Meet the Physical Therapist: Mandy Cramer
Mandy Cramer has been with Educational Service Unit No 5 for 6 years, prior to that she worked at Beatrice Community Hospital for 12 years.
October, 2022
Educational physical therapy is provided to a student when directly related to his or her educational needs. Physical therapy interventions are designed to promote student travel throughout the school environment; participate in classroom activities; maintain and change positions (e.g. get on/off the floor, classroom chair, playground equipment), as well as manage the playground, stairs, restrooms, and the cafeteria. The service may be provided in a direct (e.g. working with the child 1:1 or with peers) or indirect (e.g. consulting with staff on adaptations or modifications) manner. The physical therapist may provide adaptive seating or mobility equipment to help the student access the educational environment.
What does Mandy's Day look like?
The youngest child she currently has on her caseload is 6 months old and the oldest student is 21.
She has served many of her "kids" from infancy through high school graduation. She currently sees school age children in 15 different buildings.
At a school, you might find Mandy on the playground, in the lunchroom, classroom or in P.E.
You might see her at a park, the grocery store, daycare, swimming pool, or in the home working with a child under the age of 3.
The tool Mandy can not live without for her job is an allen wrench. She uses it for adjusting equipment of all shapes and sizes.
Mandy's favorite low tech piece of equipment is a pool noodle; she uses it for positioning, safety or gross motor skill development.
She works closely with children, families, daycare providers, school staff, IEP and IFSP team members, healthcare professionals (doctors, OT's, SLP's, orthotists, durable medical equipment providers) an d assistive technology specialists.
Mandy's role is to help children, families and students to best access and participate in the home and educational environment.