Sydney Payne

OTD | OTR/L

Sydney graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor of science degree in psychology in 2023 and earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in May 2026.

Sydney has prior occupational therapy experience working with children in outpatient settings. Sydney is passionate about providing client-centered, holistic care that promotes independence in daily activities. Her professional interests include fine and gross motor development, feeding, sensory processing, social skills, and emotional regulation.

She is eager to continue expanding her knowledge and experience in these areas. Her interest in feeding and sensory processing was strengthened through her doctoral capstone, where she developed a sensory garden for an assisted living facility and guided residents through the process of growing herbs and using them in simple recipes.

Sydney values meaningful, occupation-based experiences that support learning and engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, and cooking.