Jessica Peterson OTD, OTR, CLC, PMH-C, CEIM

Jessica’s biggest dream as a child was to become a mother. But after she had her first child, she started to feel lost. The daily routines and activities defined her had turned upside down. After a second child 2 years later, she started to feel more overwhelmed, Her body changed with each pregnancy and birth. Though she loved her her role as a mother, she realized she was still searching for the professional and carefree person she had left behind.

With more than a decade of experience as an occupational therapist in acute care and skilled nursing settings, Jessica decided to return to school yet again to find her passion and purpose as an occupational therapist in maternal health. In the fall of 2023, she graduated with her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University. She focused her dissertation on gathering resources for occupational therapy and other healthcare practitioners to better serve parents with disabilities. While completing her doctorate, she joined forces with Gayle Schwee, a friend, co-worker, and fellow occupational therapist to co-found a private practice in 2022, Matrescence Occupational Therapy.

Jessica is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Perinatal Mental Health Professional and Infant Massage Educator. She is currently pursuing her International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credentials. She serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Adaptive Parent Project, a 501-C Non-Profit dedicated to empowering parents with disabilities as an inclusive resource for disabled parents and their families worldwide.

Jessica is enthusiastic, creative, and advocates for her clients. She has a tenacious knack for problem solving, and will not shy away from the unconventional. Jessica is an aerial circus arts hobbyist and when she is not in the air, she is spending time with her husband and two little girls. She loves traveling to new places and trying new foods.