Melisa Kaye, MS, OTR/L, SIPT Director and Founder, Firefly Center: Therapy Services for Children Instructor of Occupational Therapy, San Jose State University, Dominican University of California Education Post Professional Master of Science, Occupational Therapy, 2009. San Jose State University. Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy, 1998. San Jose State University. Certificate in Early Childhood Education for Infant and Preschoolers with Disabilities Program, 1996. San Jose State University, Division of Education and Rehabilitative Services. Licenses and Credentials Registered Occupational Therapist, NBCOT #1031922. California Licensed Occupational Therapist, License #5049. California Department of Education Non Public Agency Certified, Code #1A-38-017. Certification in the Comprehensive Program of Sensory Integration (SIPT). Academic Experience 2011-Present: 2009-Present: 2002-Present: San Jose State University, Department of Occupational Therapy, San Jose, CA. Adjunct faculty member and instructor of Cultural Diversity and Occupational Therapy, guest lecturer in Occupational and Social Justice (2009). Dominican University of California, Department of Occupational Therapy, San Rafael, CA. Faculty member and instructor. Content areas: Pediatrics, Educational Practices and Principles, Culture and Occupation, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mentor for thesis development and presentation. City College of San Francisco, Child Development/Family Studies Department, San Francisco, CA. Quarterly guest Lecturer in the following courses: Infant/Toddler Growth and Development Supervised Field Experience in Early Childhood Secondary Supervised Field Experience Children with Special Needs Sensorimotor Development and Activities in Early Childhood Education Sensory Processing Disorders in Children Lecture topics: Sensory processing and integration: theory and practice Typical and atypical child development M. Kaye CV 2011. Page: 1
Identification, education and inclusion of children with special needs in regular education classrooms Occupational therapy awareness and role in early childhood education Building preschool curriculum and environment Educational intervention with at risk families and children Occupational therapist and educator collaboration. Clinical Experience 2004-Present Director and founder, Firefly Center: Therapy Services for Children, San Mateo, CA. Management and administration of a pediatric occupational therapy practice serving upwards of 150 children in school, clinic and home based environments. Supervision and mentorship of 7 independent occupational therapy contractors. Ongoing supervision and mentorship of therapy assistants, student interns, and volunteers. Clinical practice: evaluation, intervention, consultation and education services for children with medical, psychological and developmental challenges. 2002-Present Service coordinator, manager, administrator, Burlingame Elementary School District Occupational Therapy Services Program, Burlingame, CA. District-wide coordination of school based therapy services to over 100 students including screening, evaluation, direct intervention, and collaborative consultation. Curricular development and implementation of Preschool Group Program to promote school readiness, sensorimotor development and social pragmatics. Program designed to provide intensive early intervention to students with exceptional needs, reducing the need for ongoing services. Team supervision and leadership, administrative liaison. 2002-Present Consultant, City College of San Francisco/ Orfalea Family Centers, San Francisco, CA. Sensorimotor program development and implementation for two children s centers serving over 85 low-income, at risk toddlers and preschoolers. Direct individual and small group screening and intervention services. Staff and family consultation, education and training. Design and development of educational materials and environments. 2001-2006 Consultant, San Mateo County Office of Education Building Bridges Program, San Mateo Co, CA. M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 2
Educational staff and family consultation and training to increase school readiness for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and high level, complex learning needs. Direct intervention and environmental assessment and modification for children with Autistic Spectrum and Developmental Disorders. 2001-2006 Consultant, San Mateo County Office of Education Infant, Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Programs, San Mateo Co. CA. Design, development and implementation of school based occupational therapy screening tool and occupational therapy referral protocol for county students. Curricular design, development and implementation of sensorimotor group program and protocol for students. Design and development of fine motor educational remediation program for students. Program included materials, protocol, instructional manual and additional resources for educational staff and caregivers. Design and consultation to San Mateo County Pilot Autism Program. Program goal to ensure ongoing and seamless team based services for students on the Autism Spectrum who exhibit intensive and intractable needs. Educational staff and family consultation/training services for students with significant developmental challenges. 2001-2002 Consultant/Contractor, San Mateo County Head Start Program, San Mateo Co, CA. Screening for 11 sites and 30 preschool classes throughout San Mateo County. On-going evaluation, direct treatment, family and staff training, consultation, and program development. 1999-2006 Contractor, manager, administrator and provider of school based Occupational Therapy Services for San Mateo County School Districts (Hillsborough, Woodside, South San Francisco, Pacifica, San Mateo/Foster City, San Bruno, Menlo Park/Las Lomitas, Ravenswood, Redwood City). Provision of school based Occupational Therapy Services including evaluation, intervention, documentation, consultation and education. Compliance with federal special education (IDEA) laws and regulations. Small business management and administration. 1999-2000 Contractor, Developmental Pathways for Kids, Redwood City, CA. Clinical Practice, including individual and small group therapy services Implementation of unique social skills protocol in development Formation and administration of a small business. Curricular Development M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 3
2012 Video series: Cultural diversity in occupational therapy. Design, development and implementation of a set of six instructional videos to augment online course instruction. Provided for the San Jose State University, Post Professional Master s of Occupational Therapy Program. The series was conceived and developed as a strategy to counteract the dissonance and anxiety experienced by students who are unfamiliar with online education and/or adult learning paradigm. Viewable at www.youtube.com, search: melisakayeot. 2012 Problem Based Learning Project: Disability Awareness Program. Design, coordination, and implementation of the Ability Awareness Project at Dominican University of CA in conjunction with St. Mark s School, San Rafael, CA. This project provided 25 master s level occupational therapy (OT) students a hands-on opportunity to engage in community outreach and health education with school-aged children and their families. The OT students developed a disability awareness curriculum and then implemented the programming with almost 400 children at a primary school. Forty-eight workshops were held and printed educational materials for further learning were developed and distributed. The OT students gained skill in evaluating literacy level, budgeting, planning and time management, communication and collaboration, working with groups of children, public presentation, and problem solving complex processes. Professional Development 2011 R2K Research Conference: Sensory Integration and Praxis, Los Angeles, CA. 2010 American Occupational Therapy Association Specialty Conference: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Baltimore, MD. R2K Research Conference: Sensory Integration and Resilience, Los Angeles, CA. Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorders: Integrating the Neurobiology of Brain-Behavior in the Pediatric Population with Kim Barthel, San Mateo, CA. 2009 2008 2006 2005 University of Southern California and Western Psychological Services: Comprehensive Program in Sensory Integration (SIPT), 200 hour advanced training, Santa Rosa, CA. Sensory Oral Sequential Approach to Feeding Certification/ Kay Toomey, San Mateo, CA. A Neuro-Developmental Approach to Baby Treatment with Lois Bly, San Mateo, CA Working with Children with Auditory Processing Disorders, San Francisco, CA. The Writing Triad: Brain, Eyes and Hands with Mary Benbow, San Francisco, CA Lindamood Bell: Visualizing and Verbalizing, Santa Rosa, CA M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 4
Perceptual Enrichment Program Certification with Patricia Theisen, 150 hour advanced training, Seattle, WA. Functional Implications of Sensory Issues in Children with Neuromotor Deficits: Focus on Assessment and Treatment Using NDT and SI, San Mateo, CA. How Does Your Engine Run: The Alert Program for Self-Regulation, San Francisco, CA. Sensory Integration and Behavior Strategies Can Work Together, San Jose, CA. 2004 Listening with the Whole Body, Berkeley, CA. From Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment and Treatment, San Jose, CA. 2003 Clinical Assessment and Practical Interventions for Praxis: From Ideation to Execution, Oakland, CA. Brain Gym, Santa Cruz, CA Neurobiological Foundations of Sensory Integration, San Diego, CA. 2002 The Impact of TV and Other Electronic Media on Young Children, San Francisco, CA OT and Teacher Collaboration: Practical Strategies for Intervention in the Schools, San Francisco, CA. 2001 Sensory Defensiveness and Related Social and Emotional And Neurological Problems: A Comprehensive Treatment Approach, Los Angeles, CA. Vision Therapy/Vision Screening for Occupational Therapists, San Jose, CA. 2000 Treatment Options for Sensory Modulation Disorders, Palo Alto, CA. Sensory Integration and Behavior Strategies Can Work Together, Treating Functional School Difficulties, Denver, CO. Neurokinesthetic Approach to Hand Function and Handwriting, San Jose, CA. Handwriting Without Tears, San Jose, CA. Treating Non-Language Learning Disorders, San Francisco, CA. Pathways to Play: Sensory Integration and Integrated Play Groups, San Mateo, CA. 1999 A Sensory/Cognitive Approach to the Assessment and Remediation of Developmental Learning and Behavioral Disorders, San Mateo, CA. Autism '99/Social Stories, San Francisco, CA 1998 Sensorimotor Therapy, Communication and Play for Children with Autism/PDD, San Jose, CA. M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 5
Presentations National: 2011 American Occupational Therapy Association 91st Annual Conference Presentation: Client Centered Pediatric Practice: Exploring Occupational Therapy Collaboration with Children. 2005 American Occupational Therapy Association 85th Annual Conference Presentation: Occupational Therapy and the Toddler/Preschool Center: A Collaborative, Sensorimotor Based Approach. 2004 National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference Presentation: Nurturing Development Through Sensorimotor Experiences: Creating a Collaborative Model. Regional: 2012 2011 Skyline College, San Bruno, CA: 4 th Annual Community College Early Intervention Conference, Promoting Self-Regulation and Language Acquisition in Early Childhood Years, Sensorimotor Development: Unlocking the Doors to Learning. City College of San Francisco, Child Development and Family Studies Program, San Francisco, CA: Exploring Sensorimotor Development. Sequoia Parent s Cooperative Nursery School, Belmont, CA: Early Childhood Development: Unlocking the Doors to Learning. St. Paul s Nursery School, Burlingame, CA: Kindergarten Readiness. City College of San Francisco, Child Development and Family Studies Program, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Development in the Preschool Classroom. 2010 Pacific Primary School, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Development: Self-Regulation and Kindergarten Readiness. Orfalea Family Center, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA: Promoting Sensorimotor Development in Preschoolers. St. Paul s Nursery School, Burlingame, CA: Kindergarten Readiness. 2009 2008 Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Alameda, CA: The Exceptional Child in the Preschool Environment: Identification and Intervention Strategies for Teachers. City College of San Francisco, Child Development and Family Studies Program, San Francisco, CA: The Role of Sensorimotor Development in Preschoolers. M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 6
City College of San Francisco, Child Development and Family Studies Program, San Francisco, CA: Putting it All Together: Self Regulation in Young Children. Pacific Primary School, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Development: Unlocking the Doors to Learning. California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools, Consultant Night, San Mateo County, CA: Kindergarten Readiness: Strategies to Maximize Your Child's School Success. St. Paul s Nursery School, Burlingame, CA: Kindergarten Readiness. Orfalea Family Center, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA: Kindergarten Readiness. Orfalea Family Center, City College of San Francisco, Teacher Trainings, San Francisco, CA: Promoting Developmentally Appropriate Fine Motor, Gross Motor and Visual Motor Skill In Preschoolers and Toddlers. 2007 2006 2005 2004 58 th annual California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools Convention, Burlingame, CA: Kindergarten Readiness: Preparing For School Success. St. Paul s Nursery School, Burlingame, CA: Kindergarten Readiness. Orfalea Family Center, City College of San Francisco, Teacher Trainings, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Development and Activities to Promote Skill Building in Toddlers and Preschoolers. San Mateo County Pediatricians Association, San Mateo, CA: Occupational Therapy Indications. Little Wonders Preschool, Burlingame, CA: Early Childhood Domains of Development: Identification and Intervention. Bay Area Early Childhood Annual Conference, San Mateo County, CA: Occupational Therapy and the Toddler/Preschool Center: A Sensorimotor Approach. Russell Bede School, San Mateo, CA: The Sensory Diet: Sensorimotor Strategies for Home and Community. Russell Bede School, San Mateo, CA: Sensorimotor Strategies for Self Regulation at School. Acrosports, San Francisco, CA: Working with Children on the Autistic Spectrum: A Sensorimotor Approach. Burlingame Elementary School District, Burlingame, CA: Fine Motor Development and Skill Building Strategies for Teachers. San Mateo County Office of Education, Early Childhood and Elementary Programs, San Mateo, CA: The Sensory Diet: Strategies for Home and School. San Mateo Parents Nursery School, San Mateo, CA: Sensorimotor Development and Self Regulation. M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 7
San Mateo County Office of Education, Early Childhood and Elementary Program Psychologist Symposium, San Mateo, CA: The Sensorimotor Environment: Strategies for Self-Regulation. City College of San Francisco, Child Development and Family Studies Program Instructors and Staff, San Francisco, CA: Self-Regulation: An Introduction to Sensory Processing and Integration. San Mateo County Office of Education, Bilingual/Spanish Speaking Family Services, San Mateo County, CA: Sensory Needs: How You Can Help Your Child. 2003 2002 2001 The Effects of Television and Other Screen Media Conference, San Francisco Children s Council, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Workshop: Finding Alternatives to TV and Sceen Media". Tenderloin Childcare Center, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Processing and Integration: Introduction and Application. Pacifica Mother s Club, Pacifica, CA: Sensorimotor Development in Young Children. Mentor Teachers Association, San Francisco, CA: Sensorimotor Development: Identification and Implementation of Skill Building Strategies. San Mateo County Office of Education, Bilingual/Spanish Speaking Family Services, San Mateo County, CA: Sensory Needs: How You Can Help Your Child. PG&E Childcare Center, San Francisco, CA: Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice for Fostering Children s Growth and Development. Civic Center Child Care Corporation, San Francisco, CA: Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice for Fostering Children s Growth and Development. San Mateo County Early Childhood Education Program, San Mateo, CA: Sensory Integration: Child Centered Strategies for Fostering Growth and Development". San Mateo County Office of Education, Bilingual/Spanish Speaking Family Services, San Mateo County, CA: Sensory Needs: How You Can Help Your Child. San Mateo County Early Childhood Education Program, San Mateo County, CA: "Update on Sensory Defensiveness". San Mateo County Office of Education, Building Bridges Program, San Mateo, CA: How Applied Behavioral Analysis and Sensory Processing Can Work Together. Publications Kaye, M. (2009). In their own words: The experiences of children with sensory processing differences. Unpublished master s thesis, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA. Kaye, M., & Meunier-Fiebelkorn, M. (2006). Let s go to kindergarten: A family guide to school readiness. M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 8
Manuscript in Preparation Kaye, M. and Macrae, A. (2012). Identification of the self-perceived challenges of children with sensory processing disorders: Implications for practitioners. Scholarships and Honors 2009: Graduate Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian, San Jose State University. 1998: Graduate Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian, San Jose State University. 1998: American Occupational Therapy Association AMBUCS Scholarship. 1998: California Foundation of Occupational Therapy, Fred Sammons Scholarship. 1995-1999: San Jose State University President s Scholar. 1996: San Jose State University General Scholarship Recipient Affiliations/Memberships American Occupational Therapy Association Occupational Therapy Association of California Bay Area Association of Pediatric Therapists Service Delta Society: Pet Partner s Therapy Dog Program, volunteer therapy dog team. Bay Area Association of Pediatric Therapists: volunteer. San Francisco Bay Area Drug and Alcohol Recovery Organizations: support volunteer. San Francisco Bay Area: Occupational Therapist volunteer to provide screening and intervention for low income and at risk children. M. Kaye CV 2012. Page: 9