Handwriting Specialist: Alissa Johnston — Learning Without Tears Certification

Alissa Johnston

Email:	johnstonalissar [at] gmail [dot] com
Address:	Pittsburgh, PA
Years with HWT:	5
Biography:	Alissa receive her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University in 2014. Since graduating from Duquesne, Alissa has gained experience working with children of varying ages and diagnoses in a variety of settings. Alissa has experience working with children age 0-3 through early intervention and ages 3-21 in an outpatient setting. Alissa initially became interested in becoming a Level 1 Handwriting Without Tears Specialist in the spring of 2015. Later that year she began the process of certification by attending two Handwriting Without Tears workshops for children in Pre-K through 5th grade. She completed her certification in the summer of 2016 after attending a workshop where she learned to administer and assess The Print Tool. Alissa enjoys working with children of all ages and creating original and fun activities for each child to participate in that will help enhance their skills and improve their ability to function independently in school and at home. Having a child bring in a worksheet they complete in school when the teacher has praised them for their improved handwriting is the most rewarding part of being a handwriting specialist. She believes the most important factor in achieving goals is a collaborative and trusting relationship with each client and their family.