Occupational Therapist

Laurena Chen

Laurena is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist specializing in School based OT. She has a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California, empowers neurodiverse learners aged 3–19 and college students through personalized, strength-based approaches. With over a decade of experience across early intervention, public and internationals schools, Laurena’s past clients attend elite international institutions—including Diocesan Boys’ School (DBS), Diocesan Girls’ School (DGS), Chinese International School (CIS), Independent Schools Foundation (ISF Academy), French International School (FIS), Harrow International School and Canadian International School (CDNIS)—she now focuses on private clients at top-tier schools like German Swiss International School (GSIS) and Hong Kong International School (HKIS).

Laurena’s expertise is grounded in the advanced clinical training in Sensory integration. She carries the legacy of USC’s pioneering founder, Dr. A. Jean Ayres.Trained at Ayres’ alma mater (USC) and certified in her gold-standard methodologies—including Ayres Sensory Integration®️ and USC/WPS SIPT—Laurena further refined her approach through mentorship with Dr. Erna Blanche FAOTA, a leading global authority and Dr Florence Clarke FAOTA who trained directly under Ayres.This unique lineage ensures her interventions embody the original rigor of sensory integration science.

Her global impact includes, teacher training, and student consultation at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), alongside therapeutic program development for a Hong Kong special needs school JCSRS part of English Schools Foundation (ESF)—where she contributed to their therapist capability framework—and establishing school-based OT pathways at Hong Kong Academy (HKA).

A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Laurena blends clinical excellence with lived experience as a mother of two daughters. She believes every child possesses their own set of strengths, and her mission is to help families and educators uncover these gifts and support them to feel empowered in the process.

“It takes just one person in a child’s life – a parent, teacher, or mentor – to help cultivate their strengths, provide inspiration, and guide them to find success and fulfilment in life.”

Laurena currently dedicates most of her time to teacher training and private 1:1 or school consultations, as well as parental support and coaching.