04/28/2026 - SIS Virtual Event  - Children & Youth Community of Practice

Members - FREE
Non-Members - $20

Register

Virtual Meeting Tuesdays 7:00PM - 8:00PM

Number of Contact Hours: 1.0

Link to Webinar will be included in your registration confirmation email.

Facilitators:

Rebecca Kellam OTD, OTR/L, BCP

Lori Bernardi OTD, MOT, OTR/L

Bio: 

Rebecca Kellam, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, is a pediatric occupational therapist with experience in early intervention, pediatric hospital, and school practice areas. With over 15 years of experience in the field and a specialty board certification in pediatrics, she is dedicated to advancing the practice of pediatric occupational therapy through innovative research and a deep commitment to community engagement. Dr. Kellam's research focuses on participatory action research (PAR) methodologies that emphasize collaborative efforts among researchers, practitioners, and the communities they serve. She is an active member of Connecticut’s School-Based Community of Practice and contributed to the revision of the state’s school-based occupational therapy guidelines. Currently, Dr. Kellam is a full-time faculty member at Bay Path University teaching courses in pediatrics, research, and professional reasoning.  

Lori Bernardi, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist with a background in early intervention and has developed a passion and specialized expertise in school-based practice. For the past 23 years, Lori has been supporting children and families in school districts across Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is an active member of Connecticut’s School-Based Community of Practice and contributed to the revision of the state’s school-based occupational therapy guidelines. In addition, she co-facilitates the AOTA School-Based Community of Practice, reflecting her commitment to leadership, collaboration, and the advancement of best practices in school-based therapy. She is a member of the Connecticut School-Based Assistive Technology Community of Practice and continues to advocate for meaningful, inclusive use of technology to enhance student participation and success.

Summary of Event: 

This Special Interest Section (SIS) fosters connections and collaboration among OTPs serving children from birth through transition age in community programs, early intervention, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings in Connecticut. Members can share ideas, current practice trends, and build supportive relationships to strengthen pediatric practice across the state.

Learning Objectives Attendees Should Achieve:

This hour-long professional development opportunity will allow community members to

1. Explore new and emerging trends, policies, and service delivery approaches that inform pediatric occupational therapy practice.

2. Exchange clinical experiences, resources, and practical strategies to support shared learning

3. Build meaningful professional connections that encourage mentorship, innovation, and growth in pediatric occupational therapy practice. 

This event is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education and RESC alliance, ConnOTA is supporting this event by overseeing the event and awarding CEUs for registered participants.