Patti Sharp, OTD, MS, OTR/L

As an occupational therapist (OT), I specialize in developmental pediatrics. I work with kids with various developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) and spina bifida. I also treat some children following traumatic injuries, including those with birth brachial plexus injury and burns and scars. Interventions for those kids include splinting, casting, and compression therapy.

I honestly think I was born to be a pediatric OT! I love how kids always want to get better and that I can identify the things they do best to facilitate improved independence. I love connecting with kids, getting down on the floor and playing,  and being "paid" in smiles and hugs.

My care philosophy is quite playful. I use stickers and glitter, and we sing songs and giggle. In playing, I can find that ”just right challenge” where things are a little difficult, but the child can still feel successful. I can find their growing edge and push it a little bit further every session.

I am one of only three certified Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) instructors in the United States. CO-OP (the approach) is a highly evidence-based intervention that effectively improves functional skill performance for a wide variety of ages and diagnoses. I love using CO-OP to bring breakthroughs to kids. I teach this therapy approach nationwide and work hard to implement it with our staff.

I am a mother of two fantastic teens, a lover of an imperfect Scottish terrier and a shameless watcher of Bravo reality television. I grew up in Minnesota, went to college in Indiana, went to grad school in Missouri, and somehow ended up living in Ohio for the past 20+ years! I love Cincinnati, but Skyline Chili has still not grown on me.

“Medicine adds days to life, but Occupational Therapy adds life to days.”