Our Shining Stars

Osmani

We are a multilingual, multiracial family, with family here in California all the way to Cuba where Osmani’s dad, Teddy is from. Teddy moved here from Cuba 10 years ago and works in the restaurant industry. Jessica, the mom is a Spanish bilingual reading teacher and has been working at the same public school for 15 years. Osmani, 7 years old has a younger sister Isabel who is 5 years old. They both enjoy playing Legos, magnatiles, and creating imaginative games together.

Osmani has always loved building and creating with conventional and unconventional materials. He is curious and likes to figure things out on his own. He takes a long time to warm up to people and is reluctant to answer questions with words when they come from someone other than Mom or Dad. Due to the pandemic, Osmani spent kindergarten on the computer. When he went to school in person in first grade towards the middle of the year we started getting complaints from school about him not being able to handle large emotions, being physically aggressive towards other kids, not being able to sit on the rug, and hiding under the tables. These struggles have continued into second grade, with him being escalated for long periods of time, damaging his social relationships and interfering with his and other students’ learning.

The preschool his sister attends and he also attended works with OT Studio, doing OT screenings for all Pre-K students. A consult for his sister was recommended and during this meeting, a more urgent concern of Osmani came up. After describing Osmani’s struggles, Julia recommended OT therapy for sensory integration. We felt so excited and relieved that there was something, not involving medication that could be done to support Osmani to be more regulated at school. We strongly believe that all aspects of OT are important for proper functioning in the place kids spent the most time, school. Most schools are not equipped with the personnel or training to support those kids who need extra practice in the areas OT supports.
We have been working with OT Studio for 3 months. I feel very supported by Julia, with her encouraging me to advocate at Osmani’s school, helping with accountability for in-school accommodations, and attending school meetings, in addition to the regular therapy sessions and home program. I am confident with consistent OT therapy and the right accommodations at school, Osmani will be able to regulate his emotions, build positive social relationships with adults and his peers, as well as meet academic goals.

As a family of 4 with incomes from a public school teacher and a restaurant employee, we are stretched thin to cover our basic expenses. Without this grant, we would not be able to afford OT therapy. Osmani would not be able to access this critical care that will allow him to be successful in school, making an enormous impact on his self-esteem and educational future. Thank you for your support!