D155 Occupational Therapist Receives National Recognition

From District 155: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) selected Michelle Ponsolle-Mays to receive the Jeannette Bair Writer’s Award at its national conference on April 6.

Mays co-authored the article, “Enriching kids’ lives: Addressing the effects of poverty on the health and well-being of school-aged children and their families.” The article appeared in the issue of OT Practice on May 21, 2018.

“It is exciting that the AOTA is recognizing the important work that is being done with children and youth,” said Michelle Ponsolle-Mays. “This article describes how OTs can provide system-level support in schools, notably by designing programs and environments that build student resilience and moderate the effects of adverse experiences.”

Mays serves as District 155’s lead occupational therapist and related services facilitator for the district. She provides services to students at Haber Oaks Campus, and her role is to help students participate in school activities and to collaborate with staff to design and implement effective instructional programs and practices. Mays is in her fourth year of service in District 155.

“Michelle is a highly valued team member in District 155. Her ability to communicate student needs and model best practice in the educational environment is exemplary. It is an honor to call Michelle Mays one of our own,” said Kimberly Dahlem, director of student services.

Mays also co-authored a chapter of a book released by the AOTA and served on a panel of peer experts in pediatric interprofessional practice at the national conference. In July, she will represent Occupational Therapy on a interdisciplinary panel at the American Speech Hearing Association conference.

Photo cutline: Michelle Ponsolle-Mays (left) and Dr. Sarah Fabrizi (right) received the Jeannette Bair Writer’s Award at the American Occupational Therapy Association national conference on April 6.

Image Courtesy of District 155