Our occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory-perceptual, and other aspects of performance in a variety environments
The Occupational Therapy department at Alpha School is committed to supporting a student’s “occupation” within all aspects of their school/home environments. We utilize preventatives, promotion and intervention strategies for mental and physical health and well-being. Alpha School's occupational therapy services address the student as a whole. The following areas are assessed and treatment is directed at strengthening each individual skill set.
- Seating adaptions for optimal hearing
- Fine/visual perception/sensory motor skills
- Activities of daily (ADL’s)
- Functional living skills
- Weekly yoga sessions
- Pre-vocational readiness skills
- Pre-readiness in handwriting
Activities of Daily Living/Self-Care Skills
Use of real life tasks that enable our students to have increased independence
- Shoe tying
- Dressing Skills
- Folding Clothes
- Making Beds
- Washing Dishes
- Hygiene Skills such as teeth brushing
- Meal Preparation
Gross Motor Skills
Working along with the students within their school environment to modify Physical Education, recess or activities within the community for maximum participation. Remediating deficits in areas that negatively impact gross motor skills including:
- Motor planning
- Physical endurance
- Muscle tone
- Postural/upper extremity control
- Balance and equilibrium
- Bilateral coordination
Fine Motor/Handwriting Skills
Alpha School encourages students to write and participate in the modality that is most appropriate for their individual needs and even their interests. From writing on an iPad, using symbols and pictures to the Handwriting Without Tears program, students are encouraged to reach their full potential while maintaining an understanding of their abilities.
Handwriting apps on the ipads, as well as the Handwriting without Tears program to enhance students’ handwriting abilities. In addition, OT’s run a weekly salad bar to involves students in the entire process from shopping to preparing salad ingredients for purchase by students and staff.
- Grasp patterns
- Grading of upper extremity movement patterns
- Upper extremity strength and stability
- Scissoring skills
- Visual Perceptual skills
- Keyboarding skills
Sensory Modulation
The ability to sit and attend is the foundation of a student’s ability to learn and operate smoothly within their environment. When issues are present that impact their ability to self- regulate and therefore attend,sensory strategies, coupled with pull out therapy sessions, are incorporated into the classroom setting to provide needed input throughout the students day. This input can include use of heavy work, access to various types of swings, alternate forms of seating, or use of a pressure or weighted vest. These are just a small sampling as each program is designed to best fit the need of the individual child.
Pre-vocational/Work Skills
As students move toward being able to become a contributing member of society abilities that are needed to be successful are met by honing the following skills:
- Organization
- Cooperative group functioning
- Speed/Accuracy
- Ability to follow a variety of directions
- Acceptance of authority
Meet our Occupational Therapists
Emily Garcia, Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Emily Garcia, and I am an Occupational Therapist at the Alpha School. I received my bachelor's degree from Montclair University, and my master's degree from Salus University. I am passionate about working with the pediatric population. I have worked as an occupational therapist in public schools, early intervention, and an outpatient pediatric clinic. My favorite thing about being a therapist is helping my students reach their goals and increase their independence, whether it is in functional living skills, fine motor skills, pre-vocational skills, etc. I enjoy helping them reach their fullest potential. I am grateful to work with such amazing students!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family (especially my niece and nephews), baking, and spending time at the beach.
Kelsey Espenhorst, Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Kelsey Espenhorst and I am an Occupational Therapist at the Alpha School. I attended Ithaca College where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Science in 2021, and Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2022. During my time at Ithaca, I had the privilege of playing on the Women’s Soccer Team and spending a semester abroad in Australia. Prior to joining Alpha in 2023, I worked at a nursing home where I still pick up shifts on a per diem basis. I am passionate about providing OT services across all life stages, enabling people to achieve optimal independence. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, trying new restaurants, working out, and traveling with my family and friends.
Lynette Huth, Occupational Therapist
Hello! My name is Lynette Huth, and I am an Occupational Therapist here at the Alpha School of Jackson, NJ. I have been a licensed Occupational Therapist since 1992, earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. I have worked with children and young adults in a variety of settings including early intervention, public school, an inpatient hospital environment, and a center specializing in those diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Since earning my AOTA Fieldwork Educator Certification in October of 2010, I have supervised numerous students working to earn their degree in Occupational Therapy. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive professional experience while specializing in pediatrics within the school setting. As a member of the Alpha School community, I am dedicated to supporting our students with diverse learning abilities, while working to enhance their functional abilities and levels of independence. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work in a collaborative manner along with teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, caregivers, administrators, and other therapy department staff members to serve each student here at the Alpha School most optimally.
