Meet Megan Jewell of Kids on the POINT OT in Point Loma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Jewell.

Megan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Throughout my schooling years, I always knew I wanted to work with kids and I wanted to do something that would make a positive impact. It wasn’t until partway through my undergraduate college experience that I pinpointed the decision to apply for my Masters in Occupational Therapy. While enrolled at Sonoma State University (on a nursing track), I volunteered for Saturday Sidekicks- a program held on campus where we engaged with young adults with disabilities to create meaningful relationships, movement experiences, and teamwork activities. I called home, excited to share with my mom that I wanted to go to OT school. My mom, who had been a pediatric occupational therapy assistant for 15 years or so at that point, laughed and said” I could have told you so, but you would have never listened to me,”

So how did I get here? I guess, I knew it all along but had to follow my own path to make it true for myself, and I feel very fortunate that I did.

Has it been a smooth road?
As a therapist, I would say my road has been smooth because my passion for what I do has always made the obstacles worth it. I am constantly expanding my skillsets and knowledge, and always pushing myself to be the best that I can be for my clients and their families. One of the challenges of this profession is that it’s not a job you can easily leave at the office once you are done for the day. Your clients’ successes become your successes, and their struggles become your struggles.

As a business owner, it has been a big adjustment to switch from a “therapist” role to a “therapist and business co-owner” role. Having taken zero business classes in college, the learning curve was big and intimidating initially. Luckily, my mom (who is my business partner) and I have a great working relationship, and we also have very supportive husbands; who also bring their own expertise to the table to support what we are doing, as an architect and CPA.

When it comes to being a business owner, I look at the “obstacles” more as “learning opportunities.” Our main priority has always been to provide the community we grew up in with high quality and meaningful occupational therapy services that support the development of children. Each time we make a mistake, hire someone new, or build professional relationships with others in the community, we have this goal in mind, and it drives what we do and what we represent.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kids on the POINT OT – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are Kids on the POINT OT- a developmental pediatric occupational therapy studio. The business started in a private home setting, which allowed for us to work on many meaningful childhood occupations; from cooking, to gardening, to learning the rules of 4-square in the alley, to navigating the neighborhood using a map, and much more. However, a few years ago, we outgrew the space and knew it was time to transition into a commercial space.

We specialize in sensory integration, in which we influence a child’s nervous system through therapeutic play; with the end goal being improved daily function. Whether that is more independence in dressing or grooming, better socialization with peers on the playground, improved attention for school performance, and much more.

I am most proud of Kids on the POINT for maintaining our intention to remain a small company that prioritizes quality services. Kids on the POINT is a safe space for kids of all abilities to come and be their true selves. We have the flexibility to work with our clients not only at our studio, but also in their homes, schools, and community at large; we meet them where they are at, and impact their lives in a way that has lasting effects.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that our city has year-round outdoor activity choices. I also love exploring the different neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, new beach walks, etc. There’s always something to do!

The only thing I dislike is the increasing amount of traffic, especially over the summer months.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2909-A Carleton St
  San Diego, CA
  92106
• Website: https://www.kidsonthepointot.com
• Phone: 619.795.7790
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsonthePointOT1237/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
Mark Dastrup

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