Next Level Multisensory

Getting to know Occupational Therapist Stephanie Young

“I was sick as a child and spent time in doctors’ offices and hospitals. I developed a comfort level and ability to play with all types of learners. Because of that, I believed strongly in the power of play, and knew it was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.”

Stephanie Young's calling to serve students as an occupational therapist began because of illness at a young age. Starting in December, she began to serve both Swift School's students and staff.

The relationship with Swift School started because of her friendship with Ken Cressman. After visiting Swift and presenting a professional development session for faculty and staff, she accepted an offer to visit campus once per week and work with students in 30-minute segments.

OT stands for occupational therapy, but ask Ms. Young, and she will tell you it stands for the “outstanding time” that she spends at Swift School with the students.

“A child’s occupation is play, school, eating, learning, memory, and involvement in the community. In a setting like Swift School, I will help students work on regulating sensations and emotions. We also work together on strength, endurance, coordination, attention to task, and things they need to be successful academically, socially, and physically.” Ms. Young's favorite place to conduct a session is a playground. She has designed playgrounds in Atlanta and in Ukraine. As part of Swift's on-going campus development, she will help develop Swift's new playground.

“Playgrounds make me smile,” stated Ms. Young. “When I built a playground in Atlanta, my children and I went to seven states and 56 playgrounds. They were integral in telling me what was cool and necessary, what looked interesting but really was not, and how to make it all work. I firmly believe that there are not many problems that a playground cannot solve. I believe in anything that promotes a childlike childhood.”

One of Ms. Young's favorite activities is teaching children and adults to ride a bike through her Trash the Training Wheels club. To date, she has taught 207 individuals to ride a bike ranging in age from young school children to adults in thier 60s.

One of the reasons she loves the club and her career after 20 years is because of increasing research

showing that the brain and body work best when they work together, and what better way to see that in action than teaching someone to ride a bike?

Swift School's academic program already includes a multisensory approach to learning. Ms. Young's work will take those lessons to the next level and directly connect with the brain development already underway in every classroom. “When students arrive, they have some hesitation and anxiety. When they ‘get it,’ the freedom that I see in them physically and mentally is exhilarating. I love to see how I have equipped them to master the skill.”

At Swift School, Ms. Young will work with the teachers and students. Her goal with each group is simple. For the faculty, she wants to ensure they connect the dots and know how to best instruct students utilizing gross motor skills. She wants the students to self-advocate and become better, more holistic versions of themselves so that they succeed academically and in life.