Berkeley Parents Network
Google Custom Search
Home Members Post a Msg Reviews Advice Subscribe Help/FAQ What's New

Occupational Therapists

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Therapists, Counseling , & Support Groups > Occupational Therapists


Questions: Reviews of Occupational Therapists:

Occupational therapist in Lamorinda area for sensory integration

December 2006

I'm looking for an occupational therapist in the lamorinda area to work with my child on sensory integration and fine motor issues. Please let me know about your experiences good and bad with local OTs. thank you


Please see my posting under Sensory integration. I'm the PT and mom.
I can enthusiastically recommend Kristine Hubner-Levin, OTRL, in Orinda, phone 925-254-1137. She worked with my 4.5 y.o. son for 6 months on sensory processing issues (until we found out he was eligible for services through our school district). My son *loved* going to see her--she has a fabulous personality for working with kids--fun and friendly, while accomplishing a lot. She works out of a home office equipped with great gear, and her fees are affordable based on local going rates. O.T. with Kristine really made a difference for us! O.T. Fan
My daughter has been working with Gina Banks for almost a year, and we could not be more pleased! She is a delight to work with as a parent, and she has been excellent at following the lead of my headstrong toddler while still getting lots of work done. She LOVES her kids, and is very familiar and experienced with SI stuff, too.

We connected with her through Regional Centers, and I believe that she is a private contractor (not in a group). She has clients all over the East bay, so she probably would have some in your area. She is currently expanding her private practice, so your timing may be excellent! If you would like to email me, I will verify that she would like you to contact her (rather than posting her phone number in a public forum!).

Good luck--I know that SI can pose some real challenges, but our daughter has improved tremendously with occupational therapy!


Finding an OT for kindergartener's writing trouble

Nov 2006

I am considering occupational therapy for my Kindergartener, who is having a lot of trouble with his writing skills (and who is unhappy in school and having occasional behavioral trouble because of this). My question is, how does one initiate this process? I am not sure I want to go through the district (people's opinions, lots of testing, lots of fuss) -- I might just want to do it privately to see if it would help. I looked through the BPN recommendations list, and can't actually seem to find phone numbers and addresses for most of the recommended OTs for whom I've looked (some of them seem to work only through a hospital, or school district). The couple I did find seemed to subscribe to some sort of alternative theories of medicine/behavioral health. I don't want that -- I want some very mainstream help with specific handwriting difficulties, in a child who is otherwise completely fine. How does one go about finding an OT, and obtaining services for one's child? Karen


When my son's first grade teacher suggested that he might need to see an OT, we went to Denise Killingsworth in Walnut Creek. Her number is 925-932-4815. She was great and the OT work helped my son very much. She is especially good with kids who need help with sensory integration work. My son has settled down at school now, is reading up a storm and doing very well. The drive out there was a pain, to be sure, but we made the best of it with books on tape. mom of a quirky kid
as a first step you might want to try the handwriting without tears approach - www.hwtears.com. i was a sp. ed. and first grade teacher for 9 years and found this approch to be helpful for many handwriting problems - but get your child evaluated by all means if the problem persists.... zoe

Occupational Therapist for Toddler's Feeding Aversion

March 2005

My 1.5 year old son still refuses to self feed (other than Cheerios), and also is increasingly resisting being fed pureed food. When he is spoon fed food with chunks, he either vomits it up or spits it out. We're working with a gastrointerologist to rule out any physiological problems, but at this point it's looking as if it's more of a psychological / behavior issue. My son is also said to have ''oral defensiveness'' (i.e., hard to get near his mouth with ANYTHING without a fight). Does any one know of a good Occupational Therapist for Feeding Aversions that works independently? We are Kaiser and they've not been too helpful. I contacted Oakland Children's Hospital, but without insurance covering the treatment (which it's unlikely that Kaiser will), we will not be able to afford multiple visits. Please advise. Thanks in advance.


Speech Pathologist Marjorie Meyer Palmer in Fremont at 510-651- 2285.
Frances Grahamjones is an excellent SLP here in Albany. She has years of specialized experience. You can reach her at 510-524-0350.
Linda Lawton

OT to assess 16-year-old's poor handwriting

April 2004

I am looking for an occupational therapist to assess my 16 year old son's handwriting problems. Must be able to evaluate within the context of demands of high school essay and test writing. Dana


My teenage daughter had handwriting difficulties. I can recommend the HANDLE program practitioner in Lafayette. She is an experienced educator as well so she brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the issue. She helped my daughter with lots of educational issues, including what she needed for the high school entrance exam taking. Sindy Wilkinson, MA, Lafayette (925) 962-9506 or email sindywilk at comcast.net Satisfied parent

Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old

July 2003

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good Occupational Therapist in East Bay who is very experienced with young children? My 7-year-old son has been diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disability and has mild sensory motor integration problems and has been referred for OT.

Recommended:

  • Susan Campodonico
  • Susan Deutsch
  • Stacey Frauwirth
  • Trang Phan
  • Samuel Merritt College OT Clinic
  • Rose Stamm

    Other advice:

    Pediatric Building Blocks in San Leandro has a novel approach to sensory integration and you might find their style more compatible. Finally, check our www.handleinstitute.org for an excellent modality for learning differences. A mom

    I have a copy of the Spring 2003 Newsletter of the East Bay Learning Disabilities Association, which focuses on NLD. You might want to try to get a copy from them (their number is 510-433-7934). It talks about support groups and has an article about NLD written by an OT named Kristine Wong (it says her number is 466-5405). Good luck!


    Susan Campodonico

    Re: Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old (July 2003)
    Susan Campodonico has been our OT at Herrick/Alta Bates for several years now. She has been wonderful with my son, now 4, and is highly experienced in sensory integration issues. Stacey F. is also excellent but may not be taking on new patients. Good luck.

    Susan Deutsch

    Re: Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old (July 2003)
    Susan Deutsch works with the BUSD and also privately. She lives in Alameda and commutes with her bag of tools to your home. Our son enjoyed his sessions with her.

    Stacey Frauwirth

    Re: Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old (July 2003)
    I attended a talk given by Stacey Frauwirth, an OT at Alta Bates and thought she was wonderful. It seems like she really understands kids and has lots of years of experience. I haven't worked with her personally but know someone who has and they like her very much. If you can't find her number feel free to e- mail me and I'll get it from my friend. Hannah

    Ellen Gordan

    July 2003

    Re: Gail Gordan O/T
    My son was referred to both Gail Gordon and another private OT Ellen Gordon (not related). The neuro psychologist from oakland Children's Hosp who tested our son gave us both names, but prefered Ellen. We chose Ellen because i had a better feeling about her on the phone. And she's in Oakland which is closer to home. For a second opinion, you might consider Ellen. She's very casual, works out of her home in oakland. But she is very sincere and knowledgable. Did my son get a lot out of OT? It's really hard to say. He still struggles (11 yrs old) with sensory integration issues (hand writing, anything with a ball) and has been diagnosed with a ''non-verbal learning disability''. My son went to Ellen for a year from 7 to 8 yrs old. There is no magic cure for any of this stuff, you just have to try different things, get good references and don't stay too long if it doesn't feel right or produce identifiable results within 3-6 months. That's my 2 cents! Good luck. Her # is 510-530-6586 Good luck. Stay calm. another mom


    Mary Kawar and Associates

    Re: Adoptive Parents Support Group for challenging kids (April 2006)
    For our child with SI issues, we see Rita Montez at Mary Kawar and Associates in El Cerrito. She is a terrific Occupational Therapist, and I highly recommend her (if you can get an appointment - she is very popular). She did a very thorough evaluation, and has helped our child tremendously. Contact Rita at 510-525-9710. Been there.

    Samuel Merritt College OT Clinic

    Re: Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old (July 2003)
    I don't know if this is of interest to you, but I saw something in the Montclarion about a free OT clinic at Samuel Merritt College. It sounds like it might be a good opportunity for folks whose insurance probably wouldn't cover the costs. I checked on Samuel Merritt's website and found information on the department of occupational therapy's website. Here's a link to the main page: http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/default.cfm unfortunately, because of lame website design I can't send the link directly. OT savvy

    Trang Phan

    Re: Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old (July 2003)
    My 6 y.o has seen Trang Phan, OT at Childrens Hospital and we liked her alot, but my son's issues are different: fine motor delay. peggy

    O.T.s at Premiere Physiology

    Jan 2003

    I am taking my 16 mo old son in to be tested for Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI) and was wondering if anyone has had any experiences with SI treatment provided by the Occupational Therapists at Premiere Physiology in Dublin. Premiere Physiology is the occupation therapy group that has contracted with my HMO, Hill Physicians, so it is easy for us to be referred to them. Thanks, Kristin

    [no replies received]


    Rose Stamm

    Re: Occupational Therapist for 7-year-old (July 2003)
    Rose Stamm, in El Cerrito, is a caring, experienced Occupational Therapist. You can contact her at: 215-7615 Ginger

    Suma Kids

    Jan 2003

    Can anyone give me input on Suma Kids in Concord? I've been told that my son has ''sensory integration'' issues & Suma Kids provides Occupational Therapy. Any input on Suma kids or treatment for sensory integration issues would be appreciated.

    [no replies received]


    More Recommendations

    Nov 2003

    Re: Sensory Integration Disorder
    Hello, Here are a few people who work with sensory integration issues:

    Kristine Hubner, OT
    Orinda
    510-331-3401
    
    Liz Osono, OT
    Gail Gordon, OT
    Both practitioners can be reached at 925-258-9935
    
    S Aurilio
    Home   |   Reviews   |   Advice   |   Members   |   Post a Message
    Join BPN   |   Help   |   What's New   |   Search   |   Contact Us

    Last updated: Jan 15, 2007
    Copyright © 1996-2008 Berkeley Parents Network


    The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.