🛠️ Occupational Therapy at Beattie Elementary
Kristy Thiemann, Beattie’s school-based Occupational Therapist (OT), partners with students, teachers, families, and staff to enhance engagement and success in daily activities—both at school and beyond.
🌟 What is OT?
School-based occupational therapy supports meaningful participation when challenges—physical, sensory, or cognitive—make standard routines difficult. OTs use purposeful, everyday activities (“occupations”) to develop foundational skills in:
- Fine motor abilities (e.g. writing, using tools)
- Gross motor coordination (e.g. running through obstacle courses)
- Sensory processing and self-regulation (e.g. weighted vests, sensory room access)
🛠️ What OT Services Include
- Individualized Evaluation
- Kristy determines eligibility and sets precise goals within the student's plan.
- Customized Intervention
- Activities span from fine-motor exercises (e.g., tweezers or writing practice) to gross-motor tasks (e.g., obstacle courses).
- Progress Monitoring
- Regularly tracked through assessments and IEP progress reviews.
🎯 Goals & Impact
- Equip students with tools that boost confidence and independence
- Support academic participation through improved motor, sensory, and executive functioning
- Help students engage fully in class, playgrounds, art, tech, and social environments
đź“ž Meet the OT
Kristy Thiemann, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist – Beattie Elementary (serving PSD elementary schools)
📧 kthiemann@psdschools.org
Why it matters: Occupational therapy is essential for students who face physical or sensory challenges. Kristy’s work ensures that every child can climb higher—participating, thriving, and connecting within our Beattie community.