About The OT

Hi, I'm Mary Blake Avery, the founder of Coastal Aging Solutions.

 

I earned my Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Methodist University, and before that, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sports and Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine from Bluefield College. Since becoming an Occupational Therapist, I've had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical settings- including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and the local hospital here in the Outer Banks. These experiences gave me a firsthand look at one recurring theme: so many of my clients just wanted to go home and couldn't because their homes weren't safe or supportive enough for their needs. That realization inspired me to create Coastal Aging Solutions. 

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My background includes research on the home environment's impact on caregiver burden, which deepened my appreciation for how important it is for both individuals and their families to have safe, functional spaces. I am also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), which allows me to provide expert home safety assessments, personalized recommendations, and solutions to help people remain in their homes with confidence. 

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With the Outer Banks being such a vibrant retirement community, I saw a clear need to help people stay in their homes safely, comfortably, and with dignity. My mission is simple- to bridge the gap between wanting to stay home and being able to do so.