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What does your business do?
Therapy Services, LLC provides therapy to cyber school students in their homes. Presently, all services have been completed in outpatient clinics since there have not been home services available. By completing occupational therapy services in the home (natural school environment), these students will receive a thorough assessment of their academic needs and a more complete intervention will be provided unlike that of an outpatient clinic. This environment will also benefit the teachers and parents of the child as they will be able to focus on individual students needs and maximize occupational performance.
When and why did you start the biz?
Cyber charter schools have been in existence since 1997, due to the demands of a local Pennsylvania community whose school was destroyed and they need to send their children to a school in Ohio. The federal mandate stated that this community could develop a public school utilizing the internet as its classroom. Since then, twelve cyber schools are available in Pennsylvania and exist in 40 states across the country. As mentioned in the previous section, Therapy Services, LLC would provide therapy sessions in the student’s natural learning environment, in this case, their home. It is the understanding of the president that there is no company fulfilling this need throughout Pennsylvania. Historically, students have been seen in outpatient clinics. With cyber schools enrollments growing quickly, this arena must be fulfilled to meet IDEA requirements by federal law. Therapy Services, LLC will provide innovative therapy services to cyber based students in their home and through internet uplinks to student’s homes and schools. I am beginning this service starting with the 2009-2010 school year. I have been in occupational therapist for 15 years.
How Many People are in your Company?
Me, myself, and I
Where's your office?
My car is my primary office, but in the evenings, the dining room table is where I find my connection with the world.
My car is a cluttered mess due to all the therapy supplies I currently have, not to mention the ones I need to purchase.
What's the toughest part of running your biz?
Managing time for students and the school needs. Getting a telephone call in the middle of a treatment make situations awkward at times. There are times in home care situations that you just can't discuss items on the phone with other people. Interruptions like this can disrupt students with certain special needs.
What's the most fun part?
Working with children. Children, no matter what their age, give me such a joy. I love their innocence and candid responses.
Anything you would have done differently?
My business itself is too new. I can give you a better idea next year.
What's next on the horizon for your biz?
Just getting students and schools to commit to working with me.
What advice do you have for others?
Go for it! Whatever you want to do. Whatever your passion. Find a way to get it done! God is pushing you to do His work!
How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
I found it recently. I am learning about the resource.
School (where, still in school, degree)?
Alvernia University MS Occupational Therapy, College Misericordia BS Occupational Therapy
Prior jobs or business?
I have worked for 15 years in acute care, long-term care, home health care. I have worked with all ages.
Favorite Food?
Chocolate, no matter how it is delivered!
What are your pets' names?
Holley is my 15 year old cat
Do any of these pets help with your biz?
Not at this time. However, I have connections with special needs dogs.
Is there any one person or event in your life that led
you to go into business for yourself?
God told me to return to school and get business and OT courses. During the five years it took me to get my MS, God had me change jobs in the middle of my thesis. Well, it was a test. About 3 months ago, a cyber school teacher friend kept bugging me for my resume and now I am self-employed.
Anyone you publicly want to thank?
I want to thank Judy Deemer, Sue Gehringer, Katie Bailey, Josie Hammond, Steve Long, Jeff Dotterer, and my Lord Jesus for their guidance during this transition.
Contact Info:
Cheri Dotterer
610-914-9919
clyd1124@comcast.net
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