, we can collaboratively understand your needs and identify strategies to support your regulatory capacities. My goal is to help you develop personalized practices and strategies, enhance your awareness, and improve the overall flexibility of your nervous system. This approach aims to support your engagement in ways that feel most fulfilling to you.
Sophia Mendoza
MS, OTR/L
With over 25 years of experience working with adults, children, and families, my approach as an occupational therapist is enriched by a blend of personal and professional insights. My background as a teacher, therapist, and parent, coupled with my deep love for the landscapes of Colorado, has shaped my holistic perspective. Growing up amidst Colorado’s stunning beauty sparked a profound curiosity about how movement and context influence our embodied experiences. This connection to the environment deeply informs my therapy practice, allowing me to integrate a keen awareness of how our physical and emotional worlds interact with each individual's unique context and needs.
As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, I celebrate and support the natural diversity in neurocognitive functioning. I value neurodivergent experiences as valid and meaningful. My approach combines advanced training with a deep respect for the lived experiences of my clients. I view myself as a collaborative partner in discovery, helping clients explore and engage with their world in ways that honor their unique needs. This includes respecting individual differences by seeing neurodivergent traits as part of the natural spectrum of human experience, tailoring support to fit each person’s sensory, cognitive, and emotional needs, promoting self-acceptance without pressure to conform to neurotypical norms, dismantling ableism, and advocating for inclusive practices and environments. Committed to continuous learning, I strive to remain open-minded and adaptable, recognizing that clients’ lived experiences provide more profound insights than formal training.
My professional background includes advanced certifications and training in DIR/Floortime (Fellowship Level), Applied Educational Neuroscience, Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflex Integration, Polyvagal Theory, DBT, Interoception and Alexithymia, and Trauma-Informed Therapy for Autistic Individuals. This diverse expertise allows me to offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to therapy that supports meaningful growth and connection.
Educational Background
Certificate in Applied Educational Neuroscience: Butler University, 2024
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MS): University of Illinois at Chicago, 2013
Waldorf Teacher Training Certification: Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Institute, 2004
Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Gender Studies: Grinnell College, 1999