Occupational Therapists
There are currently six occupational therapists (OT) and one certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) who travel and service all of Campbell County School District #1. Occupational therapists address fine (small) motor and sensory motor skills in the school environment as they relate to the academic setting. Fine motor skills include pencil grasps, handwriting, scissor skills, and some life skills as they are necessary for the school environment. Sensory skills can include a child's ability to pay attention and self-regulate in class, helping school staff become aware of too much or too little stimulus in the classroom setting, and helping students and staff to use tools and strategies to self-regulate throughout their day in the educational environment. Occupational therapists also educate and provide resources to parents and teachers to promote age-appropriate motor and sensory development in the home and school setting.
Occupational therapy services can only be provided to students who are receiving special education services or speech and language services in the school setting. The goal of OT and PT is to work with staff regularly so that modifications that have been made or suggested can be carried out throughout the school week, between visits from the therapists.
Some helpful websites for more information about OT in the schools follows:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA):
School Based Occupational Therapy Fact Sheets
Shana Ayers
I have an Occupational Therapy Degree from Creighton University. I have worked in pediatrics for the past 17 years.
I enjoy seeing the progress of the students and the impact it has on their academics.
I enjoy running, traveling, and photography.
Janelle Catlin
I received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in May of 1998 and then in May of 2009 completed a Masters of Educational Leadership in Special Education. I have worked for Campbell County school district since February 2000.
I love interacting with students and being able to witness them do something they have worked so hard to learn.
I love spending time with my family, my husband and our three boys. We love camping, fishing, hiking and four wheeling. I also enjoy the countless hours spent watching my boys participate in sports.
Darla England
I have an Associates of the Arts in Science for Occupational Therapy. I have worked at the school district since 1996.
I enjoy working with students.
I like to cook, travel, read and play with my grandchildren.
Heather Ivory
I have my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy with 10+ years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist in the school setting.
What I most enjoy about my job is working with student everyday and their excitement to come to OT to learn, play and get stronger and then watching them make progress and perform better in school. I also enjoy working with other great therapists and staff who are passionate and dedicated to their jobs of helping students with special needs.
My life outside of work revolves around my family including my new son and my two young daughters. We enjoy swimming, playing outside, watching and participating in sports, reading and just being together as a family.
Krystal Ring
I have a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I have been an occupational therapist for over 20 years.
I enjoy working with children. It is fun to see how much progress they can make.
I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
Ashley Rogers
I received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary- Billings in 2021.
What I love most about my job is having the ability to engage with children through creative play based activities to help them practice and achieve foundational skills that will support them throughout their lifetime. In addition, getting to work with a supportive, kind, and knowleagable team that share the same goal of wanting to help children thrive and succeed is truly fulfilling.
My life outside of work revolves around my family and spending time with my husband, our son, and our puppies. In my free time I enjoy running, being outdoors, reading, and baking.
Angie Solem
I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota. I have been an occupational therapist for 18 years. I have worked for the Campbell County School District since 2004.
What I love most about my job is being able to help children grow and learn. I also enjoy working as part of a team with other staff members.
I enjoy reading, the outdoors, and spending time with my family.