Dr. Mariko Yamazaki-Sanchez serves as a Board Member of Rowan Health System (RHS), bringing extensive experience in occupational therapy and a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals with disabilities. Currently working for the Culver City Unified School District, Dr. Yamazaki-Sanchez supports students with disabilities, advocating for a school culture that recognizes the importance of sensory processing, motor skill development, emotional regulation, and family involvement. Previously, Dr. Yamazaki-Sanchez led the occupational therapy and interdisciplinary feeding programs at Professional Child Development Associates in Pasadena, where she utilized the DIRFloortime approach to support children and their families. She also spent 2.5 years in Okinawa, Japan, as a contractor for the U.S. Naval Hospital’s Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, providing occupational therapy for children of active duty service members and civilians living overseas. Dr. Yamazaki-Sanchez holds both a master's and a clinical doctorate degree from the University of Southern California, following an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Mathematics from Pomona College. Her passion for exploring cultural dynamics, international work, and occupational justice inspired her doctoral capstone project, which involved developing a partnership with community-based rehabilitation workers in Ghanaian villages to support older children with disabilities transitioning from residential schools to their home villages. She has since returned to Ghana eleven times to co-coordinate USC’s leadership OT student externship, provide guest lectures and program development support at local universities, and offer assessment and training to local practitioners. Additionally, she serves as Board Secretary for Mephibosheth in Ghana, a non-profit organization providing education for children with developmental disabilities. Dr. Yamazaki-Sanchez is anticipated to make significant contributions to RHS by leveraging her expertise in occupational therapy to enhance community outreach and support services. Her innovative approach to therapy promotes sustainable and meaningful collaboration with clients, families, and communities. This aligns perfectly with RHS’s mission to improve the physical, psychological, and emotional health of individuals within its territory while advancing knowledge through research initiatives. As a fourth-generation Japanese American born and raised in West Los Angeles, Dr. Yamazaki-Sanchez values learning through service and reflecting on the unique cultural experiences that shape our worldviews. She brings not only her professional expertise but also her passion for cultural sensitivity and family engagement to the board. Her contributions are expected to significantly empower healthcare professionals and the community through valuable training opportunities, making her an invaluable asset to Rowan Health System's leadership team. Dr. Yamazaki-Sanchez enjoys basketball, cooking, running, reading, and traveling with her family.