Karla Olivares, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Karla received her Occupational Therapy degree in 2015 from Texas Tech University Health. Sciences Center, and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. During her studies and throughout her career, she has focused in the mental health aspect of OT. In Texas, Karla practiced as a pediatric OT in a large outpatient clinic, and privately supported women during the postpartum period, inspired by her own motherhood journey and wishing to do her part to bridge the gap of maternal services for women in South Texas. Through this experience, Karla dove into maternal mental health and received training from Postpartum Support International, and attended several International Trauma Conferences to further support clients from the inside out, in addressing their own childhood trauma, attachment wounds, nervous system dysregulation, and applying mindfulness-based practices. She provided free support groups for birthing people to support them in their postpartum journey and conscious parenting approach, which deeply connected her to her community in South Texas. Karla has also trained in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), meditation, and holistic health coaching. Karla currently works at About Play and Northside Hospital.

Prior to being an OT, Karla had a life-changing experience as a Servant Leader Intern for the Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom School program, which inspired her to serve at-risk populations and further understand systems of oppression for marginalized communities and people of color. A native of Mexico, Karla migrated to the US as a child and grew up in Houston, Texas. Karla is bilingual in English and Spanish, bicultural, and passionate about providing culturally-relevant, holistic, and trauma-sensitive care to her clients. She is currently working towards her certification in Brain and Sensory Foundations. Outside of work, Karla finds joy in exploring Atlanta with her spouse and two young children, reading memoirs, traveling, visiting Mexico and sharing her culture and cuisine with her kids, connecting with friends, trying new foods, and watching arthouse films.