Bridging the Gap for New Graduates & OTs Transitioning into School-Based Practice

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This session provides participants with a foundational understanding and resources preparing them for school-based practice. Information will include laws, collaboration, diverse student needs, best practices in evaluation, environmental considerations, and common assistive technology use.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Participants will classify variances between medical-based and school-based occupational therapy service models and roles of occupational therapy practitioners in each setting.
• Participants will identify best practices and competencies specific to school settings regarding evaluation, collaboration, and supervision.

Earn up to 1.00 contact hour.

SPEAKERS

Amy Fehr, MSOT, OTR/L

Amy is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in childhood development, sensory processing and integration, executive functioning, and school-based practice. Throughout her career she has seen the value in meeting students at their ability levels, capitalizing on their individual strengths, and building upon their skill sets to help them better access their educational programs. As an occupational therapy advisor, Amy enjoys supporting professionals who are new to school-based practice and empowering practitioners to advocate for their roles, expertise, and scope of practice within special education.

Jacqueline Carr

Jackie is an experienced occupational therapist with a focus on evaluation and treatment of motor and visual impairments that may impede learning and optimal functional performance. In her role as an Occupational Therapy Advisor at BlazerWorks, Jackie is dedicated to supporting occupational therapists along with related service providers and school professionals, to ensure they can access the resources they need to help them succeed in their current placement and overall career.

Jackie has worked in several settings with students and patients of all ages, including acute care hospitals, nursing homes, schools, outpatient clinics, daycare facilities, and telehealth. She began her career working in the medical setting and has since transitioned to pediatrics for the last 6 years, which allows her to bring a unique perspective to those transitioning to the school-based model.

Jackie earned both her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University and was afforded the opportunity to serve as an adjunct professor at her alma mater for 3 years post graduating. She has held her certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) since 2010. In addition, she is a member of her state association in Connecticut (CONNOTA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

John Veneracion, MS, ATHS, COTA/L

John is a passionate occupational therapy practitioner, specializing in assistive technology. As an Assistive Technology and COTA Advisor at Blazerworks, John seeks to help therapists and other educators succeed while identifying students’ unique needs and implementing targeted solutions.

John brings more than 10 years of experience in school-based occupational therapy, while also implementing and maintaining assistive technology accommodations. He has also worked in clinic-based and medical settings. His mix of experience has granted him excellent perspective as he continues to learn and grow personally and professionally.

John earned his degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, his occupational therapy assistant degree from Santa Ana College, and his Master of Science in Assistive Technology and Human Services from California State University, Northridge. He has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT) since 2012. He is also a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Ebonie Johnson, MS, OTR/L

Ebonie is a seasoned occupational therapist specializing in school-based practice, as well as pre-school age early intervention services. In her role as Occupational Therapy Advisor at BlazerWorks, Ebonie is passionate about supporting special education teams in meeting the needs of the children they serve in a manner that is innovative, holistic, ethical, and true to one’s professional aspirations and experiences.

Ebonie brings more than 15 years of occupational therapy experience working in schools and early intervention settings, which include public schools, daycares, and home settings. She has provided support to children with diverse diagnoses, their families, school education and administrative staff, as well as outside agencies, in effort to provide comprehensive therapy services.

Ebonie earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from The Lincoln University and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She maintains certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).