About Me
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Michelle Nigl-Chang, OTR/L
Michelle has been practicing occupational therapy for children since earning her degree from the University of Puget Sound in 2001. She began her career in pediatric acute care at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, where she treated a wide range of patients, performed splinting, and helped launch the special-needs car seat program.
Since 2013, Michelle has provided outpatient pediatric occupational therapy in Portland, Oregon, supporting children and their families across a broad range of developmental, sensory, and emotional regulation needs.
🌱 Professional Training & Expertise
Michelle’s advanced training includes:
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Pediatric splinting
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Feeding therapy using the Get Permission Approach®
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Child development & reflex integration
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Fine motor & visual-motor skill building
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Handwriting Without Tears®
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Size Matters Handwriting Program®
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Therapeutic Listening®
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Interoception Curriculum®
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Currently pursuing certification as an ADHD-RSP (Certified ADHD Professional)
🤝 Approach to Care
Michelle values the meaningful connection between therapist, child, and caregiver. Building strong rapport fosters open communication and deeper growth. Collaboration with families, schools, and other professionals ensures consistent, whole-child support that helps each child generalize skills across environments.
Her goal is to help every child find balance, confidence, joy, and success—at home, at school, and in their community.
☀️ Outside the Clinic
When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and young cat. You’ll often find her baking something sweet or exploring the outdoors on a family camping adventure.
Testimonials
Sam F., Parent
My daughter has graduated from Kids N Play, but we are forever thankful for Michelle's services, knowledge, and advocacy. Her guidance and expertise was truly life changing for our family. Her clinic is warm, fun, clean, and friendly, and the homework she gives is catered to your child so you can make the most out of your sessions. Michelle was available to talk and answer questions throughout the week, which helped me so much as we navigated our journey. My daughter loved her time at Kids N Play and I'm happy to say we still keep in touch with Michelle! I'd recommend her to any parent looking for OT services for their child.
Autumn C., Parent
Working with Michelle was a wonderful experience. She expertly adapted her approach and treatment to the needs of the day to work toward our goals. Our son left feeling better and more confident in himself with each session. Cannot recommend her enough.
Rachel E., Parent
Michelle quickly developed excellent rapport with my child. She considers the whole child and her approach has strengthened my child's body as well as skills in multiple domains. Michelle is an incredibly talented occupational therapist and I am so grateful our family found her.
Amber S., Parent
Kids N Play OT is owned and operated by a caring, inquisitive, skilled practitioner that my children and I have worked with for many years. I cannot say enough about her willingness to meet kids and families where they are with compassion and knowledge!