Occupational Therapy

Mary Russell

OTR/L

I have been an Occupational Therapist since 2005 and have lived in Montana for about 20 years. I love working with kids and helping them with independence. In schools, occupational therapy is focused on function and participation; its mission includes helping children reach their educational potential, access the curriculum, and participate fully in the school environment. Occupational therapists may work with the child on handwriting, problem solving, and identifying accommodations, and collaborating with teachers or specialists to learn the needs for various settings.

Dorcey McCoy

OTR/L

dmccoy@troyk12.org

Hello and woooohoooo I am so excited to be back in my home state of Montana! I spent my childhood years in Dillon on a cattle ranch and after spending the last 25 in
eastern Washington I am so excited to be back and a part of rural healthcare. I
graduated from Gonzaga University in 2000 and Eastern Washington University in 2003. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to practice Occupational Therapy in all aspects of care from ICU to inpatient rehab, schools and outpatient clinics. I raised 5 boys and am an official "empty nester" this year. I love skiing, golfing, and any excuse to enjoy the outdoors and time with family and friends. I am excited to be back in the Troy Schools this year and to be a part of an amazing district and Special Education team.

Examples of occupational therapy interventions in school settings can include:

Classroom Consultant
Creating learning environments that eliminate visual distractions
Preferential seating
Positional adaptations such as adapted seating or cushions that enable children to move while seated
Individualized or small-group therapy to improve visual-motor skills (for example, learning letter formation through a structured, multisensory handwriting program or through tracking software on an iPad)
Writing alternatives, such as one-handed typing, for students with disabilities (cerebral palsy, juvenile arthritis, and amputation)
Adaptations such as a pencil grip or weighted spoon to improve fine motor control

School-based OT also addresses underlying sensory processing disorders that contribute to difficulties with attention, hand-eye coordination, and emotional regulation. I look forward to helping the student in the classroom setting and in direct one to one sessions become as independent as possible. The best way to get a hold of me is through email at mrussellot@gmail.com

Helpful Links: