Author Spotlight: Ingrid C. King, MScOT, BOT Occupational Therapist & School Readiness Consultant
Ingrid C. King, MScOT, BOT is an Occupational Therapist & School Readiness Consultant who has written several publications, webinars, and screenings to facility healthy childhood development. She has been a vendor on Your Therapy Source since 2015.
One of her most popular resources is the Songs & Games for Fantastic Fingers® program which is a comprehensive fine motor program with music and activities for improving the development of children’s fine motor skills for success at school.
Other resources that Ingrid has published include:
- Handwriting Foundations Screen – Fantastic Fingers®
- Fine Motor Skill Builders – Fantastic Fingers®
- Get Fit for School Webinar – Popcorn and Animals Make My Muscles Strong!
- Fantastic Fingers® Fine Motor Program Multi-User License
Ingrid has taken the time to participate in a Q&A session. Read about her extensive experiences as an Occupational Therapist allowing her to provide knowledge and information to help children today.
Q: First tell a little bit about yourself – job experience, years on the job, etc.
I chose occupational therapy as I love to help others in a creative way. I graduated in 1995, and in 2008, completed my masters focusing on pediatrics. I’ve worked in the US, New Zealand and South Africa, in clinics and early childhood, and school based settings. I’m currently in private practice with a mobile clinic so I travel to my children at school or home.
Q: What made you start to write books, screening tools, and create curriculum?
Initially, I wanted to share my knowledge practically and simply with my parents and teachers so that the children on my caseload could improve faster. Cost was a factor too, so I created my own resources as I needed them.
Boosted by feedback from the users, I started sharing with other OTs through my workshops, website, and through Your Therapy Source which has been wonderful.
Q: Do you find it hard to juggle practicing OT and creating products at the same time?
Yes, unless you go part-time for a season! I put a lot into my products including staying awake a night which is when I seem to get my best ideas. It’s lots of fun though, and very rewarding. For example, my Fantastic Fingers Program® is now used in over 30 countries.
Q: What is your best advice to someone who is thinking about creating content to help students succeed?
You need to be a critical thinker, and make sure that what you produce, you have trialed yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask others for their opinion. Margaret, at Your Therapy Source, has given me some great advice.
Q: What is your top tip to therapists who work in pediatrics?
Keep having fun, and if you don’t love what you do, then redefine what you want to do, and go for it!
Thank you Ingrid! You can check out all of her resources here.