About Me

Amber Fessler, OTD, MS, OTR/L

I am a pediatric occupational therapist of 17+ years. I graduated from the University of Mary with a Master's Degree in 2004 and completed my clinical doctorate degree with a Remedial Vision Rehabilitation focus from Salus University in 2020. My biggest passion is supporting children's functional vision skills while maturing overall sensory processing and motor skills. They say the "eyes are the window to the brain" and I have experienced that to be true in SO many of my patients, resulting in quicker progress and leading to successful outcomes.

I am happy to be back home in Rapid City, SD after moving several times for my husband's career in the US Air Force. We have two crazy, full-of-life children that keep life interesting! We also have two horses and a dog that round out our home.

I strive to bring "joy in life" to every patient I serve and would be honored and gracious to work with you and your child!

Experience

  • Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy ; 2020

  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy; 2004

  • 17+ years of experience in pediatrics

Certifications and Programs used

  • Remedial Vision Rehabilitation

    • Evidence-based intervention targeting functional vision skills such as oculomotor (eye movement) skills, eye teaming, central-peripheral integration, visual-motor integration, and visual perceptual skills

  • Neuro-Sensory Motor Maturation

    • Primitive and postural reflex integration program devoted to maturing the nervous system to support functional vision development as well as sensory-motor skill acquisition

  • Rhythmic Movement Training

    • Movement-based, primitive reflex integration program designed to rebuild foundations necessary for overcoming sensory, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

  • Sensory Integration

    • Evidenced-based approach to targeting a variety of sensory challenges including sensory modulation (defensiveness and seeking behaviors), sensory-based motor problems, and sensory discrimination difficulties

  • Safe and Sound Protocol

    • Sound-based intervention and auditory vagus nerve stimulator used to support individuals experiencing auditory sensitivities and autonomic nervous system imbalance

  • Handwriting Without Tears

    • A multi-sensory program designed to support the development of efficient handwriting skills