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the OT is IN

the OT is IN

By: Sarah Collins
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 The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.2024
Episodes
  • Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help

    Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
    May 15 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I’m joined by fellow OT Sarah Anderson—an incredible therapist with over a decade of experience, now specializing in mental health. We dive deep into the intersection of OT and anxiety, especially how it shows up in neurodivergent kids with ADHD or autism. Sarah shares her journey into the mental health field and offers powerful insights into identifying anxiety patterns, supporting emotional regulation, and creating environments that help kids feel safe during transitions. If you’ve ever wondered how OT can support your child’s mental health—especially when it comes to anxiety—you won’t want to miss this one. In this episode you'll hear about: Understanding Anxiety in Occupational TherapyAnxiety's function and originNeurodivergence and its connection to anxietyImportance of understanding the base of anxiety for treatmentIdentifying Sources of AnxietyPatterns and manifestations of anxietyAnxiety's connection to neurodivergent conditionsSensory processing componentsParent’s Role in Identifying AnxietyObserving and understanding child’s anxietyEarly detection and support strategiesTransition and routine change managementConnecting Emotions, Feelings, and Body ResponsesDifferentiating between feelings and emotionsInteroception and alexithymiaMethods to help children identify and express emotionsSupporting Children Through AnxietyTolerating discomfort and managing anxietyEnvironmental adjustments and toolsCo-regulation and independenceTherapy Approaches and SessionsWhat to expect in occupational therapy sessionsFamily-focused therapeutic approachesSensory processing and executive functioningProgress and Emotional Management Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Elevated Wellbeing OT Occupational Therapy For The Anxious Child How Occupational Therapy Can Help The Anxiety EpidemicA Chameleon Tale BookA Chameleon Tale Book GuideEpisode 1: Unveiling the role of OT in HomeschoolingEpisode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective Bonus Episode: Parenthood and Homeschooling: Choosing the Right Activities for a Balanced Lifestyle Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline SantangeloEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in HomeschoolEpisode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents Episode 43: Collaborative Problem-Solving in Education and ParentingWhat Are Executive Functioning Skills?Field Trips Can Build Executive Functioning Connect with our Guest, Sarah Anderson Dr. Sarah Anderson is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Elevated Wellbeing OT in Scottsdale, Arizona. She specializes in mental health, trauma, addiction recovery, and life transitions, using a neuroaffirming, client-centered approach to help individuals build sustainable habits and routines that foster resilience and well-being. With advanced training in perinatal mental health, trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, and emotional intelligence (EQ-i 2.0, MSCEIT), she integrates sensory processing, cognitive strategies, and somatic-based interventions to support emotional regulation and recovery. Dr. Anderson contracts with Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, providing occupational therapy for individuals in addiction and mental health recovery at the PHP, IOP, and OP levels of care. She incorporates Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and sensory-based interventions to support anxiety, executive functioning, and neurodivergence, with a specialization in working with Autistic individuals and those with ADHD. After seven years as a full-time faculty member at Midwestern University, Dr. Anderson recently stepped back to expand into a group practice. She continues to serve as an adjunct instructor, teaching the mental health curriculum and mentoring future occupational therapists.
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    38 mins
  • Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness

    Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness
    May 8 2025

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    Joining me is my great friend and collaborator, Jackie Adrian. We've been friends since our early 20s, and today, we're thrilled to share something we've been working on together – our brand-new book that highlights the sensory processing journey of two chameleons, Sally and Seth. Jackie's not only an author and illustrator but also a fellow mom navigating the world of neurodiversity with her own children. As we discuss the book's path to fruition, you'll get an inside look at how we blended our expertise to create a resource that speaks to both kids and parents.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • About Jackie Adrian
    • The New Book
    • Inspiration and conception of the book
    • The story of how Jackie's personal experiences influenced the book
    • Personal Experiences
    • Jackie's experiences with her son’s diagnoses and sensory processing
    • Importance of creating tools for communication between parents and children
    • Book Details and Theme
    • Chameleons as characters and representation of emotions
    • The story of Sally and Seth
    • Exploring sensory stimuli and responses through a narrative
    • Illustration Process
    • Jackie's process and thoughts in illustrating emotions
    • Discussion on illustrating feelings and simplifying visuals to keep the focus
    • Discussion Encouragement
    • Suggestions on how parents can use art to encourage discussions with kids
    • Empowering children to understand and regulate their emotions
    • Other Works by Jackie Adrian

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Learn More About "A Chameleon Tale" Book
    • A Chameleon Tale Book Guide
    • Jackie Adrian's Website
    • Jackie's Portfolio of Artwork
    • Connect With Jackie On Instagram
    • Check Out Jackie's Books
    • Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
    • Episode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
    • Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
    • Episode 32: Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self Care and Family Support
    • Connect With Sarah On Instagram

    Connect with our Guest, Jackie Adrian

    Jackie Adrian is an author, illustrator, and visual artist who creates work focused on celebrating the “wild and weird” in all of us, inviting us to be more ourselves. She currently resides in the suburbs of DC but has lived in six different states and has traveled to more than 30 countries. This slightly nomadic existence has given her perspective on the root commonalities we can find in different cultures and landscapes. Her art and writing aim to celebrate this with vivid color combinations and uplifting words of affirmation. Her art is playful while her words are soul-stabilizing.
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    31 mins
  • Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning

    Practical Tips for handwriting- how to know and what to do if the issue is motor planning
    Apr 24 2025
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! Katie Zelinski discusses the intricacies of motor planning, also known as praxis, and its impact on handwriting and daily activities. Katie, with over 11 years of experience in pediatric OT and founder of The Well Balanced OT, shares her wealth of knowledge on how motor planning affects children, from dressing themselves to participating in activities like catching a ball. Katie explores how challenges in motor planning manifest in tasks such as handwriting, and she offers insightful strategies to help parents support their children's development through creative play and practice without the pressure of traditional writing tasks. Whether you're a parent or therapist, this episode provides valuable insights into understanding and addressing motor planning challenges in children. In this episode you'll hear about: Katie Zelinski's BackgroundKatie's experience of 11 years as an Occupational Therapist (OT).Focus on pediatrics.Establishment of Katie's business, The Well Balanced OT.Discussion on Motor Planning and PraxisDefinition and explanation of motor planning and praxis.Multiple components of motor planning.Steps involved in motor planning: Ideation, Sequencing, Execution.Practical examples of motor planning in learning activities.Differentiation between practicing motor planning as a skill and it becoming innate.Observations of Motor Planning ChallengesSigns of motor planning challenges in children.Examples like dressing, catching a ball, play activities.Handwriting and Motor PlanningConnection between motor planning challenges and handwriting difficulties.Ideation’s impact on writing.Ways motor planning affects holding and using a writing tool.Strategies for practicing handwriting without writing.Motivating Children with Motor Planning ChallengesImportance of making learning engaging and incorporating play.Use of resources and creativity to support idea generation.Avoiding stress by focusing on underlying skills.Addressing Motor Planning in Older ChildrenChallenges faced by older kids.Strategies including using technology and alternative methods.Focus on typing and voice-to-text as alternatives to handwriting. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?The Well Balanced OT From Clumsy To Capable: The Surprising Impact of Martial Arts on Kids' Motor Skills Motor Planning: What You Need To Know Motor Planning and Praxis: Understanding, Assessing, and TreatingHow Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and AcademicsBlending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better HandwritingUnderstanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for HomeschoolersReading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting SkillsMaking Sense of the Handwriting Puzzle – Homeschool OT Course Narration- A Path To Thoughtful LearningConnect With Sarah on Instagram Connect with our Guest, Katie Zelinski Katie is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in regulation and sensory processing. She has a certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration. Katie has worked in various settings including early intervention, preschool, and a pediatric outpatient clinic. She is the founder of The Well-Balanced OT which offers online resources, professional development, and mentorship programs for pediatric OTs. Connect With Katie On Instagram Connect With Katie On Facebook
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    33 mins

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