Welcome to The Virtual Pediatric OT – the home for pediatric OTs wanting to elevate your practice, reduce documentation time, and become a master clinician creating work/life balance.

Do You Dream of Being the Best Pediatric OT You Can Be?

I want to help you get there! We went into OT to help children and families. What we didn't count on was the transition from OT school to OT practice, would be so….. well… TIME CONSUMING AND HARD!

The Virtual Pediatric OT, a space dedicated to supporting pediatric occupational therapists and families with a focus on virtual resources and guidance. Founded by Michele Schwartz, MS, OTR/L, with over 20 years of diverse experience in pediatric OT settings, this platform aims to empower OT practitioners through mentorship, innovative resources, and a community-oriented approach. Whether you're seeking to enhance your practice or find support in your OT journey, start here to explore how The Virtual Pediatric OT can guide and inspire you.

The Efficient Pediatric OT Roadmap is designed to help pediatric OTs streamline their practice, reducing paperwork and improving work-life balance. It focuses on enhancing therapy outcomes while allowing practitioners to enjoy more quality family time. The program includes a step-by-step guidance through modules on session planning, note writing, and goal selection. Additionally, it offers live meetings for support and a community for shared growth. This holistic approach aims at making pediatric OTs more efficient, confident, and fulfilled in both their professional and personal lives. For more details, visit The Efficient Pediatric OT Roadmap.

PEDIATRIC OT QUICKSTART TOOLKIT

PREPARE FOR YOUR PEDIATRIC OT FIELDWORK OR 1ST JOB WITH CONFIDENCE

DON'T FEEL NERVOUS, OVERWHELMED AND UNPREPARED FOR YOUR FIRST DAY

Instead, learn how to transition smoothly into your new role with our comprehensive toolkit that equips you with essential tips, information, and printables.

Learn More!

Where to Start on your Road to becoming a Master Pediatric OT Clinician

Struggling with Documentation?

Notes Taking too long?

Learn why OT Daily Notes Do NOT Need to be Long to be COMPLETE

Need Help with Goal writing?

Check out my goals books!

Pediatric OT Goals Books

Do you need help writing OT goals?

Check out my Pediatric OT goals books!

Pediatric OT Goals Books

Learn How to Write Functional Pediatric Occupational Therapy Goals

Not sure what to include in your Sessions?

Learn about using Reflex Integration in your practice

How do you Incorporate a VISUAL Component into Vestibular Integration Activities?

How to Make Your Pediatric OT Practice More Evidence-Based, and Why You Should

See My Favorite Pediatric OT Toys!

Just Right Challenge and Rapport in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Learn why Home Programs with Lots of Choices Do NOT Increase Compliance!

Looking to bridge the gap from school theory to practical application?

How to Find an Occupational Therapy Mentor

Top 10 Occupational Therapy Podcasts

The Efficient Pediatric OT Roadmap is your solution to bridging the gap 10 times faster!

New to Providing Teletherapy Services?

Check out the Teletherapy Start Here Page Specifically for teletherapy providers!

Overwhelmed with all the pieces that go into becoming an amazing Pediatric OT?

Stop documentation, planning, and ALL the other parts of practice from taking over your life

Build systems for faster treatment planning and streamlined documentation, and you'll create more free time and achieve a better work-life balance!

BECAUSE NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO IT ALONE

Learn More!

Need to Combat OT Burnout?

Learn 7 Strategies to Combat Therapist Burnout

Read about The Importance of Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Understand why Rehabilitation Professionals are suffering from moral injury leading to burnout

The No-show Session Cancellation Frustration as a Pediatric Therapist

7 Reasons Goal Setting Helps Prevent Burnout for Pediatric Therapists

Michele Schwartz pediatric occupational therapist

About Michele

I am a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in many different pediatric OT settings including schools, clinics, home health, early intervention, and teletherapy (prior to 2020!).  I have my master’s in occupational therapy from Tufts University and my bachelor’s in Psychology from Binghamton University.  I am a certified life coach and certified business coach.  I was an early intervention agency owner and also owned a childcare franchise.  I now mentor occupational therapists online and love my job!

More About Michele

What Therapists Say

u0022My life at work has been easy since I enrolled in your mentorship class.u003cbru003eBefore the mentorship program, I was struggling day by day in documenting my daily notes which was taking up so much of my time. I was really hoping to make my life easier so I can have more quality time with my family and balance my life.u003cbru003eDid joining the program impact your OT practice or life in general? A big yes! I was able to manage my time wisely and daily/weekly treatment into more productive, less stressful, and creative, meaningful activities because of the program’s tips and strategies.u003cbru003eI learned The way I am supposed to work smart, not hard. Michele heard what matters to me most.u003cbru003eWith my improved mood and improved quality time, work became easier and more manageable.
Irene
Member of The Efficient Pediatric OT Roadmap
“I really loved that you are very down to earth and easy to talk to. I always felt safe expressing my fears and discussing ideas with you. Technology was easy to use (payment, navigating website, accessing google meet appointments). Through this experience, I was able to grow a lot and be more versatile with my treatments and it pushed me to think outside the box.”
Laura
Pediatric OT Mentor Client
u0022The most beneficial parts of the mentorship program were having a sounding board and having someone that could help me zoom out to see the bigger picture of the services I am providing.u003cbru003eI am much more confident about the skills I have and have a better plan for moving forward.u0022
Jasmine
Pediatric OT Mentor Client
u0022I worked with Michele as a Physical Therapy Assistant for her company. Michele's temperament and professionalism puts patients and students at ease. She has the required skills knowledge to provide an evidence based approach to provide recommendations that will optimally meet individual needs. Her years of experience will also bring a wealth of knowledge to anyone she is mentoring. She demonstrates strong integrity and problem solving skills. She gives every patient and staff her full attention. In closing, Michele will make an excellent mentor and any facility will be lucky to have her.u0022
Shanel
PTA
u0022I enjoyed the opportunity to have an open conversation about the reality of being a new grad. You asked some difficult questions but also gave me some tips and reassurance about things I wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable talking about with a colleague.u0022
New Grad OTR
u0022I worked both for Michele as an employee in her company as well as a therapy team member with our pediatric clients. I specifically applied for a PT position with her company because of the ethical and professional reputation they had created. I enjoyed working with her in a team approach with our clients because she had years of expertise in her field and a willingness to share and teach not only our clients but other team members. Michele listened to professional issues of clients/employees and responded with caring and practical suggestions.u0022
Jennifer
Physical Therapist
u0022Throughout my career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several Occupational Therapists. Michele is among one of the best OTs I have had the privilege to work with. Her professionalism, creativity and clinical expertise is invaluable to all that have the opportunity to work with her.u0022
Jennifer
SLP
The mentoring process was very enjoyable and enlightening with Michele Schwartz.  Each session  I had opportunities to present cases, ask questions about treatment options and goals, engage in brainstorming activities and receive feedback. I found every minute of our hour long sessions extremely valuable . Michele provided concrete recommendations and posed thought provoking questions to foster my critical thinking skills. Michele drew from her wealth of pediatric experience in providing recommendations and feedback . Her easy-going manner made brainstorming ideas fun!  I am excited to be using my new skills. I am 100% satisfied with my mentoring experience. 
Beth
Pediatric OT Mentor Client