USD 265 Goddard Public Schools -

“Our related service providers do an incredible job of supporting all students,” shared Connor Christensen, Principal of Apollo Elementary School. “They partner with our early childhood teachers to provide unique experiences to ensure our youngest learners are receiving a well-rounded educational experience.” At Apollo, a team of dedicated related service providers work together to ensure that every early learner is equipped with the necessary skills to embark on their educational journey. Among these caring professionals are Jennifer Wyant, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), Gina Lamberger, Occupational Therapist (OT), and Danna Hotmar, Physical Therapist (PT). Together, they form an integral part of Apollo’s support services, providing specialized interventions that cater to the unique needs of some of Goddard’s youngest learners. At the start of each week, they coordinate a group of early learning students, separating the class into groups of four to six to participate in rotations. Each rotation spends about 20 minutes with one of the related service providers, allowing the students to benefit from different developmental areas.


As Apollo’s SLP, Jennifer Wyant plays a crucial role in enhancing communication and language development. With a gentle and patient demeanor, she works closely with students on their speech, language, or articulation. Through a variety of targeted activities and exercises, Wyant helps them develop essential skills such as listening, understanding, speaking, and reading. “We all work together to get these kids what they need to succeed,” commented Wyant. “We started this as a way for students to grow together.” She may work one-on-one or in groups to improve vocabulary, sentence structure, or the ability to follow directions. Wyant empowers students to communicate effectively by targeting these foundational language skills, and engage in meaningful interactions with their peers and teachers.


At the elementary level, an OT helps students focus on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-help abilities. Gina Lamberger works with Apollo students who may need a little extra attention in tasks that require hand-eye coordination, visual-motor integration, or sensory regulation. “The differences in students’ progress, you can see over time,” Lamberger shared. “It’s about meeting them where they’re at.” Lamberger employs a range of therapeutic techniques, including sensory integration tasks, adaptive equipment, and fine motor exercises, to help students develop the skills they need for success in school and daily life. She may work on activities such as buttoning, gluing, cutting, or grasping small objects. By addressing these fine motor and sensory challenges, Lamberger enables students to participate fully in classroom activities and build a strong foundation for future learning.


Danna Hotmar, the PT at Apollo, specializes in improving gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. She works with students through walking, running, jumping, or playing. Hotmar utilizes a variety of beneficial approaches, including physical exercises, adaptive equipment, and sensory blending activities, to help students develop the motor skills necessary for physical activity and participation in school. Some days, you might see her students working on climbing, balancing, hopping, or throwing activities. Hotmar helps students to engage in physical play, by working with them on their gross motor skills to develop a sense of bodily awareness and build a strong foundation for overall health and well-being.


“It’s important, these blended classroom environments,” said Stacie Cox, Early Learning Teacher at Apollo. “It gives everyone equal opportunity to develop these skills.” The collaborative efforts of related service providers in partnership with early learning teachers are instrumental in helping Apollo Elementary School's youngest learners achieve kindergarten readiness. By providing targeted interventions and support, these educators address the individual needs of each student and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Their expertise, care, and dedication ensure that every member of our #265Family has the opportunity to reach their full potential and embark on a lifelong journey of learning and growth.