Andrea Gerhardt

Occupational Therapist and Certified Autism Specialist with 34 years of pediatric experience across school and outpatient settings, including district-level supervisory leadership, evaluation oversight, staff development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Experienced in conducting and interpreting developmental assessments, supporting regulatory compliance, streamlining workflows, and partnering with families and service teams to support neurodivergent learners. Skilled in staff mentorship, systems coordination, and family-centered communication.

Known for thoughtful leadership, practical problem-solving, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Occupational Therapist & OT Supervisor - Strong Roots Pediatric Therapy & Wellness - Rochester, NY

(2025-01 - 2026-12)

• Provide pediatric occupational therapy services for children ages 2–12 presenting with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and sensory processing differences.
• Conduct developmental and functional evaluations using clinical observation and standardized assessment tools; interpret findings and communicate recommendations collaboratively with caregivers and educational teams.
• Support families through practical coaching related to co-regulation, routines, executive functioning, sensory processing, and environmental modifications.
• Assist with onboarding and mentorship of staff while supporting scheduling workflows, continuity communication, prescriptions/authorizations, and timely documentation completion.
• Maintain collaborative communication across caregivers, providers, and educational teams to support continuity of care.

Coordinator, Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy Department - Rochester City School District - Rochester, NY

(2014-01 - 2018-12)

• Directed OT/PT service delivery across multiple district sites; supervised and supported a multidisciplinary team of approximately 50 therapists.
• Managed staffing coordination, scheduling systems, workflow problem-solving, and service coverage to support timely and compliant service delivery.
• Hired, onboarded, mentored, and evaluated staff performance while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and consistency of practice.
• Delivered professional development and targeted training sessions for related service providers, teachers, administrators, and CSE teams.
• Supported Medicaid documentation compliance, quality assurance processes, and operational follow-through across teams.
• Collaborated with administrators, educational teams, and service providers to resolve complex student and service coordination concerns.

School-Based Occupational Therapist (Preschool–School Age) - Rochester City School District - Rochester, NY

(1996-01 - 2025-12)

• Conducted pediatric occupational therapy evaluations and ongoing assessment of fine motor, visual motor, sensory regulation, executive functioning, self-care, and classroom participation skills.
• Developed and implemented individualized goals and intervention plans aligned with educational and developmental needs.
• Collaborated closely with families, teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, and multidisciplinary teams to support student participation and carryover across settings.
• Communicated evaluation findings and recommendations clearly and compassionately to caregivers and educational teams.
• Developed and led the Moving Minds Preschool Movement Program, integrating movement into preschool curriculum to support regulation, engagement, and school readiness.

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy - Keuka College