About Melissa
Melissa Putterman Spitz, M.S. OTR/L is a New York, New Jersey and Florida State licensed and registered pediatric Occupational Therapist. Melissa received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University in 2009 after completing her undergraduate work at University of Florida, with specialization in Occupational Therapy.
During Melissa’s 14 year career in Manhattan, she had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including Early Intervention Programs, public and private schools, home environments and sensory integration clinics. Melissa is certified as a Size Matters Handwriting program therapist and has received specialized training in Handwriting Without Tears, Astronaut Training, Neurodevelopmental Techniques, Reflex Development and Brain Gym. Her expansive knowledge extends beyond these areas as she has in-depth experience working with children who present with developmental, neurological, social-emotional, executive functioning and sensory processing difficulties.
After having the opportunity to work so closely with children and their families in their home, Melissa combined her education and experience to open “OT With Me,” a home based pediatric private practice. Her practice focuses on creating individualized treatment to optimize function in a child’s natural environment, their home. They are skilled in treating the following skill areas: visual motor integration, fine motor skills, visual perceptual processing, graphomotor skills, low tone, motor planning, strength and endurance, coordination, sensory processing, self-care and activities of daily living. In addition to individualized treatment, her business also provides screenings, evaluations, consultative services, handwriting groups and educational seminars to parents, schools and related service providers.
With the goal of sharing her knowledge and expertise, empowering parents and offering an opportunity for children to continue to learn, Melissa developed Adventures in Handwriting. This is an online video program that builds a child’s confidence and handwriting skills through imagination and play. Her methods are interactive, educational and most of all fun. OT with me is dedicated to bringing a child’s imagination into play and learning.
Functional, Creative, Supportive. Through a multisensory approach, structured games and cognitive techniques, children are able to perform activities with improved efficiency and greater independence. The most current therapeutic treatment is provided in a beneficial and supportive manner to address children’s goals and needs. While improving a child’s skills are the main priority, special attention is given to building their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Play is used as a tool to engage children in the most natural way possible. Each interaction with a child is met with clinical experience, intuition and compassion. The primary focus of OT with me has been promoting a child's functional participation through highly motivating and meaningful play experiences.