MOTivation Occupational Therapy, LLC

09/15/2025

mOTivation Occupational Therapy is having an open house to welcome the community to my new location!

09/09/2025

What's more, he doesn't like seeing his peers do their best and it not be good enough for them to get a reward, too. In his wonderfully neurodivergent brain, everyone matters as much as everyone else, and no one is "better" or deserves more prizes and praise just because things come easier to them.

Rewarding the behavior you want to see doesn't reflect the ways that everyone's "best" looks different.

If a kid is having a hard time but they are TRYING and it doesn't meet the threshold for the reward, it sends the message that their best simply isn't good enough. We can do better by our neurodivergent clients, and STILL help them learn new skills.

My upcoming LIVE course on strengths-based practices isn't your generic "intro to neurodiversity." I teach a FRAMEWORK for how you can really truly map from a child's strengths to building a support plan that addresses their real barriers.

This course teachings you how to confidently approach treatment planning for ever client in a way that deeply considers a child's actual needs and how they learn. It will help you approach a child's trickiest "behavior" moments with a lens that really considers your neurodivergent clients' perspectives, support needs, and strengths....without ever bringing in rewards and punishments.

We practice this together with true-to-life case studies so that you can confidently begin using this framework in your work right away.

Ready to join me and change up your approach? Visit the link to sign up https://learnplaythrive.com/strengths/
[Text ID] Picture of an 8 year old in the kitchen. Text in background says, "My neurodivergent eight year old feels threatened when people reward him for "good behavior. Rewards say to him, "I have this thing you want, and if you act like I want you to, you can have it. But if you stop, I’ll take it away." He hates feeling like people are wielding power over him. He feels much safer with connection and collaboration."

09/02/2025

It was a long month of painting, cleaning and rearranging, but I'm reopening mOTivation tomorrow! THANK YOU to my family and all their help with my move!

08/07/2025

mOTivation Occupational Therapy is moving to a new location! I have been searching and praying for a place that had more room but was still close. The contract was signed last week and the moving and renovations have started! I will be closed for the month of August to allow for work to be done. I look forward to seeing everyone in September!

07/03/2025

04/23/2025

Come see what's new at mOTivation! New, games, activities, and sensory swing! Email or message me for a visit!
Coming soon-the Parent's Corner. This is a place where parents can find information, resources and activities.

04/16/2025

Easter Basket Ideas From an OT
1. Bubbles-great for eye-hand coordination and oral motor strengthening.
2. A kite-visually track the kite flying high while using both hands to hold, wind and unwind the string.
3. Sidewalk chalk-gets the child writing and coloring sitting propped or laying on the ground which builds upper body strength and stability.
4. Plastic eggs-fill the eggs with treats so your child uses two hands to open and close the eggs.
5. Play Doh-the creative possibilities are endless!

If your child has some physical limitations, there are other ways to use these toys and activities. A parent or sibling can blow bubbles towards the child so he/she can still enjoy the visual and tactile feelings of the bubbles. Offer a helium balloon instead of a kite that can be watched and touched. Have an "egg hunt" by putting plastic eggs with pompoms in a shallow bin and placing it on their lap or wheelchair tray. The child can find and grasp the eggs, if able, or have their hands in the bin to enjoy the different textures.

Have a healthy and blessed Easter from mOTivation Occupational Therapy.

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03/14/2025

Spring is almost here! After being sick for half of February and the start of March, I’m hoping this means better health and better weather! Thank you to all my families for their patience and flexibility through missed sessions.

If you have a child who needs some help with fine motor skills, strength and coordination, or sensory regulation give me a call or message me on Facebook to set up an appointment. I’m available for appointments on Tuesdays 11-5, Wednesdays 3:30-7 and Thursdays 9-5.

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02/04/2025

In lieu of Phil’s prediction yesterday of 6 more weeks of winter, I wanted to send a reminder that mOTivation Occupational Therapy clinic hours will operate according to the Juniata County School District’s schedule with delays and closures when the weather is ugly. I will still personally contact families who have appointments on those days. Stay safe!

11/19/2024

Hi everyone! I just posted a new blog on my website about visual perceptual difficulties. Here's a preview of some "red flags" you might see as a parent or teacher:
1. Repeated resistance or refusal to initiate/work through/complete a reading or writing assignment.
2. Complaining of headaches especially later in the school day or when they get home.
3. Frequent blinking or rubbing eyes.
4. Turning their head to the side when reading/writing or covering one eye when reading or looking at something on the board (from a distance).
5. Repeating lines or skipping lines when reading.
6. Missing words/letters when copying a passage from the board.
7. Able to copy words but struggling with independent writing.

If you're seeing some of these things in your child, reach out to a professional such as a family doctor, optometrist, a teacher or an occupational therapist. Please visit my website and read the full blog and reach out with any questions.

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09/04/2024

As the season changes, I’m making some changes with my clinic. I want to change my hours to be more flexible for families juggling work and school. I also have been given the opportunity to help in a local school district, so streamlining my clinic hours will allow me provide services to other children and families. mOTivation OT will be open Mondays and Thursdays 9-5 and Wednesdays 4-7pm. If you have any questions about my clinic or the services I provide, please visit my website or message me.