Monal P, MS, OTR/L
Clinic Director (West Loop), Occupational Therapist
Blue Bird Day Employee Since 2015
Education
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
University of Illinois at Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Minor in Human Development and Family Services
The Ohio State University
Credentials and Certification
- Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified
- BLS CPR/First Aid Certified
- Therapeutic Listening
- Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) Approach to Feeding
- 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher
Clinical Expertise
- Therapeutic Use of Self and the Intentional Relationship Model
- Sensory Integration
- DIR/Floortime
My Story
Early on, I knew I had to work with children – their resilience, curiosity, adaptability and the wonder in which they saw everyday things like bubbles was inspiring. I focused my undergraduate career on childhood development and family dynamics within psychology, always keeping in mind how the parts make up a whole – family, friends, extracurricular activities, community and hobbies all contribute to how an individual develops his or her sense of self. After some reasearch in various healthcare fields, I was fortunate enough to learn about occupational therapy. OT has been a field that has never ceased to spark my curiosity, has solidified my ability to see the magic in bubbles, and has brought the importance of a wholistic point of view to the forefront of my daily interactions with clients, families and colleagues.
My Blue Bird Day
Blue Bird Day has been as much a place for growth and development for me as it has been for our clients. I am continually in awe of the work everyone puts into their roles here. There is reward in seeing my colleagues bring their own expertise to the team to help each client develop holistically. The ultimate joy, for me, is watching the kids build friendships with their peers when maybe, not too long ago, friendships and play-dates felt like a distant dream for our families.
My Blue Bird Day Goals
- Continue to build my clinical skills to best support my clients and their families.
- Increase clinical management skills to better support the BBD OT team in their treatment, evaluation, and collaboration.
- Continue to expand my knowledge on play-centered therapy and its role in social-emotional development to better help my clients actualize their roles as peers, playmates, and siblings.
