By Andrea Harwood Palmer
Amy Catalfamo, OTR/L, has opened a pediatric occupational therapy practice called sensory tOT spot at 3 Hemphill Place, Suite 104, in Malta.
Catalfamo began the business venture two and a half years ago, as a community-based mobile therapist. She travelled to day care centers, preschools and homes to see clients.
She moved into her Malta location in March.
“At this point, it felt like the right time to open a brick and mortar location,” said Catalfamo. “It’s always been my dream, to open a practice of my own to meet the needs of kiddos in the community.”
Catalfamo sees patients from infants to 21 years. She utilizes numerous therapy techniques and follows a “family-centered, child-directed and therapist-guided practice model.”
Catalfamo said she always knew she wanted to work with children. Her mother operated a home daycare while she was growing up. It was her mother who suggested she go to school to become an occupational therapist.
Catalfamo completed her undergraduate work at Russell Sage College. She attended Sage Graduate School for her doctorate degree in occupational therapy, working at her mother’s daycare while attending school.
“When I graduated, I got my first job working with elderly patients in a nursing home,” she said. “It was totally opposite of where I thought I would land. I learned a lot and grew a lot.”
Catalfamo transitioned into adult care and eventually found her way back to pediatrics after having her first son. She worked for an early intervention agency for five years before deciding it was time to go out on her own.
“Kids are just so fun and so full of joy,” she said. “The smiles, the fun moments, the glimmers in the eye. The rewards you get from being part of all the big and little accomplishments. Something as simple as a child being able to button their pants or open their own juice container. We make a big deal out of every milestone.”
Catalfamo’s office is currently located on the backside of the building, but she is moving to a larger space in the front of the same building on Aug. 1.
“I’m where I’m meant to be. I love pediatrics,” said Catalfamo. “I love building relationships with families and caregivers. You really become entwined in the family unit. It’s a privilege to have families open up to you like that.
Her website is www.sensorytotspot.com, and the phone number is 518-952-0920. Email can be sent to info@sensorytotspot.com