Kathy Zawislak My name is Kathy Zawislak and I am a registered Occupational Therapist. I went to Johnson High School and then to the University of Minnesota, where I received my BS degree in Occupational therapy. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Stout and received my MS degree in Vocational Education, Special Needs. I have worked in St. Paul Schools since 1976. The Monroe campus has been my home school since 1980. I now see students on the Linwood campus, Humboldt Jr. and Sr.,Highland Jr. and Sr., Central HS, LEAP, Johnson HS and the Focus Beyond program (students 18-21 years of age.) Some days I live in my car! The best way to contact me is by email. Kathleen.zawislak@spps.org Victoria Olson
My name is Victoria Olson and I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L ). I went to Anoka Technical College and graduated in1969. I have worked in Kansas City, Missouri,The University of Minnesota , and part time at the Avanti Center in Wisconsin, I have worked in the St Paul Schools since 1976. Currently I service students at Linwood / Monroe Arts Plus, Humboldt Junior High, Focus Beyond, Farnsworth, and Expo. I have two children and five fantastic grandchildren that I love to spend time with. I love to garden, cook and read in my spare time. I love helping the students reach their full potential.
The best way to contact me is by email-
Victoria.olson@spps.org Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy in the schools is part of Special Education. It is a “related service”, and a student needs to have an IEP in order to receive OT. We work on gross and fine motor skills, daily living skills, functional skills, and vocational skills. School-based occupational therapy is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. This might include working on handwriting or fine motor skills so the child can complete written assignments, helping the child organize himself in the environment (including workspace in and around the desk), and working with the teacher to modify the classroom and/or adapt learning materials to facilitate successful participation. With our older students, we work on vocational skills, both in our school and in the community. We are continually updating our knowledge and skills by taking workshops and additional training.