Why Choose Us

Comprehensive personalized approach to your child and family at our clinic in Paradise Valley, AZ.

Sensorimotor whole child recommendations and testing

Parent and family education included in all treatment programs

Learn More About The Founder

Tara MacKenzie, OTR, SIPT

NBCOT # 134601
SIPT Certified #3266
Owner

Email: tara@learninginmotionoc.com
Phone: (214) 288-4503

Tara MacKenzie is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Learning In Motion Clinic who has served children in Dallas, TX., Newport Beach, CA. and currently in Paradise Valley, AZ. Graduating from Creighton University with a Bachelors in Occupational Therapy in 2002, Tara has 20+ years of experience providing quality pediatric treatment, evaluation, and consultation to children of all ages. Tara’s expertise primarily focuses on sensory integration and helping children meet their full physical, academic, social, and emotional potential. Tara has a wide array of experience in sensory processing issues, handwriting challenges, gross and fine motor delays, learning disabilities, autism, anxiety, and attentional disorders. Tara is SIPT (Sensory Integration Praxis Test) certified and trained in a variety of programs including the following:Handwriting Without Tears, Alert -How Does Your Engine Run, Therapeutic Listening, The Whole Brained Child, Astronaut Training, Zones of Regulation, Executive Function Strategies, Superflex Social Thinking, Picky Eating, and Reflex Integration.

Tara resides in Paradise Valley, AZ with her husband Kevin and her 3 kids and 2 dogs. She enjoys traveling, hiking with her dogs, and playing pickleball.

❝ Tara has partnered with St. Andrew’s preschool in numerous ways. She has come alongside the teachers by meeting with them individually and as a group. She gives us tools to help assist our preschoolers that might struggle with different developmental needs. Tara has spent countless hours working with our teachers and students. We are very blessed to have Tara share all her knowledge with us.❞

Janice Zorn, Preschool Director of St. Andrew's Preschool

❝As a general pediatrician, I am incredibly grateful to have Tara Mackenzie as a resource for referral for my patients. From fine motor/gross motor delay to behavioral/emotional control issues, Tara is a gifted therapist with significant experience in many different aspects of occupational therapy and behavioral management. I have seen so many success stories through the patients I’ve referred and this community is lucky to have her as a resource.❞

Dr. Kristin Pelinka, Pediatrician

❝Our son is bright but has a lot of inconsistencies which is very frustrating and troubling for him. Focusing, starting & completing tasks & transitioning are very difficult for him. Tara was referred to us by our son’s Pre-K teacher and our son just fell in love with Tara from day one. Tara is extremely knowledgeable, patient and is always willing to try something new or different, in order to get my son to engage and continue advancing. She is also very helpful in giving suggestions for home activities to support the hard work they do during sessions. After working with Miss Tara, we have seen a huge jump in our son’s self-confidence & ability to follow through with directions and assignments. Tara’s dedication and care for all the children she treats is what makes her truly special and we are so happy to get the chance to work with her on a weekly basis.❞