Meet Our Maine Team
Monica Belanger, OTR/L, CAS
CEO of Dedicated Pediatric Therapy
I am a pediatric occupational therapist and Certified Autism Specialist. All my life I have been shaped by challenging the standard. I was born and raised in Maine and attended Husson University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2014 and Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2015. After my coursework, I moved to Florida to pursue my clinical internships in OT, and lived there for nearly 9 years. I now live in Puerto Rico and travel to Florida, Maine, and North Carolina to continue my life goal of impacting under-served communities with exceptional occupational therapy services.
I love working with children of all ages and do all that I can to ensure my kids are enjoying therapy with intrinsically motivating activities. My guiding principle in OT is "regulation before expectation"- ensuring every child's sensory system is regulated before expecting them to engage in functional tasks. In October of 2023, I was honored to present at the MEOTA Conference for two sessions- one on regulation before expectation, and the other on classroom design to support the academic success of Autistic students. My most rewarding days include when a child achieves a skill they may have previously thought was impossible, but by adapting the environment and building strength and coordination, we are able to achieve almost anything! I enjoy cooking, traveling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and volunteering for local dog rescues.
Carmen Bernhardt, OTA
I was born in Puerto Rico. One of 12 children and moved to New York at the age of 10. I have a BS degree in Health and Physical Education and I am fluent in Spanish. After getting married and moving to Maine I returned to school to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have a son who is diagnosed with Autism; that was my inspiration to learn more about helping others achieve their fullest potential.
I have been a school board member, own my own home daycare business and administered several preschool programs. I worked for the Maine State YMCA for many years running their summer camps, waterfront programs, coach gymnastics and taught swimming lessons for all ages. I am a mother of 3 grown children and a grandmother to 4 beautiful grandchildren. My husband of 38 years, David and I enjoy family time at our Maine lake home in Winslow.
I have been in practice for 23 years in multiple settings including: Woodfords School- specializing in Autism, Maine General Health Physical Rehabilitation, Gray Birch Skilled nursing facility, Elementary and middle school settings and Home Health. I am currently semi-retired.
I love to travel, learn about different cultures ,hiking, skiing, gardening, and bird watching. My greatest joy is helping others understand and value the gifts each individual has to offer.
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Carmen now provides in home pediatric occupational therapy services in the Central Maine area.
Our values include excellence and service.
Do your values align with ours?
Are you a creative, energetic, and reliable therapist? Are you wanting a job that gives you the freedom to create your own schedule, choose your clients, choose the areas you travel to, and provides exceptional supervision & mentorship? At Dedicated Pediatric Therapy we're committed to our therapist's professional development and job satisfaction just as much as we're committed to our client's success.
If you have a passion for pediatrics, are flexible for patient needs, and are willing to give 110% when it comes to advocating for and treating your patients with the utmost respect, dignity, and compassion- please send your resume to the email below.