The short version
An El Paso native, Claudia Yagel has dedicated more than 15 years to serving children and families in the community she calls home. She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2011 and her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2022.
Throughout her career, Claudia has focused exclusively on pediatric care, with specialized expertise in autism, sensory processing, and helping children build the skills they need to participate more fully in everyday life. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and remains committed to advancing her knowledge to provide children and families with high-quality, evidence-informed care.
In addition to leading Yagel Therapy Services, Claudia is a Clinical Assistant Professor in UTEP’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, where she helps educate and mentor the next generation of occupational therapists.
For Claudia, Yagel Therapy is more than a business—it’s a commitment to the children, families, and El Paso community that have been part of her story from the beginning.
Things you can ask me
For a child who finds new people hard, one thing in common is a place to start.
- Best dinosaur?
- T-Rex. He’s a leader and gets things done. But if you ask the people who know me best, they’ll tell you there’s another reason: the short arms. I’ve been told more than once that I have “T-Rex arms,” so at this point, I’ve decided to embrace it. Strong, determined, slightly limited reach.
- Do you have a pet?
- Scout. He’s 100% baby.
- Favorite color?
- Green — teal, similar to our company’s main color.
- What did you want to be when you were five?
- A doctor.
- Best place in El Paso?
- Honestly? Home and my clinics. Home is where I get to be with the people I love most, and my clinics/office is a pretty close second. I get to work with an incredible team, watch kids grow and accomplish new things, and hear their laughter filling the halls. Those are my happy places.
Something I am still bad at
Doing nothing. I’m not very good at sitting still or leaving things alone when I know they could be better. “I’m just going to do one quick thing” usually turns into three new ideas, a project, and possibly moving furniture. Oh, and reaching things on high shelves!
In practice
- Years in practice
- 15+
- Education
- Master of Occupational Therapy, The University of Texas at El Paso (2011) · Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2022)
- Certifications
- Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
- Teaching
- Clinical Assistant Professor, UTEP Doctor of Occupational Therapy program
- Languages
- English · Spanish
- Recognition
- 5th Place Professor, 2026
Why this page exists. A child who knows their therapist also likes dinosaurs walks in with something to say. For a child with autism or sensory differences, a shared interest is a way to settle, not a nice detail. Everyone here answered these questions in their own words.
Want to meet Claudia?
We will tell you honestly whether an evaluation makes sense for your child.