Motor Minutes

September 2022

Greetings from Occupational Therapy

I hope that you all had a safe and healthy summer and that this letter finds you well.

My name is Caroline Welch and I am an Occupational Therapist working through the Burlington
County Special Services School District--Educational Services Unit. I am very happy to
announce that I will be back this year and will be servicing Riverside students throughout the
2022-2023 school year!

I would like to give you a little bit of information about myself. I have worked as an Occupational
Therapist since 2002. Most of my clinical practice has focused on pediatrics and I have had the
opportunity to work in both public and private school sectors, early intervention and pediatric
outpatient rehabilitation. During the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years, I worked as an
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of
the Sciences in Philadelphia and as an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy
Program at Temple University. I obtained my Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from
Temple University in May 2017. I have two specialty certifications, Sensory Integration and
Neurodevelopmental Treatment, and have presented at both the state and national level. The
most important tid-bit about myself is that I am a mom of two fabulous teen/tween girls, who
keep me very busy and on my toes. They have truly made me a better person, both
professionally and personally. I am also a very proud dog owner and am absolutely in love with
my Sheepadoodle, Elvis.

For those new to Occupational Therapy, I will strive to meet the individual needs of each child,
while promoting success and independence within the student’s educational environment.
School-based occupational therapy is a supplemental related service, designed to enhance a
student’s performance in the classroom, and support a student's access to the educational
curriculum. School-based occupations may include Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental
Activities of Daily Living, Education, Work/Vocation and Leisure. Direct and indirect therapeutic
services may address the development of:

● Fine motor coordination skills

● Motor planning and executive functioning skills
● Visual perceptual skills
● Visual motor integration skills
● Bilateral motor coordination skills
● Strength, endurance and postural control
● Sensory processing skills
● Classroom/class work modifications and adaptations

Caroline E. Welch, OTD, MS, OTR/L Erica Huber, PT, DPT

cwelch@burlcoschools.org ehuber@riverside.k12.nj.us

Educational Services Unit: 20 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060 Phone: 609-702-0500

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September 2022
I have developed a website to create a more collaborative support system for the families,
teachers, and districts that I serve. You can find me at: carolinewelchot.weebly.com

The purpose of this website is to:

● Provide a "one stop shop" that offers information about occupational therapy within the
educational setting, as well as resources for parents and school personnel
● Improve communication and collaboration
● Increase opportunities for sharing and learning
● Enhance student success, occupational engagement and generalization of skills across
settings

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Due to the fact that I am not a
district employee, the best way to reach me is through my Burlington County Special Services
email account, or through your child’s teacher and/or case manager.
cwelch@burlcoschools.org

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and working with your child this year. I feel
honored to be a part of the team!

Greetings from Physical Therapy

Welcome back to the school year! I am very pleased to announce that I am returning to
Riverside for my seventh year as a contracted Physical Therapist for the 2022-2023 school
year.

The overall goal with each child is to enhance their function and independence according to the
specific needs of the school setting. This is a supplemental related service that may address
classroom and hallway mobility and seating, gross motor mobility, strength, balance, motor
planning, bilateral and unilateral coordination, and ball skills as related to the educational setting
and curriculum.

I graduated from Arcadia University in 2009 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. From
2009-2014, I worked with adults and children in a variety of settings including acute care,
outpatient, and home care before moving into the educational setting in 2014. For the past three
years, I have also taught undergraduate courses in the Health Sciences Department at South
College. Six years ago, my biggest life lesson was born. My daughter has taught me more about
child development and learning than any textbook. I am also an enthusiastic pet owner, mini
hobby farmer, and life long learner.

Caroline E. Welch, OTD, MS, OTR/L Erica Huber, PT, DPT

cwelch@burlcoschools.org ehuber@riverside.k12.nj.us

Educational Services Unit: 20 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060 Phone: 609-702-0500

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September 2022

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I am in the district
Monday through Friday. The following are the best ways to reach me:

- Email: ehuber@riverside.k12.nj.us
- Through your child’s case manager
- Through your child’s teacher

What is Motor Minutes?

The purpose of Motor Minutes is to support our teachers and students by sharing
quick, easy motor tasks that can be incorporated into the traditional school
day--whether it be during down time, centers, or transitions.

OT or PT Questions and Concerns??

Have OT or PT questions or concerns for a kiddo that is not classified and does
not have a 504? Here is a link where you can share your questions and/or
concerns and we can brainstorm together:

OT Consultation Link PT Consultation Link

Helpful Links:
● Back to School Read-A-Loud
○ The Bird HAS To Go To School | Back to School Kids Books Read Aloud
○ BACK TO SCHOOL RULES Book Read Aloud | Back to School Books | Children's Book…
○ if you take a mouse to school Read Aloud
● Back to School Movement Breaks
○ Freeze Dance| Children's Brain Break| Back to School Activity| Dance & Freeze |Sing …
○ Brain Break - Back to School Would You Rather?
○ Back To School Games: Would You Rather? Back To School Edition!
● Back to School Motor Skills

Caroline E. Welch, OTD, MS, OTR/L Erica Huber, PT, DPT

cwelch@burlcoschools.org ehuber@riverside.k12.nj.us

Educational Services Unit: 20 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060 Phone: 609-702-0500

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September 2022
○ Back To School Motor Skills
○ DIY | Fine Motor Activities All Using Home Supplies
○ 10 Gross Motor Activities with Paper
● Back to School: Self-Calming Activities for Kids
○ Why Are Some People Mean? | Cosmic Kids Zen Den (Mindfulness for Kids)
○ Be the Pond | Cosmic Kids Zen Den - Mindfulness for kids

Thank You
We welcome you to share any ideas that you would like us to incorporate into the Newsletter
and/or that would be helpful to your fellow teachers and parents. Looking forward to future
brainstorming!

Caroline E. Welch, OTD, MS, OTR/L Erica Huber, PT, DPT

cwelch@burlcoschools.org ehuber@riverside.k12.nj.us

Educational Services Unit: 20 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060 Phone: 609-702-0500