About Us
Zoey Dekker, OTRL, is a pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to supporting children and their families to reach their full potential. Zoey earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Grand Valley State University. With diverse experience in private practice, pediatric home health, outpatient rehabilitation, and early intervention (ages 0-3), Zoey has worked with children from birth to 18 years old. Her approach emphasizes collaboration with medical and educational professionals to ensure comprehensive care for the whole child.
Making Waves is proud to provide home-based services as well as before school and after school appointment times.
Nurturing Development, Igniting Possibilities
Our name, "Making Waves," reflects our commitment to creating
positive change—just as a single wave can ripple across the ocean, we
know that even small moments of progress can make a lasting impact in
a child's life. With this philosophy, we approach each child with
compassion, creativity, and a tailored, holistic approach to therapy.
Services Provided
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need for daily activities and achieve greater independence. Occupational therapists work with children from infancy through adolescence to address various challenges that may impact their ability to participate in everyday life, including feeding/eating, play, school activities, and self-care tasks. Occupational therapists can also address specific developmental concerns including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, and coordination.
Experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses and/or challenges including but not limited to the following:
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADD/ADHD
- Behavioral concerns
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Dysphagia
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Genetic Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Motor skill delays
- Picky eating
- Sensory Processing Disorder
VitalStim Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
VitalStim therapy is a specialized treatment technique used primarily for individuals with swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. It involves the use of electrical stimulation to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing.
Here are some key points about VitalStim therapy:
- Electrical Stimulation: The therapy uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles of the throat, helping to enhance muscle coordination and strength.
- Therapeutic Goals: VitalStim aims to improve swallowing function, which can enhance a person’s ability to eat and drink safely, reducing the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway).
- Integrated Approach: This therapy is often combined with traditional swallowing therapy techniques, such as exercises and strategies to improve swallowing mechanics.
- Tailored Treatment: Sessions are customized based on the individual's specific needs, and progress is regularly monitored to adjust the therapy as required.
Overall, VitalStim therapy provides a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of swallowing difficulties, supporting individuals in gaining or regaining the ability to enjoy foods and/or liquids, and maintain nutrition safely.
Next Steps
Consultation
Do you think your child might benefit from occupational therapy services? Reach out via email or phone for a free consultation to determine if occupational therapy services are an appropriate fit for your child and family.
Physician Referral
Please reach out to your child's physician to obtain a referral for occupational therapy services. Referrals can be emailed directly to zoey@makingwavespediatrictherapy.com
Cash paying clients are not required to obtain a physician referral.
Initial Evaluation
Initial evaluations will be scheduled once physician's referrals have been received. Initial evaluations typically take 60-75 minutes and will include observations, assessments, and parent interviews. Please be sure to fill out all intake forms including past medical history forms prior to the initial evaluation.
Treatment/Therapy Sessions
Based on the results of the initial evaluation and in collaboration with the family and the child's care team, a plan of care will be established including the frequency and duration of visits.
All therapy sessions will take place in the comfort of the family's home.
Home Programming
Home programs will always be provided at the end of each therapy session.
If preferred by the family and deemed appropriate by the therapist, a detailed home program could be provided in place of regularly scheduled therapy appointments.