General Occupational Therapy Information
Campus Occupational Therapists
Fisk: lhamlin@sau57.org
Soule: jennifer.hoxie@sau57.org
Barron: kaitlyn.kulesz@sau57.org
North Salem: marisa.berlin@sau57.org
Lancaster: lori.carpenter@sau57.org
Woodbury:
Salem High School:
SEED: karen.hansly@sau57.org
What is School-Based Occupational Therapy?
"School-based occupational therapy practitioners support academic achievement and social participation by promoting occupation within all school routines, including recess, classroom, and cafeteria time.
They help children fulfill their role as students and prepare them for college, career, and community integration. They utilize prevention, promotion, and intervention strategies for mental and physical health and well-being." (AOTA 2017)
It is important to understand "...that students with disabilities do not attend school to receive therapies; they receive therapies so they can attend and participate in school.” (Giangreco, 2002)
"OT services focus on helping students participate alongside their peers to the maximum extent possible along." (IDEA, & Least Restrictive Environment)
Occupational Therapy Response-to-Intervention
Students with sensory and/or motor concerns can benefit from response to intervention services provided by the classroom teacher.
Most children learn how to regulate their sensory systems, control their muscles, and develop age appropriate gross and fine motor skills in a variety of ways including play, structured activities, and multisensory activities. Some children's sensory systems and motor skills emerge at a different rate. These children may need specific and targeted strategies to develop their skills.
