Staff
- Thalin DyckOccupational Therapist
- Jaelyn FroeseOccupational Therapist
- Kellie HeintzOccupational Therapist
- Meaghan McMullenOccupational Therapist
- Melissa NeufeldOccupational Therapist
Introduction
Occupational Therapists help students maintain, develop, improve, and restore functions that may be impaired or lost due to disability. They support students with self-regulation of behaviour and provide mental health interventions. Additionally, Occupational Therapists assist with classroom design to accommodate students’ sensory, mobility, and independence needs.
What is Occupational Therapy – click here
Who are the HSD OT’s?
Kellie Heintz – Kellie or (Ms. Kellie) has been an OT with Hanover School Division for 10 years. Prior to Hanover School Division Kellie worked 2 years in the Community Mental Health Sector. Kellie has a strong interest in paediatric mental health and the well being of students in Hanover School Division. She enjoys working collaboratively with students, families, allied health members, and school team members to ensure students’ goals are identified and met. Outside of work, you can find Kellie playing with her daughter, working with her husband at their family store (Pembina Source for Sports), gardening or playing with their dog (Charlie).
Jaelyn Froese – Jaelyn or “Ms. J” has a variety of work and volunteer experiences working with children of all ages and abilities, including working in an outpatient setting, various sectors within the school system as well as the facilitation of summer camps. It is through various work experiences and her love for working with children, that Jaelyn has developed a strong interest in working as an Occupational Therapist in the school setting. She is passionate about helping individuals, families and school teams work towards their identified goals. Outside of work, Jaelyn enjoys being a mom to her three children, spending time outside and going to the cabin!
Thalin Dyck – Thalin (Ms. Thalin) is in her fourth school year working in the Hanover School Division. She enjoys the interdisciplinary nature of being a school clinician, being able to bounce ideas off of different team members and working with families to find what will work best for each student. Her passion lies in helping students be the best they can be, regardless of the disabilities or barriers they experience.
Melissa Neufeld – Melissa has been an occupational therapist in schools for 8 years with 3 years working in the Hanover School Division. Before becoming an OT she was an educational assistant working in a Winnipeg school division. Her favourite thing about working in schools is being able to support students in their learning and make school a fun and meaningful learning experience.
Meaghan McMullen – Meaghan (Ms. Meaghan) is a recent OT graduate who had the opportunity to complete a placement with HSD, where she truly valued the supportive, student-centered approach she experienced. She’s now excited to be part of a team that works collaboratively to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to explore who they are as learners. Her background includes a range of experiences supporting children and youth with varying ability levels through her work at Special Olympics Manitoba, as an Educational Assistant in the River East Transcona School Division, and as an exercise therapist providing activity-based rehab in a clinical setting. She is passionate about helping create inclusive spaces where students are guided by their strengths, and given the opportunity to learn and grow in ways that are meaningful to them.
Favourite Apps or Websites
Fine Motor Skills:
The OT Tool Box:
Learning Without Tears:
Printing Like A Pro:
iTrace – Handwriting for Kids App
Letter School App
Little Writer App
Keyboarding Skills
www.typing.com
www.typingclub.com
Gross Motor Skills:
GoNoodle
Super Stretch Yoga
Sworkit Kids
Self-Regulation Skills:
Stop, Breathe, & Think Kids App
Breathe, Think, Do by Sesame Street App
GoNoodle
Mind Yeti App
Zones of Regulation App