Which came first OT or autism?

I started as an OT for grown-ups.

I knew I wanted to be an OT in high school and thought of no other career. I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Duquesne University in 1997. I loved working with grown-ups but when my sons were diagnosed as autistic, I focused on learning ALL I could about autism, sensory processing, and pediatric topics. I even founded a pediatric OT clinic focusing on caregiver education in Pittsburgh - it’s still there today.

When the internet was new, I had trouble finding information about the best ways to help my boys and in my own OT practice. I decided to write books to help other OTPs and caregivers so none of us felt ‘alone.’ My books follow the journey of my children’s development. I also founded The Pocket Occupational Therapist to support therapists and caregivers. It was one of the first OT blogs and websites out there!

I love learning and meeting other OTPs.

My favorite saying is, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

I am an eternal student!

I went back to school to earn my Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy to learn the importance of using evidence-based practice. It was life-changing!

I realized OT practitioners needed a framework for highlighting our critical role in executive function. My research led me to create the new

Train Model of Executive Function

CARA’S CREDENTIALS

What Makes Cara Different?

SEASONED PRESENTER

Presents at hundreds of national, state, local, and private conferences- most recently at the WYOTA Annual Conference, Team Mario, & KOTA Annual Conference. Keynotes and breakout sessions are available.

26+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Founded a private OT practice and created the The Pocket Occupational Therapist, one of the early online therapy companies supporting evidence-based practices.

SPECIALIST

Certified Autism Specialist by the International Board of Credentialing & Continuing Education Standards

Let’s Learn Together!

Who Works with Cara?

  • Cara presents at state and local OT conferences in areas of executive function, autism, interoception, trauma-informed care, and movement.

  • Looking for a capstone mentor? Cara works with multiple universities to challenge students to think critically, solve complex problems, and demonstrate their readiness for work in their field. Capstone projects are often a highlight of a student's academic career and can provide valuable experience and skills for their future endeavors.

  • Cara consults with businesses to learn treatment strategies for executive function, interoception, movement, and trauma-informed practice.

  • Cara offers mentoring for OT practitioners looking for professional growth or seeking to ignite their passion for pediatric therapy.

or email me directly at CaraKoscinski@gmail.com

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Cara’s Values and Beliefs.

01

ALWAYS LEARN

Learning is never finished! Do the best you can - when you know better - DO BETTER.

02

USE A CHILD’S STRENGTHS

We all learn more when we have fun. Considering the child and caregiver's strengths will improve outcomes. Support neurodiversity!

03

EMERGING PRACTICE IN OT

Occupational therapists work on much more than handwriting. Executive function and interoception are areas in which we SHINE!