MMUUSD

Occupational & Physical Therapy

Bailee Layn-Gordon OT

Bailee.LaynGordon@mmuusd.org

Covering Richmond Elementary, Brewster Pierce Memorial, Smilie Memorial, and Camel's Hump Middle School

Christine Petterson OT Christine.Petterson@mmuusd.org

Covering northern preschools, Underhill Central, Jericho Elementary, Brown's River Middle School, & Mt. Mansfield UHS


Michelle Villeneuve PT

Michelle.Villeneuve@mmuusd.org

Covering Richmond Elementary, Brewster Pierce Memorial, Smilie Memorial, northern preschools, Underhill Central, Jericho Elementary, Brown's River Middle School, Camel's Hump Middle School & Mt. Mansfield UHS

What does Physical and Occupational Terapy look like in Schools?

Physical and Occupational Therapists have extensive education of human development and diseases/ illnesses that affect the body's ability to function across the lifespan. They also have special training in how to analyze and adapt environments to accomodate for a person's functional level. PTs and OTs use meaningful activities to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being.

In the school setting Physical and Occupational Therapists support the educational team to adapt the environment and activities so all students can have access. PTs and OTs also train school staff in activities that will strengthen a student's skills so they are better able to access their education. Physical Therapy often covers gross motor skills across the ages; such as PE, recess, and seating. Occupational Therapy covers fine motor skills; such as writing/ typing, self help skills. There are many areas where PT and OT overlap; such as vocational, leisure, sensory regulation, and motor skills.

This website was designed to provide guidance and support to educators on a variety of topics covered by physical and occupational therapy. Please use the links below to find ideas and suggestions that may help your struggling student.

How is school based PT/ OT different from medical based PT/OT?

Often students with medical diagnoses will have physical challenges that can affect their independence at school and at home. Medical based PT/OT, such as outpatient or home health, are used to address the medical pieces that are not addressed at school. When a student has both medical and school based services, it is helpful for the two therapists to communicate about the student's progress and coordinate equipment needs and other services for the family. School based PT/OT are in place to help the student access their education, not address medical needs.