The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners
Episodes
Bridging Sensory Integration and Academic Standards in School-Based OT
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, host Jayson Davies is joined by Aimee Piller and Dr. Sultan Alfawaz to explore a powerful shift in scho...
AI and Clinical Reasoning in School-Based Occupational Therapy
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is quickly entering healthcare and education, and occupational therapists are asking an important question: How can we use AI ...
Understanding the Why in School-Based OT From a Parent's Perspective
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this episode where Nicole Dahl shares her powerful journey as a parent navigating occupational therapy services for her son on the autism s...
Supporting Teachers First and How Coaching Creates Lasting Impact for Students
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Supporting teachers can be one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change for students—but it requires a shift in how we view our role as sc...
How the C-SEA Can Help You Transform Classroom Environments
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Walking into a classroom filled with visual clutter, constant noise, and lingering smells from an air fryer might leave you wondering how any student ...
Applying your Sensory Knowledge to MTSS Tiers 1 & 2
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Aimee Piller joins the OT Schoolhouse Podcast to explore how school-based occupational therapists can apply their sensory expertise within a Multi...
Turning Grant Funding Into Mental Health Advocacy in Schools
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Jayson Davies welcomes Dr. Jaime Hunter and Dr. Kaisa Syväoja from The College of St. Scholastica to d...
From Behavior to Regulation: How the Good Sense Rocketship Framework Transforms OT Practice
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready to blast off into a powerful new way of understanding sensory processing in schools. In this episode, Danielle Pluth and Ruth Isaac—Canadi...
How switching to a workload model can transform your school-based OT practice
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into groundbreaking research on the transition from caseload to workload models in school-based OT with Stanbridge University MOT students Jalen,...
Everyday Ethics in School-Based OT"
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyday Ethics in School-Based OT: Navigating Challenges with Clarity & Confidence equips school-based occupational therapists with the tools to ...
Realistic Strategies to Build Work Skills for High School and Transition-Aged Students
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Husband, OTD, OTR/L shares his innovative "Get to Work" program, an after-school initiative providing realistic work experiences for...
The Hidden Advantage: Why OTs Hold the Key to School Success Through Self-Regulation
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
OTs hold the key to school-wide success by grounding self-regulation in sensory-motor regulation—not just in emotions. In this episode, Sherry Shell...
Bridging the Gap in Occupational Therapy's Role in the Homeschooling Journey
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Sarah Collins, a pioneer in the world of homeschooling and occupational therapy. It’s ...
Your BOT-3 Questions Answered!
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the exciting updates and enhancements of the BOT-3 assessment tool with Dr. Elizabeth Munsell, Research Director at Pearson.Learn how this la...
Brewing Community with A Neurodiversity-Affirming Model for Transition-Age Youth
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Jayson Davies as he sits down with occupational therapists and co-founders of B3 Coffee, Jacqueline and Greg Boheler, to explore their unique, ne...
Crafting Your Role as an OTP in the School Community
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jayson sits down with Amy Fehr, MSOT, OTR/L, an experienced school-based OT and current clinical advisor at BlazerWorks, to tackle th...
How to kick off the School Year with Confidence
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a school-based occupational therapist looking to streamline your practice, build stronger collaborations, and navigate the complexities of doc...
From Puzzle to Practice with Rubik’s Cubes in School Based OT
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do Rubik’s Cubes, art, and therapy have in common? In this inspiring episode, Jayson chats with Kyle Cubes, a Rubik’s Cube artist and autisti...
Say Yes to Recess: Why Movement Breaks are Critical for Student Success
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to champion one of the most essential—and overlooked—parts of the school day? In this episode, Jayson Davies dives into the impactfu...
Challenging Ableism Through Neurodiversity-Affirming School Practice
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really mean to provide neurodiversity-affirming care in schools? In this episode, Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving—a neurodivergent OT and cre...
(Part 2) Supporting Students with Extensive Support Needs: A Path Toward Inclusive OT Practice
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of this important conversation, Dr. Savitha Sundar returns to explore what inclusive OT practice can look like beyond the buzzwords. In this...
Supporting Students with Extensive Support Needs: Understanding the Challenge (Part 1)
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how school-based OTs can meaningfully support students with extensive support needs? Supporting students with extensive support needs h...
What Teachers and Admin Really Think About School-based OT
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jayson discusses the often misunderstood role of school-based occupational therapy practitioners. He emphasizes the need for OT pract...
Unlocking Holistic Tiered Support with MTSS
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks fo...
Advocating for School-Based OTP Leadership
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jayson has a compelling conversation with guests Jaime Spencer, Kim Wiggins, and Serena Zeidler as they discuss their research into t...
From OT Debt to Financial Freedom
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Doug Vestal, author, and financial guru, uncovers the path to financial freedom for occupational therapists. He will dive into the he...
The Dept. of Ed. Executive Order - A Special Episode with Abe Saffer, a Senior Legislative Representative at AOTA
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday, after President Trump signed the Executive Order related to the Dept. of Education, I sat down with Abe Saffer (AOTA Senior Legislative Rep...
Screenings With a VMI Tool That Scores Itself
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jayson teams up with guests Karen and Heather to get into the transformative world of Psymark—a digital tool designed to revolutio...
Supporting The Teachers in Adapting the Classroom Enviroment
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the transformative power of nature in the classroom with this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast! Join host Jayson Davies as he chats with...
Daily Notes: What to Write & How to Save Time
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like daily notes are just another task on your never-ending to-do list? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of note writin...
How Many OT Treatment Hours are Possible in a Week?
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can two school-based OTs have identical caseload numbers but vastly different workloads? This episode promises a fresh perspective on evaluating t...
Win Over Teachers & Kids with Proven, Fun Strategies to Improve Writing!
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think makes handwriting fun and effective for kids? In this episode, we dig into strategies that don’t just teach handwriting but make i...
#166 Bridging the Classroom with Nature the OT Way
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the TimberNook program, where nature becomes the ultimate classroom for sensory integration, emotional growth, and creativity. TimberNook em...
Paving the Path to Change High Caseloads in 2025
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are your caseloads pushing you to the brink?In this episode, Jayson digs into the pressing and widespread issue of high caseloads faced by school-base...
Reflex Integration Challenges and Solutions in School-based OT
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how integrating reflex patterns could enhance your approach to therapy?Join us as we discuss the world of reflex integration wi...
Making Sensory Integration Work in School Environments
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if there was a way to make sensory integration more accessible, effective, and inclusive for every student you support?In this episode with Dr. C...
A Practical Guide to Building a Budget-Friendly OT Toolbox
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Jayson and Amanda Gibbs as they discuss building a school-based OT toolbox. Together, they dive into tools and resources—like the interactive O...
Unlocking the Power of the Vestibular System for Classroom Success
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how vestibular challenges might be impacting your students’ ability to succeed in the classroom? In this episode, Dr. Annie ...
Planning for College Success for Students with Disabilities
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling uncertain about how to prepare your students with disabilities for the transition to college?As OTPs we want to equip students for lif...
Turning Knowledge Into Action as a School-Based OTP
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how the knowledge you gain from a podcast can be effectively applied in real-world practice?In this episode, Taylor Poirier, sh...
The Future of School-based OT Documentation
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if there was a tool that could not only help you organize your thoughts and observations into a comprehensive report but also save you hours of w...
Shaping Education Policy Through Advocacy as a School-Based OT
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the roles are switched as host Jayson Davies takes the guest seat, being interviewed by Abe Saffer, a federal lobbyist for the Americ...
AI Beyond chat GPT
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we are diving into a topic that’s transforming the world of occupational therapy!We all know how AI chatbots can help streamline paperwor...
Essential Mindset Hacks To Maximize your OT Potential
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jayson is diving into five mindset hacks that will change the way you approach your practice. Jayson will reflect on his own experien...
Using Storytelling to Transform Therapy
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Jayson dives into a discussion with pediatric occupational therapist and author Kathryn Mahoney. With five books under her belt and a sixth...
Gratitude and Growth: Celebrating Milestones with the OT Schoolhouse Community
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how a podcast can evolve, grow, foster a community, and make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational therapy?Join us a...
Gratitude and Growth: Celebrating Milestones with the OT Schoolhouse Community
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how a podcast can evolve, grow, foster a community, and make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational therapy?Join us a...
Greatest Hits: Fostering Safe & Regulating Environments in the Classroom
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
School-based occupational therapists wear many hats. Sometimes we treat students individually and other times we have to train the teachers in ways th...
Using the 3-to-1 Service Model to Enhance Collaboration And Flexibility
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how the 3-to-1 service model can transform collaboration among OT, PT, and speech providers, streamline evaluations, and enhance communicatio...
Are OT Practitioners, Mental Health Providers?
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Abe Saffer and Dr. Miranda Virone are here to dive into the roots of occupational therapy’s involvement in mental health, uncover current challenges...
The Essentials of Contracting as a School-Based OTP
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about working directly with schools or going through a staffing agency? Jayson and Elise explore the pros and cons of direct contracting vs. ...
Executive Function's Role in Sensory Regulation
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do children’s brains manage the interplay between self-regulation and executive functioning tasks? In this episode, join Lindy Joffe, OTD, OTR/...
Revealing OT’s potential with Artificial Intelligence
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you think AI can revolutionize school-based OT?In this episode, join expert guest Teresa Fair-Field as she explores innovative uses of artificial i...
Occupational Therapy Strategies for Crafting Inclusive PE
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine a school environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can actively participate in physical education. How can we turn this ...
Crafting Your Goal Bank for School-based OT
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you thought that optimizing your practice with efficient goal banking strategies might be helpful? In this episode, we explore a range of goal b...
The Kawa Model in Education: Supporting Students by Supporting Teachers
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast's latest episode, where Jayson welcomes Amy Crosby, whose innovative application of the Kawa Model in educat...
Navigating AI as a School-Based Practitioner
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you curious to understand how OTPs can use AI?Tune in as Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, dives into the future of AI and occupational therapy. Discover...
Supporting Students with Visual Impairments
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Kelsey Kornaus delves into the world of visual impairments in students.From the importance of self-advo...
Innovative Strategies for Improving Handwriting
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can the strategic use of color and contrast in writing programs not only capture children's attention but also foster a focused environment f...
OT Solutions for ADHD Challenges
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, special guest Lori Flynn is diving into multiple different aspects of understanding ADHD, creating personalized teaching plans, devel...
Fostering Autonomy through Child-Led Therapy
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered about the transformative power of child-led methods in creating inclusive and empowered learning environments for students with special ...
Exploring Alternatives To Pull-out Services in School-based OT
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a school-based Practitioner, have you ever thought about exploring alternatives to traditional pull-out sessions?If you're looking to expand y...
Trauma-Informed OT with Adolescents
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you aware of the hidden traumas that adolescents face daily that can sometimes go unnoticed?In this episode Dr. Park sheds light on the subtle neg...
Why the IEP is NOT Your Treatment Plan
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever walk away from an IEP meeting with a plan in mind, only to forget it later? In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, discusses why the ...
Empowering Teachers with Integrated OT Services
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to have a better understanding of integrated OT services in schools?In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Dr. Woolley shares m...
Navigating Medicaid Billing for School-Based OTPs
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by Medicaid billing and unsure of how to navigate the funding process?In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, El...
Engaging Students: The Role of a Student Involvement Committee
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Lisa Lodesky and Kate Schoen discuss their experiences and insights on helping students transition into vocational settings. ...
Back To School Conference 2023 Recap & Reflection
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Back to School Conference Recap! Our journey at the conference led us to explore crucial subjects, such as reframing behavior, address...
The Correlation Between Speech and Sensory Challenges
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Curious to explore the world of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?Join us on this episode where Kate Nealon, PhD...
Celebrating Excellence: School-Based OT Awards and Inspiring Stories from the Field
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrate the 2023 school-based OT practitioners of the year!Join us in this episode, where we recognize the contributions of three exceptional indivi...
Why I Love (and Prefer) School-based OT
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why do you love school-based OT? In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, explores the world of school-based occupational therapy by highlighting t...
Creating Functional Spaces for Students
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to transform your classroom into an engaging and supportive learning environment?Join us on this episode, where we explore the topic of setting ...
Changing the Culture: Effective Approaches to Inclusion
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of OT Schoolhouse Podcast, host Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, welcomes guest Jenna Rufo, Ed.D., to discuss post-pandemic special education...
Applying the Kawa Model to School-Based OT
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of the Kawa model? On this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, We'll discuss the advantages of understanding this model for oc...
Exploring Dyslexia: Understanding and Supporting Students
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you really know about dyslexia?Join us as we explore this often-misunderstood learning disorder. Jayson and Penny dive into the importance...
School-Based Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Maggie Aschenbrener discusses how she applies her passions for water, children, and occupational therapy by utilizing aquatic...
Incorporating Movement and Sensory in the Classroom
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to talk All Things Sensory?In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse podcast, Jayson interviews Rachel Harrington, COTA/L AC, and Jessica Hill, COTA...
Your Questions, Jayson's Answers: An OT Month Special Episode on Sensory, Handwriting, Tiered Intervention, & More
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a special episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, where we celebrate OT Month and the anniversary of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast!We're e...
Choose Wisely: Linking Motor Reflex Integration to Occupation
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wonder how much our early reflexes impact our physical, cognitive, and emotional development? What about the importance of reflex integrat...
The Role SLPs Play in Schools
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an OT who wants to level up your knowledge on how to work collaboratively with SLPs to support students in school? Well, you're in for a ...
Supporting Students to Self-Regulate with The Alert Program®
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how your engine is running right now? Is it high, low, or just right? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Sherry and Molly dis...
Learning with LEGO: 9 Creative Ideas for Occupational Therapy in Schools
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're talking about one of the most popular and versatile tools in the world of school-based occupational therapy: LEGO.That's right,...
Supporting Teachers: A Win-Win Situation
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being OTPs in a Teacher’s world is not always easy. In this episode, I am sharing a supportive tool I have used to support my students and build rap...
Challenging Typical Handwriting Traditions
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought of having your students be the handwriting teachers? By having students apply what they learned during an OT session, they can g...
Going Beyond Trauma-Informed Care
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think of when you hear the phrase trauma responsive? This concept goes beyond trauma-informed care. Tune in to hear Dr. Gibbs speak about...
Dysgraphia: How You Can Support Teachers & Students
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that Einstein and Thomas Edison may have had dysgraphia? In our chat with Cheri Dotterer today, she discusses the truth about dysgraphia...
Finding Motivation in Transition-Aged Students: From Limitations to Success
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about what it might look like working with transition-aged students? Even if you are currently working with them now, you may st...
Why the CDC Updated the Developmental Milestones Checklist
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Were you flabbergasted when the CDC changed the guidelines for developmental milestones In February? You weren’t alone. But it is important to look...
Back To Our Roots: Mental Health and The School-Based Role
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As OTPs we were taught that our profession was founded on providing a safe space for those who had a mental illness, and we were there to help them en...
Common Core left Handwriting Behind!
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
School-based OT practitioners are not handwriting teachers! However, handwriting is often the most common reason for referral.In our chat with Debra C...
From One Coffee Cart to an entire Community-Based Instruction Program
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that transitional services can be implemented even before a student gets to high school? In this episode, we talk about how community-ba...
Frameworks used in School-based Occupational Therapy
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about the shifts that have happened throughout the history of Occupational Therapy in the schools? Occupational therapy has been...
Using PLAY as an Acronym to Support Students (Earn Continuing Education)
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest today proves how it is possible to make the best of a situation when unforeseen circumstances happen. The Covid Pandemic derailed Alvin from...
Goal Writing in School-based OT
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As OTP’s we know that goal writing can get a bit difficult at times. Understanding each component of a goal will ultimately lead to better goal writ...
Why I Created My Own Adapted Handwriting Paper
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As an OT practitioner in the schools, it doesn’t take long to realize that most of the evaluation referrals coming your way are due to handwriting c...
Supporting Parents of Neurodiverse Children with Laura Petix of The OT Butterfly
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As OTPs in the schools, we all work with children with Sensory Processing Disorder. But our guest today has gone a step further in how she supports th...
Getting Student-Centered with the CO-OP Approach Featuring Dr. Helene Polatajko and Dr. Lara Barros
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you constantly wondering how to be more evidence-based when working in a school setting?  In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, we dis...
Landing and Starting Your First School-Based OT Job with Jhennylyn Rivera, MOT, OTR/L
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a new grad OT practitioner ready to find your first school-based OT job? If so, hit play now!In this episode, I am interviewing Jhenny Rivera ...
School-Based OT Within the OT Practice Framework
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In OT school, most students are tasked with doing a deep dive into the OT Practice Framework, better known as the OTPF. But have you taken a second to...
100th Episode Celebration: Why the OT Schoolhouse
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For our 100th episode, we are celebrating in a very special way. I don't want to give away too much, so I'll just tell you this. You may alr...