She is an innovative, trauma - informed occupational therapist with solid pediatric experience assessing and providing treatment for children with developmental issues in a family and educational context.
EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
She completed her undergraduate work at Eastern Michigan University and her masters with a pediatric emphasis at UW Madison.
She received training and worked for the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, a part of Riley Children's Hospital, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
She has extensive experience as a school O.T. in that she worked for Carmel Clay schools in Noblesville, Indiana, Ann Arbor public schools in Michigan, & Madison public schools in Wisconsin.
Before moving to Madison to work on her master, she spent two years in Taiwan and was involved in setting up an O.T. treatment program at Leren Learning Center in Kaohsiung & providing services to children with multiple disabilities at Victory Home in Ping Tung.
After graduate school she starting Kids' Connection Therapy Services LLC as she & her husband, John, home schooled and raised 5 children.
Cheryl has 20 years of educational experience home schooling, working with educational co-ops & teaching or tutoring. During her home school years, she was an O.T. consultant for the home school community. She addressed challenging attachment, behavioral, mental health & educational issues to help families move from frustration and discouragement toward peace, patience, and progress in the midst of the struggles.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As a part of her private practice she developed and conducted a small infant massage project & implemented it in three orphanages in China. The project was coordinated through Love Without Boundaries, an orphan helps organization based in the U.S. She presented the pilot project at a conference in Qing Dau, China.
Continuing education currently focuses on implementing reflex integration and rhythmic movement activities with children who have developmental issues such as trauma, Autism, learning difficulties, & ADHD.
SKILLS
She is trained in Reflex Integration, NDT, Sensory Integration, Handwriting Without Tears, Bal-A-Vis-X, Foundation in Sounds and the Barton program.
She understands and identifies with parents of children with disabilities as well as those with adoption issues since she is a mom with an adopted child with multiple challenges.
She is an experienced organizer of individual treatment sessions, small groups, and parent & educator seminars.
She is experienced with evaluation and application of daily living skills, sensory processing, and other O.T. strategies in treatment.
She loves having fun with kids & motivating them through play utilizing a "Sensory Attachment Intervention" approach. "Progress is made through purposeful play!"
AFFILIATIONS
National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy
Certified Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi) Consultant & Instructor