Welcome to
Ashley Falls, Torrey Hills, and Pacific Sky School
Ashley Falls, Torrey Hills, and Pacific Sky School
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Welcome to Occupational Therapy. My name is Carla Sullivan OTD, OTR/L.
Educational Background and Experience:
-B.S.: Kinesiology-Exercise Science California State University Northridge (CSUN)
-M.A.: Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science-University of Southern California (USC)
-Clinical Doctorate Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science-University of Southern California (USC)
For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work in a medical profession. During my early undergrad years I discovered Occupational Therapy and instantly knew it was the profession for me. I also knew I wanted to work with children. I have been working as an Occupational Therapist since 2009. During my clinical doctorate work I completed my residency at the USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice with my work centered around Lifestyle Redesign. I co-developed a program for smoking cessation using the Lifestyle Redesign framework. Since completing my doctoral work I have gained experience in many different specialities: Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy, Occupational Therapy for Older Adults, and working in a private practice Occupational Therapy clinic. I began my school-based Occupational Therapy experience in 2012 and have been with DMUSD ever since.
I am excited to support several school sites which include Torrey Hills ECI, Torrey Hills Elementary, Ashley Falls, and Pacific Sky Elementary!
Contact Information:
Email: csullivan@dmusd.org
What to Expect in Occupational Therapy
As a school-based occupational therapy practitioner I strive to use meaningful activities (occupations) to help our students participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, ans sensory components of performance. In schools, occupational therapy practioners focus on academics, play and leisure, social participation, and self-care skills. Occupational therapy's expertise includes activity and environmental analysis and modification with a goal of reducing the barriers to participation.
I am always looking to meet our students where there are at with the "just right challenge" in order to continue to move the student forward- building on their successes and increasing their confidence! I want to create magical moments of joy in tasks/activities/skills that are most challenging for a child.
