About Michelle

Michelle Bonang, OTR/L is a Vermont State registered and licensed pediatric occupational therapist. Michelle has a special interest in Sensory Integration and is certified to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT). She is also trained in the Therapeutic Listening® program and received certification through DIR® to provide DIR/Floortime therapy. Michelle is currently in the process of becoming a handwriting specialist, certified through Handwriting Without Tears®.

Michelle has a passion for working with children and enjoys every moment of working closely with her clients and their caregivers. As a parent herself, she knows the joy of each milestone reached and every challenge mastered and finds happiness in assisting infants and children reach these goals. Michelle is also interested in holistic approaches to treatment and will work with parents on changing a child’s diet to improve attention and concentration, incorporate yoga into therapy and direct you to Naturopathic Doctors as needed. Michelle is also beginning to take Ayurevda courses increasing her ability to bring holistic ways into her practice. She has also taken a course on Holistic Occupational Therapy - Mind, Body & Spirit and Introduction to Aromatherapy complementary alternative medicine is an area of therapy that is extremely important in the success of treatment as well. 

Michelle has been providing Occupational Therapy services to individuals in need for 15 years. She has specialized in pediatrics for 13 years providing consultations, evaluations and specialized therapy for sensory integration dysfunction, fine motor and visual motor delays, neurodevelopmental and handwriting challenges. Michelle started Pediatric Play in August of 2009, as she saw a significant need for pediatric services in southern and central Vermont. She works closely with families, as parent/caregiver involvement is the key for carry-over and optimal success.

Michelle began her career at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. She has provided contract Occupational Therapy in school systems in Queens and eastern Long Island. She was a staff therapist at the YAI/NYL Gramercy School for 3 years and has consulted with the Early Intervention programs of Making Milestones and Lifestart in Manhattan. Michelle also provided private services to children in their Manhattan homes prior to moving to Vermont. Since moving to Vermont, Michelle has worked at Rutland Regional Medical Center and Rutland Windsor Supervisory Union and consulted with Family Infant and Toddler Program (FITP). Currently, Michelle provides services for private clients throughout Southern and Central Vermont. She has also been the evaluator for The Springfield School District for the past 7 years – through her business, Pediatric Play Occupational Therapy.

Michelle received her Masters of Education in Occupational Therapy through Springfield College graduating cum laude in 2001. She continues to increase her knowledge and skills engaging in continuing education courses, which she takes yearly. Michelle has also supervised graduate students throughout her career providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to begin their career in Occupational Therapy.

Michelle is a member of The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) and Holistic Occupational Therapy. She has also contributed to an article in ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners as well as being a co-writer for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Leader blog. Michelle also provides in-services to pre-school and primary school teachers to educate staff regarding occupational therapy and it's many levels, when to refer children to OT, sensory integration, and nutrition.



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