Sami Cook
Samantha (Sami) Cook, MOT, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in toddlers and children with challenges in sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills, self-regulation and attention. Her path to becoming an Occupational Therapist began unexpectedly during her undergraduate years at Colgate University. In her time earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sami applied and received a grant for a summer research internship studying the efficacy of a social skills program at a summer camp for children with Autism. It was during this time at camp she realized her passion for working with children and observed the effectiveness of using intentional play and specific activities as a channel through which she could connect with campers and also teach them new, meaningful skills. This was the kind of therapy approach she became a firm believer in and has not looked back since.
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Upon graduating with honors from the University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Occupational Therapy Program in 2014, Sami began her career at a pediatric clinic in New York City, working with both school aged-children and infants and toddlers in the early-intervention program. Sami gained experience working with children with a range of diagnoses including those with ASD, ADHD, Sensory Processing challenges, gross and fine motor delays, and genetic disorders. With the opportunity to move back to her home state in 2015, Sami began work here at TeeKoz Kids OT. Sami sought out this practice for the unique mentorship opportunity working alongside one of the most seasoned and skilled occupational therapists in the area, her mother, Teri Kozlowski.
During her time here, Sami has co-led the Food School Program, a feeding intervention program offered for families of children who are picky eaters. She has also been involved in running Social Skill dyads and groups for children with regulation, attention, and or behavioral challenges. Sami has also conducted home and school visits, parent education sessions, and school in-services.
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Sami has continued to build on her skill-set and knowledge with the following courses: Sensory Processing Level 1 Mentorship at the SPD STAR Center, the Social Thinking Curriculum and the SOS Feeding Approach. Sami is also trained in integrated Listening systems (iLs) and the Astronaut Training Program.
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Sami lives in Baltimore with her husband Aaron and sons Cash and Leo