Mary Russell, OT

I am excited to be able to work for Cabinet Mountain Cooperative. I have been an Occupational Therapist since 2005 and have lived in Montana for over 10 years. I love working with kids and have done so part time for several years. 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.

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: