Dr. Phoebe Jerousek, OTD, OTR/L

- Dr. Phoebe is an occupational therapist who has been practicing in the school setting since 2013. She has cultivated her practice as: *strengths-based, *neurodiversity-affirming, *anti-racist, *anti-ableist, *feminist, *LGBTQIA+-affirming, *disability rights advocacy. - She works to foster and create spaces that are safe for all children, young adults, and their families/caregivers. - Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed practices, and she believes that mental health is a cornerstone of well-being. She believes that all young people deserve to walk through their day with feelings of usefulness, worthiness, rootedness and belonging. - Dr. Phoebe believes that participation in meaningful activities (or “occupations”), and feelings of belonging and self-efficacy, are the “medicine,” - and the best ways to promote regulation, effective participation, and joy for every person.

- Dr. Phoebe believes in family/caregiver empowerment, collaboration, and coaching, to assist students to thrive across their environments: at school, at home, and in the community. - Dr. Phoebe believes that "all kids do well when they can"- and if they aren't, then it makes sense to look closely at the barriers getting into the way of their meaningful and joyful participation. - She presumes competence, and focuses on modifying the environment and tasks so that individuals can thrive. She focuses on self-determination and empowerment to prepare children & young adults, along with their families/caregivers, for what is next. - Dr. Phoebe believes that with affirming and culturally-responsive care, children and young adults can move toward outcomes that are meaningful to them.

- She believes in amplifying voices and the lived experiences of those in communities that have been/are marginalized (BlPOC, disabled voices, voices of those who have experienced trauma, LGBTQIA+ voices, and intersectionality between these groups). - Dr. Phoebe graduated with her Master's degree (MS/OT) and Doctorate degree (OTD) in occupational therapy from University of Illinois at Chicago. She practices in Evanston and Chicago, IL. - Dr. Phoebe is a mama of 3 young kids (Louise, Larson & Eden), and lives with her wife Sara in Evanston, IL. She identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities.