ABOUT US
JUSTINE DAVID
Justine David 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
UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Preschoolers
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, Wally.
EMMA WALLACE
Emma is a Sensory Integration Certified and UCLA PEERs Certified 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 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.
JENNA LELAND
Jenna is a Sensory Integration Certified occupational therapist. She received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills and BA in Cognitive Science from UCLA. She has experience with clients of all ages and with various needs, including children and adults with developmental delays, stroke survivors, and adolescents recently discharged from in-patient psychiatric care. Her work with kids particularly includes individuals with ASD, ADHD, developmental delays, and sensory processing differences. She loves being creative and client-centered with the activities she presents and aims to create a comfortable and positive environment for the children and families she works with.
Some of her favorite ways to spend her free time include spending time with family and friends, baking sweet treats and new sourdough recipes, hiking, and reading.
MIEL KRAUSS
Miel is our occupational therapy doctoral resident from USC, who also USC Sensory Integration Certified. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science with a minor in Occupational Science and has continued her education through a master’s in Occupational Therapy. Miel brings valuable experience co-leading our UCLA PEERs groups and assisting in our OTs Sensory Integration treatment.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, building keyboards, and spending time with her two kittens.
CHLOE WHITEFORD
Chloe holds a Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. Originally from Michigan, and after over a decade in New York City, Chloe relocated to Los Angeles. Chloe is a mom to three young children and has been engaged in therapeutic support, either as an occupational therapist or as a consumer of therapeutic services for her own family, for over 8 years. As a parent of a neurospicy child, Chloe has an intimate understanding of the complexities and challenges families can encounter in getting their needs met. Chloe believes in neurodiversity-affirming practices and holistic family supports, and offers sessions that are playful, engaging, and intentional. In addition, Chloe is a UCLA PEERS Certified occupational therapist educating both kids, teens, and parents on socially helpful vs socially risky behaviors. In her free time, Chloe loves to explore LA with her family, go to concerts, hike, and find a body of freshwater to jump into.
CARMI GONZALES
Carmi received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from New York University and has experience working with individuals across the lifespan. Her clinical background includes supporting infants and toddlers in early intervention, school-aged children in NYC Dept of Education and LAUSD settings, adults in orthopedic acute care, and adult veterans in mental health care. Her therapeutic use of self prioritizes a child-led, playful approach that emphasizes cultural sensitivity and rapport-building. Carmi is also a trained sound meditation practitioner, and she enjoys incorporating mindfulness and sensory-based practices into her work. In her free time, she loves to experience live music, practice yoga, and travel.