Saint Paul Public Schools
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O.T. at Linwood Monroe Arts Plus Kathy Zawislak My name is Kathy Zawislak and I am a registered Occupational Therapist. I went to Johnson High School and then to the University of Minnesota where I received my BS degree in Occupational therapy. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Stout and received my MS degree in Vocational Education, Special Needs. I have worked in St. Paul Schools since 1976. Monroe has been my home school since 1980. I now see students at Linwood, Humboldt Jr. and Sr., Highland Jr. and Sr., Central HS, LEAP, Johnson HS and the Focus beyond program (students 18-21 years of age. Some days I live in my car. The best way to contact me is by email. Kathleen.zawislak@spps.org Victoria Olson My name is Victoria Olson and I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). I went to Anoka Technical College and graduated in 1969. I started work in St. Paul the same year Kathy did, so I also have worked in St. Paul for a long time. I see students at Monroe, Linwood, Humboldt Jr. and Sr.and may see them at Highland Jr. and Sr. and Johnson High School. The best way to contact me is by email Victoria.olson@spps.org Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy in the schools is part of Special Education. It is a “related service” and a student needs to have an IEP in order to receive OT. We work on gross and fine motor skills, daily living skills, functional skills, and vocational skills. School-based occupational therapy is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. This might include working on handwriting or fine motor skills so the child can complete written assignments, helping the child organize himself in the environment (including work space in and around the desk), working with the teacher to modify the classroom and/or adapt learning materials to facilitate successful participation. With our older students, we work on vocational skills both in our school and in the community. We are continually updating our knowledge and skills by taking workshops and additional training. |