Biography

Jen Merz, OTD, OTR/L, CLC is an experienced Occupational Therapist and Certified Lactation Counselor at M Street Pediatric Therapy. When she is not working directly with patients, Jen also supports the ongoing development of staff through clinical mentorship through her role as a Peer Mentor.

Licensure and Certifications
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist, Illinois
  • Illinois Early Intervention Credential - Occupational Therapy
  • Illinois Early Intervention Evaluator Credential - Occupational Therapy
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) - Registered Occupational Therapist
  • Certified Infant Massage Therapist (CIMT)
Education
  • Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, 2019
  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Ohio State University, 2015
Organizations
  • Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA)
  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Awards and Acknowledgements

Publications:
Merz JA, Nakasuji B, Mollo KS. Occupational Therapy Group Programming for adolescents with developmental and learning disabilities: A retrospective documentation review. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2020;8(3):1-18. doi:10.15453/2168-6408.1675https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1675&context=ojot

Merz JA, Kumar P, Zapletal AL. Chapter 11: Simulation Design and the Impact on Student Stress; Appendix I. In Zapletal AL, Baird JM, Van Oss T, Hoppe MM, Prast JE, Herge EA. Clinical Simulation for Health Care Professionals. Slack Incorporated; 2022: 109-115; 307.https://www.slackbooks.com/clinical-simulation-for-healthcare-professionals/

Presentations:
Presenter at AOTA: Salt Lake City, UT (April 2018) & New Orleans, LA (April 2019)

Publications and Presentations
Expertise
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Specialties
Occupational Therapy
Help children learn and develop through play. Help adapt activities, materials and environmental conditions to support successful learning and participation in daily routines and activities.
Feeding & Swallowing
We use a family and child-centered multi-disciplinary approach with a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist to help families and children eat and enjoy mealtime. We assist children in transitioning to the next developmental stage of feeding.
Lactation Support Services
Certified Lactation Counselors provide education and support for lactation and breast/chestfeeding. Our multidisciplinary lactation team will work with you to support your family’s individual needs to help you and your baby thrive.
Sub-Specialties
Adaptation of Daily Care Activities & Routines
Adaptation of Daily Care Activities & Routines
Adaptation of Daily Care Activities & Routines
Adapt daily care routines to your child’s unique needs with personalized strategies for enhanced independence and success. Our expert OTs collaborate with you to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Executive Functioning Skills
Executive Functioning Skills
Executive Functioning Skills
Enhance your child's participation with tailored interventions by our OT’s that support improved focus, organization, and problem-solving.
Fine Motor Development
Fine Motor Development
Fine Motor Development
Our OTs tailor engaging, effective interventions to support each child's unique fine motor needs.
Motor Planning & Coordination
Motor Planning & Coordination
Motor Planning & Coordination
Our OTs provide expert guidance to caregivers to help improve a child’s movement skills and build confidence.
Self-Care
Self-Care
Self-Care
Our OTs empower caregivers with strategies to help children master essential self-care skills, boosting independence and confidence.
Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration
Sensory Integration
Our Occupational Therapists empower caregivers with practical strategies and support to help meet their child's sensory needs at home.
Social & Play Participation
Social & Play Participation
Social & Play Participation
Social and play participation is vital for children's development. Our OTs create tailored strategies for caregivers to enhance their child's social skills and engagement.
Breast/Chestfeeding Support and Guidance
Breast/Chestfeeding Support and Guidance
Breast/Chestfeeding Support and Guidance
Expert Breast/Chestfeeding support helps you and your baby thrive with personalized guidance and solutions.
Choking, Gagging, or Coughing During or After Eating
Choking, Gagging, or Coughing During or After Eating
Choking, Gagging, or Coughing During or After Eating
Choking, gagging, or coughing during meals can be distressing. Our Feeding Therapists provide expert, personalized strategies for safer, more enjoyable mealtimes.
Difficulties Transitioning to Solids
Difficulties Transitioning to Solids
Difficulties Transitioning to Solids
Transitioning to solid foods can be challenging. Our Feeding Therapists provide tailored support for successful transitions.
Poor Weight Gain, Weight Loss, or Growth Faltering
Poor Weight Gain, Weight Loss, or Growth Faltering
Poor Weight Gain, Weight Loss, or Growth Faltering
Understanding the causes of poor weight gain, weight loss, or growth faltering is vital for healthy development. Our Feeding Therapists assess and create customized plans to support your child's growth and well-being.
Selective Eaters
Selective Eaters
Selective Eaters
We support caregivers through personalized, child-centered strategies for selective eaters, fostering positive mealtimes.
Tube Transitions
Tube Transitions
Tube Transitions
Our Feeding Therapists create personalized plans for confident, successful transition from tube feeding to eating by mouth.
Breast/Chest and Bottle Refusal
Breast/Chest and Bottle Refusal
Breast/Chest and Bottle Refusal
Feeding challenges like refusal can be stressful. Our Certified Lactation Counselors offer tailored support to resolve issues and enhance mealtime experiences.
Breast, Chest, and Nipple Differences
Breast, Chest, and Nipple Differences
Breast, Chest, and Nipple Differences
Breast, chest, and nipple differences can affect feeding. Our Certified Lactation Counselors offer personalized solutions and support for a smoother feeding experience.
Latching Difficulty
Latching Difficulty
Latching Difficulty
A successful latch is vital for nurturing and feeding. Our Certified Lactation Counselors offer personalized support to overcome latching difficulties and foster a strong parent-child bond.
Milk Supply
Milk Supply
Milk Supply
Our Certified Lactation Counselors provide personalized guidance to support your feeding journey.
Pumping
Pumping
Pumping
We partner with families to support child development and offer expert pumping guidance. Our Certified Lactation Counselors provide personalized, in-home support.