Dr. Jenny Li, OTD, OTR/L

Training & philosophy

I earned my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, and completed my doctoral research at a community rehabilitation center inside a refugee camp in Jordan — an experience that shaped how I think about culturally responsive care.

My work is neurodiversity-affirming and sensory-informed. I help children build skills through play, connection, and experiences that actually mean something to them, because I believe that when a child understands their own body and feels genuinely supported, they grow into the most confident, authentic version of themselves.

Why I do this

I believe every child deserves to be understood on their own terms. So much of a child's frustration comes from a world that isn't built for how their body and brain work. My job isn't to change who a child is, but to help them build the skills and confidence to move through their days more easily, and to help the people who love them understand and support them along the way.

Having worked in clinics for the past decade, I've also noticed how challenging it can be to translate progress in the clinic back to a child's own home. That's why I built my practice around meeting children where they actually live and play, in a safe and familiar environment.

Leadership & community work

Beyond direct clinical work, I've held leadership roles launching multiple autism clinics and overseeing developmental therapy teams of occupational, speech, and music therapists. I've also worked to make community spaces more welcoming and accessible for sensory-sensitive children and their families.

Outside the therapy space

Outside of work, you'll usually find me outdoors, traveling, hosting themed dinners for friends, thrifting, at a spin class, or gardening with my husband in our community garden.