Michelle Atanu, OTR, MOT is a pediatric occupational therapist and the Founder & CEO of Avilo Pediatric Solutions & Consulting. Since earning her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2012, Michelle has dedicated her career to advancing holistic, inclusive solutions for children’s development with a specialty in empowering young children with neurodiverse needs.
Her expertise spans child development, sensory processing, behavior regulation, and social-emotional wellness. Beyond clinical practice, Michelle serves as a leader and advocate in her field, holding roles such as Standards and Practice Chair for the Texas Occupational Therapy Association, an advisory board member for PIMA Medical Institute, and founder of Occupation in Motion, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Through her initiatives, including the Integration of Children with Special Needs in the Early Childhood Classroom Certification Program, university apprenticeship programs, and ongoing research collaborations, Michelle continues to build community-driven solutions for children and families.
Michelle is also the creator of the Neurodiversity Children’s Magazine, Neurodiversity Children’s Conference and the Minutes with Michelle Podcast. She’s on a mission to build platforms that inspire and educate professionals and parents alike about young children. Recently, she published her first book, “23 Questions: 23 Answers to the Top Questions Adults Ask About Children.