School-based occupational therapy (OT) is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. School-based occupational therapy is a related service as defined under 300.34 of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  Part B and is provided to students who meet criteria for special education services under Special Education Rule 13 160-4-7-.05, Eligibility Determination and Categories of Eligibility (GaDOE, 2021). School occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are contributors within the education team. They support a student’s ability to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations.” Occupational therapy is provided at schools only when it is related to educational needs. Occupational therapists help children to fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning (AOTA, 2016).  In addition to providing direct occupational therapy services (or instead of), an occupational therapist may provide consultation to a child’s educational team (teachers, paraprofessionals, other therapists, and parents).

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (2016), occupational therapy practitioners have specific knowledge and expertise to increase participation in school routines throughout the day. Interventions include:

• Conducting activity and environmental analysis and making recommendations to improve the fit for greater access, progress, and participation
• Reducing barriers that limit student participation within the school environment 
• Providing assistive technology to support student success 
• Addressing sensory, cognitive, and motor needs 
• Offering instructional strategies for ongoing implementation in the classroom 
• Preparing students for successfully transitioning into appropriate post–high school employment, independent living, and/or further education 
• Training, collaborating, and administering resources to school personnel and families

Rhonda Harper, OTR/L, Lead

Based at GMS: serving GMS, School of Scholars, Morningstar, GMS, GIES, Leaps and Bounds, 

FACES, JMMS

rharper@glynn.k12.ga.us

Morgan Meadows, OTR/L

Based at OPES: Serving OPES, SSE, Greer, and Needwood

morgan.meadows@glynn.k12.ga.us

Michaela Peeler, OTR/L

Based at Greer: serving Greer, Satilla Marsh and Risley Middle 

michaela.peeler@glynn.k12.ga.us

Shelly Good, OTR/L

Based at Goodyear: serving Goodyear, GA, BHS

shelly.good@glynn.k12.ga.us

Deirdre Collins, OTR/L

Based at Altama: serving Altama, BME, Glyndale

deirdre.collins@glynn.k12.ga.us

Shelly McBryar, COTA

Based at LEAPS/FACES: serving LEAPS/FACES, Sterling and Community Based

shelly.mcbryar@glynn.k12.ga.us