Connecting with Care: A Holistic Approach to Health with Mai Der Vang, Occupational Therapist in Sheboygan, WI
At The Connection Blog, I want to share stories about people who make Sheboygan a special place to live and work.
Mai Der Vang
Occupational Therapist
Sheboygan, WI
In honor of World Occupational Therapy Day, I wanted to introduce you to someone very special and that is my personal occupational therapist Mai Der Vang.
Her holistic approach to healing helps people restore balance and energy in their daily lives. Her care has not only helped countless clients in our community but has also personally helped me live a higher quality life.
From supporting clients through burnout and fatigue to teaching body-based techniques that reconnect mind and movement, Mai Der’s work embodies the true spirit of restoration and self-care.
This fall, she’s taking her expertise one step further by planning a wellness workshop designed to help others reclaim their energy and sense of purpose.
[ Wellness Workshop ] Restore & Reconnect: A Holistic OT Approach to Healing Burnout and Reclaiming Energy
In this upcoming workshop, participants will learn how to:
Understand how occupational therapy supports holistic recovery from burnout and fatigue.
Regulate the nervous system through vagus nerve stimulation techniques.
Practice simple myofascial and lymphatic release exercises to promote circulation and mental clarity.
Explore movement, breath, and nutrition strategies to restore energy and focus.
Develop personalized daily wellness routines to integrate into real life.
Whether you’re managing stress, rebuilding after exhaustion, healing after an injury, or simply wanting to feel more grounded, this event will offer gentle, practical tools for everyday wellness.
In this Q&A, she shares what inspired her to pursue occupational therapy, what she loves about living in Sheboygan, and how her Hmong heritage shapes her approach to care.
Q&A with Mai Der Vang, Occupational Therapist
Q: For those who may not know, what exactly does an occupational therapist do?
Mai Der: We help people heal, move, and thrive in the activities that matter most to them by restoring movement, rebuilding strength, and providing client-centered tools that support a confident return to daily life. Whether it’s getting dressed, cooking a meal, returning to work, or thriving in a favorite hobby or sport, our goal is to enhance quality of life through personalized solutions tailored to each person’s unique needs.
For some, that might mean returning to work after an injury; for others, it could be continuing to enjoy meaningful activities they love like gardening, crafting, or playing with their grandchildren.
Q: What inspired you to become an occupational therapist?
Mai Der: I’ve always been drawn to helping people live more fully, and occupational therapy has given me the perfect balance between science and compassion to do just that. Over the years, I’ve learned that true healing goes far beyond physical recovery. It’s about restoring energy, balance, and joy in everyday life.
Many people don’t realize that simple, consistent physical practices can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. The mind and body are deeply connected, and when we nurture that connection, we open the door to lasting wellness. My goal is to share these techniques and empower others to achieve a better quality of life physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Q: How does your Hmong heritage influence your approach to care and community?
Mai Der: In Hmong tradition, the physical and spiritual are deeply connected. Illness is often seen as an imbalance, and healing comes from restoring harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. That understanding shapes how I care for others. I look at the whole person, their environment, and their emotional well-being.
I also want to be a safe space for anyone seeking holistic, meaningful solutions to address pain, regain function, and enhance overall health. Many of us grew up learning to hide or suppress our emotions, neglect our pain, and carry the effects of past trauma. We know that when you’re experiencing pain, low energy, or illness, it can significantly impact your ability to fully thrive in everyday life. My goal is to create a practice where you can truly flourish through holistic, evidence-based therapy that supports healing and restores the body as a whole.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job?
Mai Der: I love seeing clients regain abilities they thought were gone whether it’s buttoning a shirt, cooking a meal, or enjoying time with family. Those achievements are incredibly rewarding to see and a testament to why I do what I do.
Q: How does your work connect with your life outside of the clinic?
Mai Der: My work has taught me patience, gratitude, and the importance of being present. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things like cooking dinner, going for a walk, or spending time with family. I’ve also realized that self-care and wellness is essential for a healthy body and mind; without it, it’s much harder to function especially with purpose and intention.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Sheboygan?
Mai Der: The community here is so kind and supportive. I love the small-town feel with big-town opportunities. I often take my family to the beautiful lakefront, check out the local farmer’s market, or attend local community events with my kids to recharge and spend quality time together.
Q: Tell us about your upcoming wellness workshop!
Mai Der: It’s called “Restore & Reconnect,” and it’s designed for anyone who feels exhausted, overwhelmed, or just out of balance. We’ll explore simple techniques to regulate the body’s stress response and increase self awareness, healing, and energy. My goal is for everyone to walk away feeling more connected to themselves and with practical tools they can use every day.
🌸 Learn More
Mai Der’s story is a reminder that healing isn’t just about the body. It’s about restoring balance to our whole selves. Her upcoming workshop is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the rhythms of life that truly sustain us.
To learn more about Mai Der and her upcoming wellness workshop, “Restore & Reconnect: A Holistic OT Approach to Healing Burnout and Reclaiming Energy,” stay tuned for updates on location and registration details.
You can also follow her for more tips on holistic living and recovery through occupational therapy: @handsonhealing_therapy
💛 Connecting people with places — and the stories that make Sheboygan home.
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If you’re feeling the pull to slow down or recharge, this could be the perfect opportunity to do something just for you.
