Eileen M. Dixon

Dixon, an occupational therapist at Joseph M. Gallagher Elementary School, would like to develop a stronger school community by bringing special and regular education students together to work and play. Through her project "Occupational Therapy Working in the School Community Through the Use of Environment, Meditation, and Movement" she would like to address the needs of kindergarten though eighth-grade students so they can participate in outdoor activities. Through self-discovery and organized purposeful activities students with a disability will have the opportunity to get the most out of their school experience. Gardening, yoga and movement equipment would be made available to all students to help them learn about the outdoor environment, become active members of the school community, develop friendships, experience teamwork and encourage responsibility. Dixon's project aims to contribute to the development of underlying performance components that are prerequisites for academic learning and vocational training within the student's current educational setting. Dixon is a resident of Lakewood.