Andrus Children’s Center  Yonker, New York

Under the supervision  of Dr. Olson and Professor O’Herron,  every Spring semester since 1995, Mercy College Graduate Occupational Therapy students have been developing and leading occupation-based groups for the children and adolescents at  the residential center at the Andrus Children’s Center.   The groups are developed based upon the interests and needs of the youth in the cottages to which students work. 

Amazing Afternoons Afterschool Program, Edward Williams School, Mt. Vernon, NY

Under the supervision of Dr. Olson, first year Mercy College Graduate Occupational Therapy students develop and lead occupation-based groups for groups of children attending the afterschool program.  Over the past few years, students have developed a variety of groups to enhance the children’s experience in the afterschool program including puppetry, yoga and gardening groups.   In addition,  a group of second year Graduate OT students work with Dr. Olson in developing and leading  family night program.  This past year, the theme was yoga.  Parents and children had the opportunity to explore yoga together. 

Mamaroneck Union Free School District Kindergarten Fine Motor Centers   Mamaroneck, NY

Dr. Olson has been a consultant to the Mamaroneck Union Free School District for the past 21 years.   She has been collaborating with the occupational therapists, teachers and administrators in the district to develop and implement Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Fine Motor Centers in all classes at the grade levels as a Response to Intervention initiative.  Graduate occupational therapy students assist the occupational therapists by organizing and analyzing the data collected in this project.