Meet the OT (Occupational Therapist)

My name is Cricket Rizzo. I have worked in the Norwin School District since 2007 as an occupational therapist with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit.  As of the 2013-2014 school year, I became an official Norwin employee.  I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in June, 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy.  I also received my Master of Science degree in Healthcare Supervision and Management in December, 1995 from the University of Pittsburgh. I obtained further certification as an Assistive Technology Professional in October, 1996 through RESNA - The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.  Prior to coming to Norwin, I worked for 7 years at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit evaluating and treating early intervention and school age students.  Before working at the IU, I was employed at Healthsouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital for 20 years.  While at Harmarville, I evaluated and treated individuals with many different disabilities including brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputations, and other neurologic conditions.  I also had the opportunity to coordinate recruitment of new staff and professional development of existing staff, in addition to managing the occupational therapy student program.  Over the many years of my career as an occupational therapist, I have had experience teaching at the university level at Pitt, Chatham, and Duquesne, as well as being a guest lecturer at Slippery Rock University, West Virginia University, and CCAC. I will be providing occupational therapy services to students at Sheridan Terrace Elementary School, Hillcrest Intermediate School, and Norwin High School.