From time to time, we invite occupational therapy practitioners whose use of OT Wizard reflects strong clinical reasoning, real-world application, and thoughtful feedback to participate in a spotlight.
User spotlight with Angie Bowman, COTA/L
Can you tell us a little about your background as an OTP, and your work setting(s) and typical patient ages ?
I have always worked in pediatrics in various settings, primarily schools and clinics but some in-home early intervention as well for the past 30 years!
Do you have a favorite domain or type of challenge you enjoy treating most?
Sensory processing is probably the most interesting area that OT’s address to me. There is so much new research coming out that is validating what we as OTP’s have known for years and I feel like it is something commonly misunderstood.
What does a “normal” day look like for you?
I am working with only preschool children so really busy in the mornings and less so in the afternoons. I work until the little ones nap, then go home for paperwork and planning.
Would you rather make your own OT supplies or buy them?
A combination of both I think although some of my best and most used toys are the homemade ones.
If you could only bring 5 therapy items to a session, what would they be?
1) Theraputty or some type of resistive media because I really like starting off the session with it. Great for hand strengthening but also for providing the proprioceptive input they need before fine motor work.
2) A ball! You can do a lot with them besides catch and toss! Rolling up and down the wall or across tracks on the wall with tape are great motor planning and bilateral hand skills activities.
3) Crayons and paper, broken ones preferably taped to a wall.
4) A pickle picker! This is my favorite fine motor tool
5) Scooter board, you can use them in any setting and do so much with them.
When you were told that your therapy group would be using OT Wizard, how did you initially feel about adding on a new process for evaluations?
I was intrigued. As a COTA/L I have assisted with a lot of standardized evaluations but I loved that this one is performed online and that it encompasses so many areas.
Was there a moment where OT Wizard really “clicked” for you?
I liked it right away but as I began to read the reports more and more, and I saw how good they were, it really sold me.
Has OT Wizard changed your approach to evaluations or reports now, even in small ways?
Absolutely. I love generating a therapist report on my children. It is generated under the abbreviated report with therapist focused as the target audience. It gives you a clinical snapshot with strengths and weaknesses and clinical takeaways. THEN, evidenced-based interventions with different phases for implementation. It gets you thinking about what you have done that has or has not worked and helps you to generate new ideas and/or affirm your thought process. Sometimes we get into ruts when working with a child for a long time or that is particularly challenging in response to therapy and this is a great tool to use.
What is your favorite feature in OT Wizard?
Definitely the report as stated above.
What upcoming feature are you most excited about?
Daily notes and progress reports for parents via the integrated messaging.
What would you say to another OTP who’s feeling hesitant or skeptical about trying OT Wizard?
The time you save in report writing alone is unbelievable and in a lot of ways has made me a better therapist!
What’s one thing you don’t miss doing since using OT Wizard?
Extra paperwork
Angie is on the Leadership Team at Learning Charms, which is the company that created O.T. Wizard. Angie is always excited to try new features, and makes great suggestions for changes and upcoming features. As Angie has been practicing for 30 years, she understands which features are most meaningful to OTP’s. Angie works in preschools that cater to at risk children and loves collaboration with teachers and getting hugs from her kiddos. For these reasons, this OT Wizard hat is well deserved.
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