By Barbara A. Preston | Posted March 23, 2023
“I’m not sure who’s happier, me or the kids,” says Jennifer Luongo about her new location in Orchard Hill Center on Orchard Road in Skillman. Luongo is an occupational therapist with more than 22 years of experience working with children of all ages.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Kean University in 1999 and a master’s in occupational therapy from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in Arizona. “I take a child-centered approach to therapy,” she says. “My goal is to equip your child with the developmental building blocks they need to grow, and help them achieve the prerequisites to everyday skills like getting dressed, writing their name, or solving a disagreement on the playground.”
She provides multiple services, according to her website: devotedtokids.com. Below are some examples.
Does your child struggle with everyday tasks such as dressing, bike riding, tying shoes, transitions, participating in mealtimes, bedtime routines, or attending a birthday party? Our routine-based interventions are designed to evaluate and support your child “in the moment.” We offer hands-on guidance when your child needs it most, and we follow up with tips, strategies, and tangible tools for you to use in order to foster your child’s success, independence, and happiness.
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We will provide parents with proactive strategies and activities to prevent meltdowns, and we give visual supports and tools to use when your child is experiencing emotional distress. We take a proactive approach to emotional regulation by teaching children and caregivers to use a shared emotional language vocabulary when sad, silly, upset, frustrated, or angry.
Before therapy services begin, DevOTedtoKids will complete a thorough evaluation of a child’s developmental skills to determine their strengths and areas of need. Parents or caregivers will receive a formal written report with findings, recommendations, and a treatment plan.
Playful and high-energy therapy sessions are designed to engage the child’s brain and body. Depending on the goals, sessions may include: Gross motor movements, balance activities, fine motor tasks, and/or visual schedules. “We also provide activities, visual supports, and suggestions for working on new skills at home.” One-on-one therapy sessions are also available. The 30- or 45-minute weekly sessions depend on the needs of the child and family. Parent coaching, educational support, and time for Q&A are included within each session.
Luongo also travels to provide assessments and therapy within the community, working in the exact environment that is challenging for parents and their child. Whether the child needs support with getting haircuts, attending public events, experiencing textures and sounds at the park, or participating in karate class, she offers insight, strategies, and supports to help the child be successful in future outings.
DevOTed to Kids Pediatric Occupational Therapy
88 Orchard Road
Skillman NJ 08558
Email: devotedtokids@gmail.com
Tel: 908.440.1606
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