Sawdust Occupational Therapy

02/17/2026

🏛️ Sawdust OT at Legislative Day – Advocating for Access & Fair Reimbursement

Today we were proud to be at the Georgia Capitol for Legislative Day, advocating alongside colleagues in support of the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association (GSHA).

The focus:
✔️ Necessary coding updates and evaluation standards
✔️ Protecting and improving access to patient care
✔️ Increasing awareness among lawmakers about the real challenges providers and families are facing

These conversations matter. Coding structures and reimbursement policies directly impact whether clinics like ours can continue delivering high-quality, hands-on, community-based services to the families who rely on them. When providers are supported, families are supported.

We are committed not only to serving our apprentices in the clinic, but also to standing up for them at the Capitol. Advocacy is part of our responsibility as healthcare providers and as business owners in Georgia.

Thank you to GSHA and all the professionals who showed up today to ensure our patients’ voices are heard.

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that what we build at Sawdust isn’t just projects: it’s confidence, independence, friendships, and futures.

From the very first cut of wood to the final coat of paint, our apprentices pour their hearts into everything they create. And just like these hearts in our clinic, every day here is layered with patience, growth, and a whole lot of love.

To our families, thank you for trusting us with your children.
To our staff, thank you for leading with heart.
To our apprentices, you are the reason we do what we do.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Sawdust OT. ❤️🛠️

02/03/2026

Attention Sawdust OT Families: Here is the latest update to Katie Beckett Issue in Georgia.

Please read and if you have any questions please email or reach out to Ben or James regarding verification and status updates and we will do our best to help you in anyway we can.

Over the weekend, an IT issue has caused certain Katie Beckett cases to be flagged incorrectly during a routine update

02/02/2026

⚠️ Important Medicaid Update for Families ⚠️

We want to make our Sawdust OT families aware of a statewide Medicaid issue that is currently impacting many households across Georgia.

During our routine monthly insurance verifications, we have identified that a number of Medicaid plans are showing as inactive. This is not due to any action or error on Sawdust Occupational Therapy’s end, but appears to be related to Medicaid renewal or eligibility redetermination processes.

At this time, approximately 100,000 individuals in Georgia have been removed from Medicaid, often without families realizing action was required.

👉 We are actively contacting affected families directly to discuss next steps and how this may impact scheduled appointments.

If your child is enrolled in Medicaid, we strongly encourage you to:
• Check your Medicaid status
• Contact Georgia Medicaid promptly if coverage shows inactive
• Respond to any communication from our office as soon as possible

In some cases, Medicaid may reinstate coverage and backdate it—but this is not guaranteed and is determined solely by Medicaid.

Our goal is to ensure continuity of care while navigating this unexpected statewide issue, and we appreciate your prompt attention and cooperation as we work through this together.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our office directly. We’re here to help. 💙

02/02/2026

The Clinical Value of Woodworking in Occupational Therapy

At Sawdust OT, woodworking is not simply a leisure activity, it is a meaningful, evidence-informed therapeutic intervention used to support functional performance and skill development.

Creative activities used in occupational therapy engage both cognitive and physical systems, promote participation in meaningful occupations, and support the development of transferable life skills. Research identifies key characteristics of creative activities as intervention, including engagement of mind and body, personal meaning, a structured creative process, adaptability, and skill development that enhances occupational performance (Hansen et al., 2020).

Woodworking-based interventions may address:
• Fine and gross motor coordination
• Bilateral integration and sequencing
• Executive functioning and problem-solving
• Sustained attention and task completion
• Emotional regulation and self-efficacy

Each phase of a woodworking project—from planning and measuring to assembling and finishing—targets skills that translate into daily activities. The tangible outcome further supports motivation, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

At Sawdust OT, we integrate woodworking into goal-directed therapy to promote meaningful engagement and functional outcomes.

To learn more about our programs,
Please contact us at 470-550-1166
Email intake@sawdustot.com

References:
Hansen, B. W., Erlandsson, L. K., & Leufstadius, C. (2020). A concept analysis of creative activities as intervention in occupational therapy. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28(1), 63–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2020.1775884

01/26/2026

Due to the winter weather and advisories, Sawdust OT will be CLOSED on Monday, January 26, 2026 to keep our apprentices, families, and staff safe and cozy.

While we love sawdust, tools, and projects… we don’t love icy roads 🧊🚗. Take the day to stay warm, sip some hot cocoa, build something fun at home, and maybe practice a few life skills like cooking, organizing, or creative problem-solving!

We’ll be back in the shop soon and ready to build, create, and get back to work. Stay safe out there and enjoy your snow day! ☃️🪵

The Sawdust OT Team

01/23/2026

🏠 Did you know our Marietta location has a fully functional apartment dedicated to life skills training?

Through our H.A.B.I.T. Program, apprentices build real-world independence by practicing everyday skills that matter. From Cooking, cleaning, laundry, hosting friends, and so much more! These hands-on experiences help support meaningful transitions and empower our apprentices to live life to the fullest.

Today’s lesson? 🍕 Homemade pizza from scratch and a cup of very much-needed coffee ☕😂—because life skills should be practical and fun.

Interested in learning more about our life skills program or seeing the apartment in action?

Reach out to schedule a tour today! SawdustOT@gmail.com

VocationalTherapy OccupationalTherapy SpecialNeedsSupport BuildingIndependence RealWorldSkills MariettaGA GeorgiaOT

12/30/2025

Now Enrolling for 2026: New Apprentices Welcome!

Sawdust Occupational Therapy is excited to announce that we are now accepting new apprentices for 2026 at both our Roswell and Marietta locations!

We offer hands-on, purpose-driven programming in Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, designed to build confidence, independence, and real-world skills through meaningful work and creativity.

🛠️ What’s New for 2026?
• Expanded Life Skills Programming
• NEW Cooking & Kitchen Skills Courses
• Continued hands-on learning through woodworking, small engine repair, mechanics, technology, and creative trades
• Supportive, community-based environment focused on independence and growth

Whether your son/daughter is working toward employment, independence, or stronger communication and social skills, Sawdust OT provides a unique, engaging path forward.

📍 Locations: Roswell & Marietta
📅 Limited openings available for 2026
📩 SawdustOT@gmail.com

12/11/2025

We Did It! Sawdust OT Won “Best of Business Rate 2025” for Occupational Therapy in Roswell!

We are incredibly honored to share that Sawdust Occupational Therapy has been awarded the Best of Business Rate 2025. This recognition means so much to us because it reflects the trust, support, and experiences of the families we serve every day.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for letting us be part of your young apprentice’s journey. Your encouragement, kind words, and continued partnership make everything we do possible.

Here’s to an incredible 2025, continued growth, and serving our community with the same love and purpose that earned this recognition.

12/05/2025

Hey Sawdust OT Family!

We’re so excited to share that Sawdust OT has been featured in the December 2025 issue of City Lifestyle!

We couldn’t be more proud to see our mission, helping young adults and children with special needs build life skills through woodworking, crafting and hands-on projects, spotlighted in such a wonderful community publication.

Big thanks to City Lifestyle for shining a light on inclusive therapy that empowers creativity, confidence, and independence.

We’re so grateful for our amazing apprentices, families, therapists, and supporters. This feature is for you.

https://citylifestyle.com/roswellga/issues/2025-12

10/29/2025

At Sawdust OT Marietta, Shayon’s training workouts are so good you’ll break a sweat and a board!

Turning sawdust and sweat into strength one rep at a time!

If you are interested in Personal Training at Sawdust Marietta Shayon will be holding free 15 minutes sessions. Email Sawdustot@gmail.com for more information!

10/27/2025

ANNOUCEMENT!

Introducing the ABLE Hands Initiative 501c(3): Crafting Independence, Building Futures.

We’re proud to present this video from Life on the Spectrum podcast that shines a spotlight on the ABLE Hands Initiative, the nonprofit arm of Sawdust OT, where our mission extends beyond therapy and into real-world vocational empowerment!

At ABLE Hands, we believe in putting the future back in our participants’ hands: teens and adults with special needs are given the opportunity to learn trade and craft skills, explore job pathways, and build community beyond the constraints of insurance!

Because of this program, Sawdust OT isn’t just about occupational therapy anymore. It’s about creating lasting impact:

Participants working side-by-side with subject matter experts and mentors, using tools and materials related to that field and trade.
Life skills, job readiness, and confidence growing through meaningful projects.
A community built around possibility, where independence isn’t a dream, it’s a path.
Families strengthened and supported through inclusive programs and social connections.
👉 Watch the video, share it with someone who needs to see this work in action, and tag a friend who believes in purpose-driven opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered how craft + trade + community can change trajectories, this is it.

In this episode, discover how Able Hands can empower your teen and adult with vocational skills and trade training. Building confidence, capability, and con...