Hi!  My name is Kathy Gaines, and I have worked as a physical therapist in the Ann Arbor Public Schools since 2001.  Prior to working at AAPS, I attended CMU for my masters in Physical Therapy, and worked at Botsford Hospital and did pediatric home care services.  Physical therapy (PT) in a school is a little different than medical-based PT, and focuses more on how children are able to access the school environment as safely and independently as possible.  It is also important to make sure students are able to participate with their peers from a physical standpoint, whether that means having the motor skills, balance and coordination to sit in class, walk around the building, or, of course, to play with friends at recess or during physical education class.  Students can receive school-based physical therapy services after an evaluation process to determine if school-based PT is necessary and appropriate.  I love working with the students at Bryant Elementary, and have fun "playing" at work every day!