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March 1 is Employee Appreciation Day! We are celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Amanda Tomlin, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and how she helped develop the new sensory room.

What is your favorite thing about working here?  

I love pushing into the classroom to complete group services and engaging in our monthly themed events.

What keeps you coming to work each day? 

I am motivated by trying to explore new ways to break down the barriers for our students that are preventing them from being independent in the classroom. The students also are great at telling jokes and it’s fun when their personalities can shine bright.

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?  

I make an impact by helping the students problem solve through the issues. Another way, that is a bit more specific, is that we recently opened the sensory room. We had it remodeled and reopened it to give the students an outlet to deal with their emotions and take a functional break. I assisted with developing and revamping the sensory room.

Last year, we rolled out our BetterTogether guiding principles. Which one of our values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)  

I would say supportive. I try my best to support the classroom staff and make sure they get the materials and resources they need. I am also supportive in terms of providing classroom support if the teachers need additional help with the students.

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?  

As soon as come in the building, I turn on my computer check my emails then I go straight to the classrooms. From that point on, I am working in the classrooms, completing meeting and completing sessions. It is nonstop. I usually don’t sit down until 3:15. It is high energy until the day is done. I probably get over 10,000 steps a day! Which is good because I like to stay busy.

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?  

I went to school for organic chemistry and nanotechnology. I wanted to work in a laboratory and mix chemicals. When I was in school for nanotechnology I worked as a teacher assistant. During my time as teacher assistant, I learned about occupational therapy, and how much occupational therapists made an impact at the school I worked at.  That inspired me to return to school and become an occupational therapy assistant. I love working with children and young adults and I can’t see myself doing anything else.

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role? 

Helping reopen the sensory room.

What is something about you that not many people know?  

I was once on the news in Canada talking about a Steam Punk event and much fun it was. Also I am a Star Trek fan.

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