About Dr. Amy Wheadon

Amy is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 22 years of experience working with children and families. Amy is a board certified, practicing occupational therapist who is licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  Amy has extensive clinical experience working with children with developmental disorders, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Executive Functioning Disorder.  Amy uses an eclectic, individualized and strengths-based approach to facilitate each child’s success and independence, by targeting strength (including core strength), fine motor skills, visual motor integration skills, sensory processing skills, organizational skills, cooperative peer interaction and confidence building.  Amy has been trained in and has experience using specific intervention traditional techniques such as the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, the ALERT Program, the Astronaut Program and Handwriting Without Tears.  Amy also has previous experience using ILS and The Listening Program. Amy founded, developed and refined the EXERSHINEkids POWER Bootcamp Program in 2015, which now has its headquarters at kidSHINE, with 10-15 high intensity exercise based classes offered weekly for all age groups and ability levels. Amy also runs an EXERSHINEkids clinician training and certification program quart-annually.

Amy is an active member of AOTA and MAOT, and she is an AOTA Approved Provider for Professional Development Activities. In 2020, Amy completed research on the efficacy of high intensity exercise as a change agent for improved sensory processing skills in children.  Amy has presented this research at the AOTA Children and Youth Conference, the Georgia Alliance of School Based OTs and PTs, and had her poster presentation accepted for the 2020 AOTA National Conference.  In addition, Amy is a guest lecturer at universities and collaborative e-learning conferences and she provides in person and virtual continuing education for several area preschools and elementary schools, including participating in a post- COVID educational support grant program to bring her BOOST program to two area schools.

​Amy recently co-authored the first book in a children’s book series about sensory processing, friendship and empowerment: King’s Day Out.  In her spare time, Amy enjoys distance running and is a strength and conditioning enthusiast.  She has a passion for exercise and understands the importance of fitness, health and staying active as part of daily life.  Amy is also a mother of 3 teenage children and a rescue dog named Luna.