Skip to main content
NewsPediatric Occupational Therapy

Welcome Sarai!

Thanks to your continued support, we’re expanding! Our team is growing to better serve families across Chicago and the Northern Suburbs. Whether you’re new to our community or have been with us for years, we’re here to provide expert care and support to help little bodies thrive.

Sarai Hagopian, MS, OTR/L
Sarai is a licensed occupational therapist with experience in both pediatric clinical settings and school based therapy. She has worked with children of all ages and abilities, and is passionate about supporting children’s growth through play, movement, and meaningful daily activities. Sarai prioritizes working closely with families, educators, and other professionals to create supportive and individualized treatment plans to help her patients reach their fullest potential!

Outside of work, Sarai lives in Wisconsin with her husband and dog, Molly. She enjoys spending time with her three nieces, playing pickleball, and having game nights with friends and family.

Education
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Certifications and Acknowledgements
Board Certified Occupational Therapist
Illinois Occupational Therapy License
Wisconsin Occupational Therapy License

GET TO KNOW SARAI:

What drew you to occupational therapy, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
Ever since I got my first job as a daycare teacher in high school, I knew I wanted to work with children. As I got older, I became increasingly drawn to the medical field, but I also knew my heart was in supporting kids. That’s when I discovered occupational therapy—a field that beautifully blends healthcare with child development. There’s no better feeling than watching a child make progress and build confidence. As an OT, it’s a true privilege to play a role in helping children gain independence and thrive.
What’s one creative tool, activity, or technique you love using in therapy—and why?
Play is my go-to tool in therapy—it’s how kids learn best! I love following a child’s lead and turning their interests into opportunities to build skills. Whether we’re setting up a pretend restaurant, building with blocks, or using crafts to work on coordination, play makes therapy fun and meaningful. The best part is, kids are often working on things like fine motor skills, self-regulation, or motor planning without even realizing it. When they’re having fun, they’re more engaged—and that’s when real progress happens
How do you approach building trust with children and families during your sessions?
Building trust starts with creating a safe, welcoming space where children feel seen and supported. I take time to get to know each child’s interests, strengths, and challenges, and I meet them where they are—emotionally and developmentally. With families, I prioritize open communication and collaboration. I believe parents and caregivers are the experts on their child, and I work hard to create a partnership that values their insights and goals. Trust grows through consistency, compassion, and celebrating even the smallest wins together.
Describe your perfect day off—how do you recharge outside of work?
My perfect day off usually includes spending time with friends and family. We love any and all board games, so game nights are a regular occurrence! In the summer, my husband and I especially love getting outside to golf, play catch, or play fetch with our dog.
If you could instantly master any skill (professional or fun), what would it be? 
If I could instantly master any skill, it would definitely be to play piano! I’ve always admired people who can play the piano beautifully.