Foundations of Pediatric Practice for the Occupational Therapy Assistant

Amy Wagenfeld received a BS in occupational therapy, an MA in human development, and a PhD in education. Amy has 20 years of clinical experience, with a majority of those years spent in various pediatric contexts, including school systems, outpatient pediatric rehabilitation clinics, and private practice. Amy is on the faculty at Lasell College in Newton, MA. In addition to her teaching and mentoring duties, Amy is the Clinical Director of Children's Therapy Connections, which provides consultative services and workshops to parents, administrators, teachers, and childcare providers. Amy's research interests include the influence of music on the development of early attachment connections between babies and primary caregivers as well as the human-animal connection. Amy has presented her work on occupational therapy, human development, and attachment at local, state, and national conferences. Amy is also involved with several state and local nonprofit advocacy and community service organizations and is in the process of writing several other books on topics related to occupational therapy, attachment, and animal-assisted therapy. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Amy is a passionate organic gardener. Amy, her husband Jeff, their wonderful and amazing 17-year-old son David, and incredibly spoiled dog Glacier live in suburban Boston, where they all enjoy traveling, long walks, trips to the beach, and tennis. Jennifer Kaldenberg is Director of Occupational Therapy Services at New England College of Optometry and the New England Eye Institute. She received her BS in occupational therapy from the University of New Hampshire and an MSA in Administration with a concentration in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University. Jennifer has over 10 years of clinical experience, with a majority of those years spent in neurological and visual rehabilitation. Jennifer previously was an assistant professor at Lasell College in Newton, MA and currently lectures at the New England College of Optometry. Jennifer's research interests include the impact of vision on functional independence, visual perception, and neurological visual impairment. She has spoken extensively on the role of occupational therapy in vision rehabilitation to occupational therapy practitioners, optometrists, and the general public. In addition to her professional pursuits, Jennifer and her husband Casey are the proud parents of three wonderful boys who all enjoy participating in sporting activities and traveling together. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys painting, drawing, and cooking.