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The Joyful Connections Approach
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care:
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Interventions are strengths-based, playful, culturally sensitive, and supportive of family and social relationships.
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Focus is on improving overall function and increasing independence in daily activities and routines in the home and community.
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Appreciative of each individual's differences and preferences.
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Emphasis on social justice, advocacy, and well-being.
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Evidence-Based Practice:
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Occupational therapy approaches that are based on the most current research from credible sources.​
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Parent coaching based on clinical expertise and experience as a mother of neurodivergent children.
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Incorporating interdisciplinary techniques to support progress with physical fitness, communication skills, and learning while targeting O.T. goals.
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The First Step: Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Evaluation
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Parent interview (background information, areas of strength, concerns)
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Records review (previous evaluations, interventions, work samples)
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Standardized assessment (age-appropriate, administered with child)
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Parent questionnaire(s) may be utilized as part of the standardized assessment
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Skilled clinical observations of sensory integration and neuromuscular status
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Clinical observations of social overtures and sensory processing during playful activities
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Input from teachers, administrators, and/or care providers may be gathered through questionnaire(s)
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Written report (synthesis of data collected, summarized recommendations, suggested goal areas, plan of action)
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Parent meeting 45-minutes in person or virtually for report review & discussion; School staff/caregivers may attend
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Areas of Focus/Specialty:
Neurodivergent · Autism Spectrum Disorder · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) · Delayed motor skills · Twice exceptional (2e) · Self-regulation difficulties · Sensory processing differences · Learning disabilities · Sleep problems · Feeding · Picky eating · Toilet training · Parent coaching · Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) · American Sign Language · TEACHH Technique · Neurodiversity-Affirming Care · Ayres' Sensory Integration ·
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Education:
AAS in Occupational Therapy, Delaware Technical & Community College · Diploma in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, Delaware Technical & Community College · BS in Integrated Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University · Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University · Currently working toward a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy & Advanced Practice Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Thomas Jefferson University · Member of the Occupational Therapy National Honor Society, Pi Theta Epsilon
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Experience:
Delaware Autism Program · Delaware School for the Deaf · Easter Seals · Elementary School-based O.T. · Owen J. Roberts School District · Spring-Ford Area School District · Norristown Area School District · Research at Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Philadelphia, P.A. · Presenter at AOTA conference 2025, "Feasibilty and Preliminary Outcomes of Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration for 3-5-year-old Autistic Children"
"Kerri takes the time to build positive relationships and rapport with the children she works with and their families. She individualizes to the child’s needs and the family’s needs as well. Not only does she help on the ground by modeling and guidance with the child; but she is sure to help the adult working with the child to understand how to carry out the strategies in order to ensure long lasting effects. It has been an incredible opportunity to have worked with her."
D. A., parent and school teacher
"Kerri found new ways to engage our son. She broke through barriers and helped to bring out the kid we always knew was there... He was living in a world of black and white, not even knowing how colorful life could be until she showed him. "
- A.P.