The OT School House Podcast
Episode 35: Occupational Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care in Schools
Featuring Colleen Cameron Whiting, MS, OTR/L
In this episode, Jayson interviews fellow school-based occupational therapist, Colleen Cameron Whiting. Colleen has recently had two articles published (cited below in the resources) on providing trauma-informed care (TIC) in the school and today she brings to the podcast a model about how school-based OTs can work with other educators to creating an environment in which students feel safe and welcomed. We also dive into what exactly trauma is, how some trauma can have adverse effects on the developing brain, and what occupational therapy using a TIC model looks like.
Colleen Cameron Whiting MS, OTR/L
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Colleen is a school-based occupational therapist in Massachutses. She is also the owner of The SPARK Sensory Clinic and on the Faculty of the STAR Institute. Recently, Colleen has devoted her time and energy toward ensuring that other therapists recognize the importance of Trauma-Informed Care in public schools.
Listen in to this episode and earn 1-hour of professional development for doing so, as Jayson Interviews Colleen Cameron Whiting, MS, OTR/L, on Trauma, its effects, and what OTs can do about it.
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Objectives for this
Professional Development Podcast
Listeners will:
1. Be able to identify 3 levels of stress and how they may impact development.
2. Identify what Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are and how many ACEs are considered above the normal threshold.
3. Identify tiered strategies to help build a trauma-informed school.
Listen on
Links to Show References:
Have a question for Colleen? Visit The SPARK Clinic website at SPARKsensoryclinic.weebly.com
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STAR Institute's School-Based Learning for OTs Course
Use this link to check out the STAR Institute and the various learning opportunities for occupational therapists working in the schools.
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Every Moment Counts is a mental health promotion initiative that encourages OTs to go outside the normal pull-out sessions to create an inclusive school. They even provide free step-by-step guides to incorporating a few of their proven programs.
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In the Podcast, Colleen mentions Interoception and Kelly's website, kelly-mahler.com. Be sure to check out her free webinars and paid course on "Improving Interoception"
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Best Practices For Occupational Therapy In Schools 2nd. Ed.
Both Colleen and I agree that you need this book of your shelf if you are a school-based OT. The second edition is now available on Amazon and at AOTA.org. (Amazon links help to support the OT School House)
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Learn more about the importance of supporting children with mental health concerns from Colleen, a parent, and an educator in this AOTA Podcast.
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Articles Written By Colleen
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Whiting, C. C. (2002). School performance of children who have experienced maltreatment. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 21(2–3), 81–89. doi:10.1080/J006v21n02_07
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12. Whiting, C. C. (2018) Trauma and the role of the school-based occupational therapist. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 11:3, 291-301, DOI: 10.1080/ 19411243.2018.1438327