Coaching Parent Training Occupational Therapist Speaker
Looking for resources to help your kiddo?
Been there, done that! And I know the Alice and Wonderland rabbit hole searching can lead you down. Lucky for you, I can help.
In addition to being an occupational therapist since 1995, I have had the pleasure of being a mom to 3 adultish kids.
Yes, I was an OT before I was a mama, and that did bring me a level of comfort that most moms don’t have.
But…It also brought a 💩 ton of expectations, doubts, and surprises that made my parenting journey a rollercoaster just like yours.
What helped me the most is that I know the immense value of having an expert sit with you and tell you, “What the heck do I do here!”
So yes, you guessed it, I always had an expert on my speed dial or bedside table to help me, parent.
This is your chance to have a parent that’s been through it, an occupational therapist, and an executive function coach sitting with you at your kitchen counter, helping you figure out your next best step.
After 25+ years of clinical practice, 10 years in the school system, and being the creator of a step-by-step system for legible handwriting, and an intensive executive function coaching program, I know I want to bring parents the solutions they can only get when they have practical information that they can apply in everyday real life.
NOT YOUR REGULAR FAQ'S
Is my child just lazy?
No. A child that can will.What we perceive as “lazy” is just your kid’s way of saying, “Wow, this is really hard. Can one of you awesome adults help me out?”
How can you help us?
- Find what you need HERE. I have every topic under the OT parenting space.
- Get one of my workshops or trainings to get you started or finished. Some families use them to get started, and then they work with me directly. (Makes for a very efficient, AKA cost-effective solution.) Some families get a course or a workshop and get to work ASAP and don’t need the real me. Win-Win!
- Suppose you can’t find what you’re looking for, then set up a call with me HERE. Or skip 1 and 2 and set up a call.
How are you so calm with my child?
It’s my superpower. I am here to guide you and your child. So, if I have to wait and repeat to have a child achieve and win. Then I wait and repeat. It can take up to 90 seconds to get the response we need. P.S. I am not this way with my own family- ask them if you ever meet them.
Is it too late to improve their handwriting?
No. No. Nope. My Legible Handwriting for Kids Program is for kids seven and up. (By up, I mean all the way up.) I have helped adults with dysgraphia and even high schoolers taking their AP exams.
Is handwriting even important any more?
School-age children spend about 60 percent of their day writing. (Even during virtual learning.) If you’re the child struggling, the tired parent, or the frustrated teacher who has no idea how to help, a handwriting issue can become excruciatingly overwhelming for everyone. I created Miami Handwriting after almost 20 years in the therapy world, seeing kids struggle with handwriting and not getting the help they needed.
What does OT have to with executive functioning skills?
So much, my friend. OT and EF skills go together like peanut butter and jelly. So much that I clear it all up HERE
I spend a lot of time helping them after school and on weekends. So, my child does excellent in school. Do I still need to get them help?
Translation: My kid does well at school BECAUSE of all the support I give at home. If I am not there to help with ______ they can’t do it or do it well. Our goal is to have independent learners. So yes, you still need to get them help.
Shouldn’t we be doing more (practice, learning games, sticking to a schedule, writing)?
Repeat after me “Small Steps = Big Changes.” Small, consistent, doable experiences make the changes our kids need, and are sustainable for us busy, exhausted, have better things to do as parents. Your welcome!
Can't they just try harder?
Is handwriting even important?
No, this is not a typo. Yes, it is essential so much that I have a meaty Handwriting Resources Guide all about how important handwriting is. You should really check it out.
OK, I'm in! Now what?
If you related to many of these FAQs, then it was meant to be. Let’s work together!
Nicole provides parents a sigh of relief with Real Life solutions based in science and over 20 years of practice.
– Katie Cabanas, mom of 2 boys
Meet Nicole
Miami Handwriting was founded by Nicole Santamaria OTR/L. Nicole has been an occupational therapist since 1995 with a vast experience in pediatrics and adults. She is NDT trained with a strong foundation in development. She is highly skilled in motor skills development, executive functioning skills development, and handwriting skills.
She is currently a school therapist for Miami charter schools. She also provides private occupational therapy services and specializes in everything handwriting, executive skills development and coaching. She has in person, online resources and virtual services available.
Nicole reaches out to the local and virtual community with teacher training on normal development as it relates to the classroom, embedding executive functioning skills in the classroom, sensory-motor, visual motor, and handwriting skills at a variety of schools.
Nicole firmly believes with the right information both parents and teachers can support their children to reach their maximum potential.
