Capernaum Pediatric Therapy, Inc. Blog: Meet and Greet: Erin Wessman, PT

Jun 28, 2017

Meet and Greet: Erin Wessman, PT

Erin Wessman, PT

What is your role at Capernaum?

I am a physical therapist.

How long have you been a Capernaum team member?

Just under one year.

Why did you choose to become a therapist?

I wanted to help people and make a difference in their life. I also liked that it was an active job...I'm not very good at sitting for long periods of time!

Share a favorite story about working with Capernaum.

I don't have just one! It's whenever I'm working with kids. When they do something for the first time, I think I'm as excited as their parents!! Or when I run into co-workers, everyone is so friendly. (I was in the office one day and Bonna had read something about giving hugs and walked around and gave us all hugs!)

What's your favorite way to spend a free afternoon?

Depends on the weather! If I can be outside, I enjoy playing tennis, rollerblading, or taking a walk with friends. If that's not possible, I go to the gym and then curl up on the couch catching up on one of my night time shows or watching The Wild.

Recent Capernaum-Sponsored Staff Workshops:

Social-Emotional Competence and Theory of Mind (November, 2018) Presented by Kerry Schmidt, SLP

This workshop helped therapists learn about the development of social emotional competence and theory of mind in infants, preschoolers, and school age children. Social emotional skills are the foundation of all other learning. No matter the discipline (PT, OT, ST), we all work toward one common goal...children leading happier and more balanced lives. By learning more about theory of mind, therapists can make sure their treatment is supporting this crucial area of development.

The Team Approach to Assessing and Treating Children with Feeding Disorders (October, 2018) Presented by Tanya Hilliard, APRN, CNP, Feeding Clinic at Children's MN

Feeding Practices and Mechanics: One Child's Journey from G-Tube to Oral Feeds (August, 2018) Presented by Paula Rabaey, OTR/L

Support Services with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: An Overview from Staff at Metro Deaf School (February, 2018) Presented by Melissa Sweetmik, Dean of Students; Debbi Praml, SLP; Kari Olson, OTR; and Pam Weber, MPT

WHAT BOOKS DO OUR THERAPISTS RECOMMEND?

123 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12, by Thomas Phelan
Answers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration, by Koomar, Kranowitz, and Szklut
Attention Games, by Barbara Sher
Effective Parenting for the Hard to Manage Child, by Degang and Kendall
Is It Sensory or Is It Behavioral?, by Murray and Paris
Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar, and More!, by Kutscher
My Book Full of Feelings, by Jaffe and Gardner
Self Esteem Games, by Sher
Sticker Strategies: Practical Strategies to Encourage Social Thinking and Organization, by Michelle Garcia Winner
The Incredible 5-Point Scale, by Buron and Curtis

MEET ALI!

Ali B. (OT) has been with Capernaum since 2001, with a brief break due to a move out of state. She graduated from St. Catherine University in 1999, and after a year in adult rehabilitation, she began working in pediatrics.

Ali really enjoys working with kids that have feeding difficulties, encouraging families, and helping therapists develop their skills to better serve families. Ali lives in Elk River with her husband, Andy, and her boys Eli and Simon. She spends her free time playing outside with her boys and cheering for them while they play lots of hockey!

Ali says, "I love working for Capernaum because it’s so much more than therapy! It’s a family of marvelous women that embraces each person (clients and staff) and loves them up real good!!!"

MEET JONI!

Joni V. (PT) has been with Capernaum for about 18 years and currently is doing home-based therapy and mentoring new physical therapists for the company. Joni graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been a PT for over 33 years! She originally worked with adults in an acute care setting but went into pediatrics a few years later!

Joni really enjoys working with babies and their families, specifically young moms! Joni and her husband, Mike, have been married for almost 32 years and have 3 kids (Michelle, 28, graduating from medical school in May; Jason, 26, starting architecture school in September; and Jesse, 15, a freshman in high school). She enjoys gardening, spending time with her kids, and being involved in church activities!

Joni shares, “I love that I get so many hugs and smiles from the kids I see throughout each day. They make me smile no matter how the day started!”

MEET BETH!

After working with Capernaum in the clinic setting for a while in 2010, Beth M. re-joined Capernaum in February 2015 as a home-based SLP. Beth and her husband, Tim, live in the western suburbs of Minneapolis where they enjoy cooking and hanging out!

Beth shares a touching moment at Capernaum: "I was seeing a 4-year-old for articulation at the (then) Monticello clinic. We were playing a game and working on our sounds. He stopped the game, looked at me, and said, 'You know Jesus, don't you?' That is my heart's desire--for Jesus to be living and seen in me."

MEET ABBY!

Abby B., OT has been an occupational therapist for over 20 years. Abby does therapy for Capernaum at Northside and in children’s homes. She was also recently appointed the Home-based Supervisor for Capernaum.

Abby is trained in Therapeutic Listening® and Interactive Metronome®. Most recently her CE focus has been about Autism and premature infants.

Abby’s hobbies and interests include reading, classical music, and French Bulldogs.

Abby shares,“I have always felt it is important to serve others. After years of working with infants and small children, I still have not lost the wonder and appreciation for each little life that I meet. I’m so grateful that I have a job that I love and am able to learn something new each day from my clients.”

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Mission

Jun 28, 2017

Meet and Greet: Erin Wessman, PT

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

ISAIAH 40:31