It has been my absolute pleasure to work as a school-based Occupational Therapist Assistant in Special Education for the past 26 years. I've worked with a wide variety of students over the years from pre-school age through high school, having various challenges. I am also a Mom of 5 children, 3 grandchildren and ran a licensed Daycare for several years when my children were younger. I believe in maximizing each student's success by using high interest topics and activities to motivate them to participate in therapy. I firmly believe that gaining their trust and building a rapport is the foundation of a meaningful and successful therapeutic relationship. I love hands on and multi-sensory activities. I really enjoy co-treating with Speech Therapy and other support staff. One of my favorite ways to engage and motivate students is to incorporate woodworking and gardening activities into therapy. It’s funny how things come full circle. Ive always enjoyed writing and began my college journey as an English major not sure of what direction that would take me. Not having a lot of confidence in where writing would take me combined with wanting to work school hours so I could be home to raise my children, I switched majors. A good friend exposed me to the therapy world, and I was hooked! I transferred schools and enrolled in an Occupational Therapy program. As an Occupational Therapy student, I was able to try various settings such as hospitals, rehabs and schools. I quickly fell in love with school-based Occupational Therapy, and it's been my work and passion for the last 26 years. I love my job and my students and Im thankful for the opportunity to work with such amazing human beings! AND… being inspired by one of my students, I finally wrote my first book which I think came out pretty darn good I must say! In my spare time, you can most likely find me exercising, gardening, woodworking, playing with my 3 cats and dog, my grandchildren or planning the next social gathering. I also like to cook, fish and spend time with my family & friends.Read more about this authorRead less about this author