Pediatric occupational therapy for infants through school-age children — feeding therapy, sensory processing, and developmental support where your family needs it.
Every child is different. We meet yours where they are — at home, at school, online, or a combination that works for your family.
For children with feeding challenges, oral dysfunction, texture aversion, or sensory-based eating difficulties. We help families make mealtime calmer and more successful.
Helping children who are over- or under-responsive to sensory input develop self-regulation, reduce meltdowns, and participate more fully in daily life.
The Calm & Confident Parent Method — an 8-week program for parents of toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 yrs). OT-informed strategies you can use at home, right now.
Supporting developmental milestones, fine motor skills, self-care, and school readiness. Available at your home, daycare, or school in Columbia.
Early identification of developmental delays with clear guidance, referral support, and a plan for next steps — helping families navigate early intervention.
Interactive sessions on feeding, language, motor skills, and social-emotional growth — featuring guest pediatric experts and live Q&A for parents and caregivers.
Two signature virtual coaching programs — designed to give parents the tools, strategies, and confidence to help their child thrive at home.
A 6-week virtual parent coaching program to help children move toward new foods — for families navigating texture aversion, selective eating, and mealtime stress.
Learn more →
An 8-week virtual parent coaching program for toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 yrs) — reduce meltdowns, support sensory regulation, and build smoother daily routines.
Learn more →Every session is a step toward independence, confidence, and joy. These are the moments that make this work meaningful.
With over 31 years as a licensed Occupational Therapist, I bring both deep expertise and genuine compassion to every family I work with. My background includes advanced training as a Feeding Therapist (Feed the Peds Alumni) and multiple clinical certifications supporting children across a wide range of developmental needs.
My passion is helping children — especially ages 0–5 — overcome feeding and sensory processing challenges so they can thrive in daily life. I use a family-centered, coaching-based approach to empower parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies that make a lasting impact beyond the therapy session.
I founded Total Care OT to ensure families in Central Missouri have access to high-quality, personalized, accessible therapy — without the limitations found in many other programs. Every child's journey here is honored, supported, and celebrated.
From infancy through early elementary, we support children across a wide range of developmental needs.
Texture aversion, oral motor delays, selective eating, and feeding difficulties in infants and young children.
Head shape and neck muscle concerns in infants — early intervention makes a significant difference.
Over- and under-responsiveness to sensory input, self-regulation difficulties, and meltdown management.
Fine and gross motor delays, crawling, walking, handwriting readiness, and self-care skills.
Practical strategies so parents can carry therapy gains into everyday routines and daily life.
Full coaching and parent education programs available throughout Missouri — no commute required.
These aren't just kind words — they're the reason Total Care OT exists.
"Sadera is the most incredible OT! She is patient, persistent, and so knowledgeable. When we were struggling to find appropriate care for our son, she stepped in and took the time to explore what was going on — and pointed us to exactly the specialists he needed."
"Sadera patiently helped my daughter overcome sensory issues and feeding difficulties over two years. We saw real, meaningful growth. Her knowledge and compassion make her a truly exceptional therapist."
"Sadera worked with my son from birth to about 2.5 years old. She was amazing for him and an excellent teacher for me as well. I often say "everyone needs a Sadera in their lives." 100% recommend her and her services!"
"I honestly can’t say enough good things about Sadera. She has made such a positive impact on my daughter and our family. She's knowledgeable, compassionate, and has a way of making kids feel comfortable almost immediately. My daughter has made so much progress since working with her. Seeing her confidence grow has been amazing, and a huge part of that is because of the relationship Sadera has built with her. We’re incredibly grateful for everything she's done."
"My daughter suffered a stroke at 18 months old, we were referred to Sadera for her OT and she exceeded our expectations. She's so patient and caring. My daughter has improved so much! Even though my daughter aged out Sadera and I still keep in touch!! Thank you for everything."
"Very thorough and knowledgeable. We've been very grateful for her guidance and expertise!"
"Our family cannot say enough wonderful things about Sadera. She not only helped our son who has Down syndrome — she was a resource and friend as we navigated first-time parenting with an infant with a disability."
"Sadera has helped my three children and our entire family function so much more smoothly. She's helped us get to the root of medical issues and understand sensory processing. We all love her."
"Sadera has been the single most important healthcare professional and advocate for my child with special needs. She was instrumental in helping us navigate tube feeding and has provided superb therapy for his cerebral palsy condition. He has an absolutely excellent care team, but her knowledge base and attention to detail with every aspect of his health and well-being is phenomenal. I'm so grateful that she is part of our care team and would highly recommend her services for anyone with a developing child!"
"We got Sadera as our NICU follow-up occupational therapist for my premature baby, who was born at 26 weeks. Since then, she has been my go-to person for anything related to my baby's development. She guided us through every challenge, especially feeding. The transition to solids was difficult for my baby, but her support made a huge difference. She was always patient, reassuring, and practical with her advice. She helped us through the entire first year - from tummy time and head control to sitting, crawling, and finally standing - and that eased so much of our stress. I am genuinely grateful for everything she has done for us!"
"Sadera Braid is an exceptional Occupational and Feeding Therapist. She worked with my daughter from age 1 to 3 and helped her make incredible progress. Her experience, patience, and genuine care truly set her apart. She also helped my daughter overcome significant sensory challenges, which made a remarkable difference in her development. Highly recommended!"
"I can't say enough wonderful things about our experience with Sadera, our occupational therapist. After coming home from the NICU, we knew our little one might need some extra support hitting milestones, and she became exactly the steady, reassuring guide our family needed. She didn't just work with our son-she coached us as parents. She showed us how to support him between visits, how to read his cues, and how to feel confident helping him grow. That kind of guidance is something we'll carry with us long after therapy ended. Her sessions were gentle, thoughtful, and always tailored to who our son is-not just where a chart says he should be. Week by week, he grew stronger, more coordinated, and more confident. Thanks to her expertise and heart, he is now 18 months old and thriving. We're endlessly grateful for the compassion, knowledge, and parent support Sadera brought into every session. If you're looking for an OT who truly understands the journey-from NICU stress to everyday progress-she's the one you want beside you."
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Book Free Consultation →Or call directly: 573-424-0868
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