Parents with children experiencing sensory processing challenges have an advocate in the South Hills.

Mt. Lebanon resident Marianne Faber is an experienced pediatric and occupational therapist who runs Home Learning & Sensory Strategies. What started as a virtual business in 2021 was retooled post-pandemic in response to a changing market. “Where convenience meets expertise” is how Faber describes it.

Instead of clients sitting in crowded waiting rooms, she goes to them.

“I come to a child’s home or pre-school or daycare to do evaluations that address developmental concerns having to do with fine motor skills, visual motor skills, activities of daily living, or challenges at school,” she said. Faber then provides families with a structured sensory treatment plan. “Me going into that space allows me to offer so many other suggestions and strategies to help and understand what the family is dealing with” she added.

She sees clients diagnosed with autism, ADHD, developmental delays not associated with another diagnosis, cerebral palsy or other underlying genetic issues. Many times, the cause isn’t clear-cut. Parents may see their child struggling but don’t know what to do.

With a background in education with a concentration in therapeutic recreation, and a master’s degree in occupational therapy, Faber has worked with a special-needs population for many years. “I went into occupational therapy knowing I wanted pediatrics,” she said. She combines her two degrees by teaching parents the “whys” behind their child’s therapy.

Faber also runs the sensory story time at Mt. Lebanon Public Library, offering hands-on activities and other sensory opportunities for children, between the ages of 2 and 6, and their caregivers.

She hopes to conduct developmental screenings in Mt. Lebanon preschools and daycares, and offer sensory processing training to educators.