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PT Meet

& Greet

with Ms. C

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Why I am passionate about physical therapy

Meghan D Condron, MPT, PCS, C/NDT, RYT

My sister Eileen is diagnosed with global developmental delay and participated in physical therapy her entire life. I learned at a young age the power of therapeutic intervention and teamwork.

Collaboration with the team (including a strong partnership with families) is the key to carryover, generalization of skills and success for the student

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Philosophy -

Use an Evidenced Based approach- and data from sessions to ensure we are making positive changes that make sense for the student
Treat the Whole Child - I do not look at just motor skills; a child’s sensory system, social emotional skills and play skills all affect their functional motor skill learning. It is important to learn what motivates, what is important to them so that the brain and nervous system will pay attention and learn the skills we are practicing
Help students reach their full potential - find the just right challenge so students can meet their goals (self selected along with team driven) to build positive self esteem

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What COVID taught us in the school setting

One reason I continue to work in EI and CPSE is that I love the communication and collaboration with families

COVID highlighted the importance of partnership with families in a school setting to ensure carryover and generalization of skills. Through telehealth we learned what our students did at home and what their school skills looked like outside of the classroom. This helped bridge the gap between home and school. We need to continue to work together so the students can practice and utilize their newly gained skills in all environments.

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Why I am excited to work at Putnam Valley School District

Mission statement is aligned to my professional beliefs and values

The PVCSD, in partnership with our families and community, will ensure that all students are engaged in a challenging, student-focused educational program, understand and assume their responsibility for lifelong learning, work to achieve their personal best and become productive citizens in a diverse global society.

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Role of a school physical therapist

Ensure safe and accessible educational environments for students.

Assist teachers and other educational personnel in incorporating movement and activity into instruction

Develop and provide universally designed and developmentally appropriate motor programs for all

students.

Work on skills needed for student participation throughout the school day

gross motor skills
dual task
balance, coordination and agility skills
ball skills
Navigation of stairs, playground, busy environments etc

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Role of a school physical therapist (cont)

School-based physical therapists

collaborate with other specialized instructional support personnel and school community members to build student achievement in all domains that affect academic success and wellness.

Physical therapists can

foster academic performance, school participation, and promote wellness by influencing school

programs, routines, and curricula to address the motor proficiency of students in developmentally

appropriate ways.

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What does a PT session typically look like?

Families always welcome to observe with appointment
Hands on PT using a faded approach
Structured fun while meeting student where they are at that day to work on IEP/504 goals and beyond with a just right challenge
Work to earn a preferred activity at the end
End with 30-60 sec of breathing and/or sensory input to ensure readiness for learning in class

*Please let me know if there is any change in medical status, precautions, diagnosis, procedures, new orthotics etc that would impact physical therapy sessions. For major changes I will need a doctor’s note clearing a return to PT

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Partnership with Families

Communication is essential to success, email is the quickest way to reach me mcondron@pvcsd.org
We can always set up a time to talk on google meet or phone
You the family are the expert on your child and your input is valued
Carry over into home and community helps generalize skills so I may suggest a specific exercise for the student to practice at home

4-6 weeks of consistent exercise to see a change in muscle strength
10,000 repetitions to build and set a new neural pathway to master a new skill and generalize

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Partnership with Families; how to carry over cont.

Encourage MOVEMENT time at home
free play (run, jump, climb, push, pull),
walk in neighborhood, hike in woods,
ride bike,
climb stairs,
play ball games,
chores,
sitting or standing on a cushion while using device/TV

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Partnership with Families; how to carry over

Click on the link below and explore the digital PT room

PT Digital Classroom with optional activities for carry over at home

Can modify by doing exercises in sitting or standing at chair or table for support
Can increase difficulty by standing on uneven surface like a pillow, increasing speed, decreasing break between exercises etc