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Kerri Carpenter, MSOT, OTR/L
Hi, I'm Kerri!​
I am an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children and families in home, clinic, and school settings. I started Joyful Connections to provide evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming OT to children and families. My approach combines playful, sensory-rich, child-focused interactions with creative, goal-focused therapeutic activities. Throughout the treatment process, I engage the family (parents and siblings!) in a coaching relationship. Using the coaching model, family members enhance their understanding of the child's behaviors, strengths, and challenges. Together, we design home carryover strategies to support the child's self-regulation, increase skill development, and improve meaningful participation in everyday activities.
​Areas of Focus/Specialty:
Neurodivergence · Ayres' Sensory Integration · Autism Spectrum Disorder · Self-regulation difficulties · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) · Delayed motor skills · Twice exceptional (2e) · Sensory processing differences · Learning disabilities · Sleep problems · Picky eating · Toilet training · Parent coaching · American Sign Language · TEACHH Technique · Neurodiversity-Affirming Care · Advocacy
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Education:
AAS in Occupational Therapy, Delaware Technical & Community College · Diploma in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, Delaware Technical & Community College · BS in Integrated Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University · Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University · Advanced Practice Certificate in Autism, Thomas Jefferson University · Working toward a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University · Member of the Occupational Therapy National Honor Society, Pi Theta Epsilon
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Experience:
Delaware Autism Program · Delaware School for the Deaf · Easter Seals · Elementary School-based O.T. · Owen J. Roberts School District · Spring-Ford Area School District · Norristown Area School District · Research at Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Philadelphia, P.A. · Presenter at AOTA conference 2025, "Feasibilty and Preliminary Outcomes of Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration for 3-5-year-old Autistic Children"· Special education advocate, Joyful Connections ·
E.S.
“Kerri is organized, knowledgeable, and fun. She has such a broad spectrum of clinical knowledge. She is a genius at what she does.”
G.M.
"I have seen tremendous progress since my son began working with Kerri. She is a rare gem. She gets the whole picture."
C.K.
"Kerri truly understood my son and listened when I talked about my concerns, particularly related to trauma and sensory issues.