Carlie S., MS, OTR/L

Carlie has dedicated her expertise as a school-based occupational therapist to evaluating and treating children aged 2-6 with diverse needs, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, genetic/chromosomal disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and global developmental delays. She has experience working closely with speech language pathologists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and developmental therapists/special education teachers, leveraging a multidisciplinary approach to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Carlie excels in developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each specific needs and strengths.

Carlie, originally from Fayetteville, NC, discovered her passion for occupational therapy during her years in high school. Throughout her undergraduate years, she actively participated in community and school organizations dedicated to supporting families and children with special needs. During this time, she also served as a dedicated respite care provider and caregiver for children with special needs. Carlie gained valuable hands-on experience by shadowing and collaborating closely with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists and occupational therapists. These experiences solidified her decision to pursue a career in occupational therapy.

In her OT program, Carlie gained diverse experience in OT practice in a variety of settings including acute care, home health, mental health, adult day centers, and the school system. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with her degree in Occupational Therapy, she began practicing in Wake County Public Schools, where her role extended beyond direct therapy. She collaborated closely in multidisciplinary teams, which consisted of physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and developmental therapists/teachers.

Carlie leverages play to engage children in therapeutic activities aimed at boosting their independence in daily tasks. She actively involves caregivers by explaining intervention significance, educating them on supporting their child’s progress, and nurturing collaborative efforts throughout therapy.

Residing in Raleigh, NC, with her husband and two children, Carlie looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children and their families, eager to make a positive impact through her work.