Through a partnership with Rocky Mountain College, youth can build daily living skills, confidence, and independence right on campus.
For many people, activities of daily living happen without much thought. Getting ready for the day, planning meals, practicing hygiene, and moving through daily routines can feel automatic.
For youth facing mental health challenges, sensory needs, cognitive differences, or physical barriers, those same daily tasks can be difficult. Occupational Therapy helps youth strengthen the skills needed to navigate everyday life with greater confidence and independence.
Through a partnership between Rocky Mountain College and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, youth are now able to receive Occupational Therapy services directly on the Ranch campus. Previously, youth needing OT services had to be taken to clinics in the community. Bringing these services on campus helps make care more accessible and better suited to the needs of youth and staff.
The Ranch campus offers many opportunities for hands on learning, including kitchens, outdoor spaces, bikes, basketball, horses, and other activity areas. These settings allow Occupational Therapy to happen in practical, real life environments where youth can build skills they will use beyond treatment.
The partnership also provides valuable clinical experience for students in Rocky Mountain College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. As Dr. Twylla Kirchen, Founding Director of the RMC Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, shared, the Ranch campus gives students a richer hands on learning experience.
Dr. Taylor Mayer, Executive Director of Residential Services, also noted that on site OT is a better fit for youth and staff because therapists can meet youth where they are and even provide sessions in groups, adding opportunities for social and team building skills.
Yellowstone Foundation is proud to support partnerships and programs that help youth build practical skills, strengthen confidence, and prepare for life.
