Diane Sumter, Ocupational therapist

  • Bachelor of Science from Penn State University in Exercise Science and Minors in Human Development and Family Studies, Gerontology

  • Master of Occupational Therapy from University of Washington 

  • Visceral Manipulation 1 & 2 (Abdomen), 3 (Pelvis), and 4 (Thorax)

  • Total Body Balancing 1

  • Neurovascular Integration Clinical Foundations

  • Neuroscience of Caregiving

  • Essential Mouthwork

  • Effective Strategies for Students with Anxiety-Related Behavior

  • Courageous Conversations uniting Parents, Educators and Healthcare providers

  • Mindfulness-based interventions (treating depression, anxiety and trauma)

  • Vestibular rehab and balance training

  • Bal-A-Vis-X Rhythmic/Balance/Auditory/Vision/Exercises

  • Sensory Integration Intensive

  • Upper Extremity taping

  • Seating and Mobility and pressure ulcer risk

  • Core Concepts in Neurorehabilitation

  • Circ-Aid certification (compression garment systems)

  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

  • Ready Bodies, Learning Minds

  • Neuromeningeal Manipulation 1

  • Vagus Nerve & Autonomic Nervous System

Diane was raised in a small town in Pennsylvania where a love of nature, gardening, cooking and exercise was deeply ingrained.  She graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Exercise Science and a focus on Human Development and Family Studies. 

After a move to the Seattle area, she furthered her passions by working at an Herb farm, Bastyr University, a health food store and teaching skiing, gymnastics, and dance.

During the year 2000 Diane was one of 250 cyclists on an around the world, year long bicycle trip.  She visited over 40 countries, pedaled more than 10,000 miles and developed a deep connection to this roving family that still holds strong today.

After an automobile accident left her with a back injury soon after her return to the US, she made the decision to return to school where she earned a Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Washington in 2007.    

Occupational Therapy is a perfect fit for her personality as it is a balance of medical science, developing a trust based relationship with her patients, and helping individuals meet their goals with a combination of rehabilitation, modification of tasks, and creativity!

Her wide range of experience includes work with pre-school age children, through 100 year old adults; mild complaints, through severe and multiple traumas.  

Diane absolutely loves to learn about people’s stories, what make people who they are and what is important to them. OT’s are trained to meet people where they are at, what they need or want – and work together to be able to live life to it’s fullest.

In her free time, Diane enjoys camping, hiking, skiing, cooking, and gardening with her two boys and husband.

“The restorative work that Diane provides to her clients is unique and rejuvenating. Each session leaves you feeling like a relaxed pile of smiles that holds on for days to follow. Diane is able to provide a supportive space to allow oneself to emotionally and physically release through comforting and supportive touch. As I have integrated Diane’s work into my self-care regimen I have seen an increase in my ability to navigate my own emotional and physical well-being.”
— CA
“The work you did on my hip has been life changing! I have been running everyday and haven’t felt any pain! Thank you.”
— JS