Overview
TLC’s Occupational Therapy Program has a reputation of excellence in the community. We provide comprehensive evaluations, individual and group therapy, summer programs, and a variety of community collaborations including screenings, consultative services, and workshops.
Children who receive TLC’s occupational therapy services develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community. This includes improving fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, play, and social interaction – empowering each child to reach their fullest potential and gain greater independence in daily life.
Our Philosophy
At the heart of our program is the belief that we treat individuals, not disabilities. We follow a family-centered approach, partnering with caregivers to support progress and independence at home and in the community.
Our Staff
Each of our occupational therapists hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, are registered through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and are licensed by the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy.
Areas of Expertise
Most of our experienced staff have advanced degrees and additional training/certification in sensory processing, DIR®/Floortime™model for early intervention, Handwriting without Tears, Therapeutic Listening through Vital Links, Interactive Metronome, Astronaut Training Protocol.
Programs
At TLC, the evaluation is an integral part of the therapeutic process, as it provides the key to identifying each child’s unique needs and skills
We provide a range of evaluations depending on the individual needs of each child.
Each evaluation is comprised of both standardized and non-standardized assessments. The non-standardized assessments include clinical observations as well as questionnaires for the parents/caregivers and teachers.
Evaluation results and recommendations are documented in comprehensive reports and discussed with the family.
- Fine motor
- Gross motor
- Visual motor/visual perceptual
- Sensory processing/regulation
- Muscle tone, strength, coordination
- Reflex integration
- Feeding/picky eating
- Activities of daily living (ADL)
- Emotional regulation
Screens
OT Evaluations assess skills in the areas of:
A screening is a brief (approximately 30 minutes) assessment of your child’s general motor and sensory skills. The purpose of a screening is to determine if your child demonstrates age-appropriate skills in the areas OT can address or if further evaluation is warranted.
We also provide OT screens as a part of the Toddler ADOS Assessment (with link to that evaluation on the speech and TTC page)
Individual Therapy
At TLC, therapy is based on the unique needs of each child.
Children learn through play, so therapy sessions balance fun and challenge to encourage skill development.
Individualized treatment plans are created with parent/caregiver input.
Family education and home programming are an integral part of our therapeutic process and children’s progress.
Our clinic space includes two large sensory motor gyms with suspended equipment, ball pits, a zip line, trampolines and a smaller treatment space with bubble tubes and other sensory equipment.
Areas addressed in Individual OT sessions can include:
- Fine motor
- Gross motor
- Visual motor/visual perceptual
- Sensory processing/regulation
- Muscle tone, strength, coordination
- Reflex integration
- Feeding/picky eating
- Activities of daily living (ADL)
- Emotional regulation
Group Therapy
TLC’s Therapeutic Interaction Groups
Based on the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) model,
The DIR model provides a developmental framework for interdisciplinary assessment and intervention for autism and other developmental and mental health challenges. The model uses affect-based interactions and experiences tailored to individual needs to promote development.
Our Therapeutic Interaction Groups (IG) are led by two of our Occupational Therapists who are trained and certified in the DIR/Floortime model. Groups build on your child’s interests to encourage engagement, play skills and interactions in group and individual activities.
Parent education and coaching are provided to support parent-child interactions.
TLC’s Interaction Group promotes development in:
- Sensory processing/regulation
- Joint Attention
- Communication and language
- Motor Skills
- Play skills/social interaction
- Visual Spatial
- Ideation and execution
- Social problem solving
At TLC, we believe in the power of partnerships to support children’s growth and development.
We proudly collaborate with local private schools, preschools, and daycare centers to create a more supportive, inclusive learning environment for all children.
Collaborations can include:
- Screenings: On-site screenings to identify potential delays and sensory processing challenges early.
- Professional Development & Teacher Training: Customized workshops and hands-on training sessions to equip educators with tools to support children with sensory, motor, and self-regulation needs.
- Consultations for Sensory-Friendly Classrooms: Expert guidance on adapting classroom environments to be more inclusive and supportive for children with sensory sensitivities.
Red flags
Does your child have difficulties with day-to-day activities at home, school or out in the community? Do they experience challenges that do not seem to affect other children their age? If so, a pediatric occupational therapist may be able to help. Below is a list of red flags that may warrant an OT evaluation.
- Not reaching developmental motor milestones of siting, crawling or walking
- Struggling with handwriting
- Difficulty learning new motor tasks
- Avoiding coloring, drawing or cutting
- Clumsiness when running or climbing; difficulty learning how to ride a bike
- Covering ears with loud noises
- Always “on the go” or fidgety
- Bothered by tags in clothing
- Annoyed by messy hands and fingers
Meet Our Team
We’re a passionate group dedicated to innovation and excellence. Get to know the individuals who drive our success.
Brigid Baker, OTR/L
Director of Clinical Programs
Emily Hale, M.S., OTR/L
Lukeman Lawal, COTA/L
Ashley Gilmore M.S., OTR/L
Emily Fong M.S., OTR/L
Nicole Hernandez, M.S., OTR/L
Rachael Kobe, M.S., OTR/L
Catherine Davey, M.S., OTR/L
Lisa Ellis, M.S., OTR/L
Andrea Ferro, M.S., OTR/L
Erin Hanscom, M.S., OTR/L
Shirley Wietlisbach-Anderson, M.S., OTR/L
Kelly Strub M.S., OTR/L
Melissa Schwarzbard, COTA/L