Marion Sitomer

Background

About Marion Sitomer

I've been a pediatric occupational therapist for 28 years. Most of that has been in public schools, with a focus on UDL (Universal Design for Learning), inclusive practices, and school-based application of sensory integration strategies. Before discovering OT, I was headed for a career in community based social work, having worked as a Victim’s Advocate in a prosecutor’s office and volunteered in a battered women’s shelter in Vermont. While working for one of the Save the Children affiliates in Thailand I saw poor villagers being trained in physical rehab and creating adaptive equipment out of materials like banana leaves and bamboo. That is what hooked me on OT. My background in visual art, modern and folk dance, folklore, anthropology, massage therapy, and human services all have a role in building my career. It was probably not a coincidence that I was drawn to sensory integration, as I am sensory defensive myself (hypersensitive to sound and touch). I have taught, consulted to, and mentored others in SI theory and practice in a variety of settings, including as Sensory Integration Mentor for the Occupational Therapy Department at Boston Public Schools. It's one of the OT tools I bring to supporting inclusive UDL learning environments. I was a member of the Boston Public School Related Services Inclusion Task Force and have participated in BPS inclusion ed camps and workshops.