November 30, 2020
“When I was in high school I worked at a summer camp. I was asked one summer to be a 1:1 mentor to a girl with Down Syndrome. From then on, I was intrigued and wanted to explore further how I could work in a field with young kids with disabilities.”
Laureen Sirois, now an Occupational Therapist in the Biddeford school district, heard of Occupational Therapy because her mother was in the health field. After some research, Laureen knew she wanted to explore a career. There are so many different avenues for Occupational Therapists, but Laureen knew she wanted to work with children. She said, “to give the children the foundational skills to be as independent as possible in everyday activities is truly rewarding.”
Occupational therapy is very hands on, so the Spring was an adjustment for everyone. Laureen had to think outside the box so she could deliver the best therapy possible over a computer. She is thrilled to be back in person with the students, and is proud of how well the students have taken to the new "normal" saying, “they have transitioned back to school with the new protocols without any hesitation. They are very aware of their own personal supplies, hand washing and sanitizing, and they’ll even remind each other.”
Laureen is hopeful that as the year continues, educators and students can continue to be in school as much as, safely, possible. She believes if there is a continued vigilance, they will be able to carry out the school year in the current model.
