Northport Wellness Center Alliance Member and Occupational Therapist Patricia Rutledge OTR/L founded Sensational Development Occupational Therapy in 2009 with her daughter, Sara Pereira MS,OTR/L. Sensational Development  is a pediatric occupational therapy practice with locations  in Massapequa and  East Northport.  

Sensational Development was created as a place where children can feel safe and welcomed and parents can be educated on the areas of development that are impacting their child's day to day activities. 

Patti has an extensive background working with children. Before embarking on her career path as an Occupational Therapist, Patti worked as a preschool teacher for several years at Community Nursery School in Massapequa.

After graduating from LaGuardia Community College in 1996, Patti worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Patti continued her education at Dominican College and became a Licensed Certified Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) in 2001.

Patti has worked in a number of pediatric settings which include 10 years of experience in a sensory integration clinic, home based settings (early intervention and preschool) and both elementary and preschools. Throughout her career, Patti has worked with a variety of children with various needs such as developmental delays, autism, feeding difficulties, sensory processing disorders, extreme prematurity, cerebral palsy and other varied diagnosis.

Patti has taken many continuing education classes to improve her knowledge on how to best help the children and families that she works with. Patti is SIPT (Sensory Integration Praxis Test) certified which allows her to administer the SIPT test. Patti has taken Yoga for the Special Child, Kay Toomey's S.O.S. Approach to Feeding, numerous courses in Brain Gym and is a Therapeutic Listening Program provider. Patti is currently pursuing an additional certification in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI).  

Patti has worked in early intervention, preschools, elementary schools and is always expanding her knowledge through additional coursework.  In her spare time, Patti enjoys playing with her 3 little granddaughters and spending time with family and friends.

Sensational Development Occupational Therapy has an office in Massapequa at 669 Broadway and in East Northport at 378 Larkfield Road #2.  

To schedule an appointment for Occupational Therapy or for more information, contact Sensational  Development at (516) 799-2900.