Welcome to our new blog post series: PLAY Consultant Highlights! We appreciate the work PLAY Project Home Consultants do so much, and would love for you to get to know these wonderful professionals who work with PLAY Project families across the country (and internationally)!
Where are you from and where do you currently live and work?
I am originally from Toledo, Ohio. I moved to Huron, Ohio after grad school for a job with pediatrics. I work as an occupational therapist with an Early Intervention Team at the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities!
How long have you been working with children?
I have been working with children on the spectrum for the past 8 years!
When did you become a PLAY Project Home Consultant and what drew you to The PLAY Project model?
One of my first preschoolers I met right out of school was involved with the PLAY Project. Although I didn’t have any formal training in the PLAY Project at that time, his mom was very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job teaching me some of the techniques. I was very fortunate to be able to provide Extended School Year services to this child in his home that summer using the PLAY Project techniques. I really enjoyed my time working with that family and saw first-hand the progress that he made using this model. Then last year, Ohio offered a PLAY Project training for Early Intervention and I took advantage of that opportunity to get trained.
What do you like most about your work as a Home Consultant?
I like being able to make a difference in the family’s life…it is very rewarding to see where the child and family begin (sometimes frustrated or upset because they are not sure what to do with their child) and see how far they come! It is so nice to see parents playing with their children, laughing and having fun!
What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Home Consultant?
I’m still very new to the PLAY Project, but one of my most memorable moments so far has been when I arrived for a visit and the mom was so happy and excited and said to me “You said we wanted to create a monster who wants to play with us….well we have! I can barely get anything done because he wants me to play with him!”
What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as a Home Consultant?
I’ve learned that the family has to be ready to put the time and effort into the PLAY Project. I work in Early Intervention and this is a program that we offer in addition to Early Intervention Services to our families with children on the spectrum…families do not seek us out for the PLAY Project. As much as I would want every family with a child on the spectrum to participate in the PLAY Project, I’ve learned that the family has to be accepting of their child’s diagnosis and see the value of the putting the time for the family to participate fully in the PLAY Project.
What do you do for fun/what makes you smile?
Now that it is football season, my husband and I love to watch football together (we live in Ohio and are definitely Buckeye’s fans!). Going on vacation and playing with all of my nieces and nephews always make me smile!
Thank you, Jessica, for telling us about yourself and being our fist featured Home Consultant!