We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Jewell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about my industry (occupational therapy) that most outsiders are unaware of is how largely dynamic the term “occupational” is. It extends far beyond helping people find jobs or getting back to work, which is the assumption of many people. Occupations are anything that we as humans participate in that adds meaning and purpose to our life, across the entire lifespan. From the moment a newborn latches onto her mom for feeding, to learning the steps to master bike-riding, from managing social behaviors to interact better with peers on the playground, to learning how to navigate the community safely, or organizing the steps to apply for a job, all the way to ensuring one’s home environment is safe to live in as one ages; occupations are the skills of life, and occupational therapists support people to fully engage in these day to day activities. Here at Kids on the POINT, we focus primarily on children’s occupations- and as a child, the primary occupation is play! We break down many motor, sensory, cognitive, and emotional skills necessary for all children to succeed in doing all things kid. From self-dressing, trying new foods, learning to navigate playground equipment, supporting sibling and peer interactions, organization of homework, and beyond. Occupational therapy is such a diverse, dynamic, and ever-changing job, as we get to address each individual’s needs as they arise, and within the natural contexts of their life; whether it be in their home, the community, classroom, hospital, or studio setting. Occupational therapists make a difference in the quality of life for the people that we work with, by using treatment approaches that are client-centered, meaningful, and fun!

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a pediatric occupational therapy studio located in the Shelter Island community of Point Loma. Kids on the POINT was first launched out of a home, and when we outgrew that space, it was always our intention to keep it local in Point Loma. It is important to us that we are able to serve the community we live in and love for so many reasons. We feel fortunate that so many families have welcomed our expertise into their daily lives, and we have an intimate job in which we really get thrown into the “behind the scenes” worlds of the kids we work with; whether it’s working through meltdowns, helping an anxious child leave the house for school, or assisting kids to become better advocates of their needs, we get a first hand look into their lives. Our goal is to support kids and their families by meeting them exactly where they are at, and being a guiding force to work them through and over hurdles, both big and small, so that they can be the best version of who they are. I feel very grateful to have chosen the career path I did, and to be able to pursue my dreams through helping others in the community I grew up in, and continue to love.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
San Diego is a great city to visit, for many reasons, and it is always fun when a friend comes from out of town. Here’s some of my favorite go to’s by neighborhood: A day in La Jolla: -Coffee Cup for breakfast…love the rosemary potatoes -Go peek at the sea lions that are at La Jolla Cove -Head up the coast a few minutes and take a hike at Torrey Pines. It’s also fun to watch the hang gliders at the Gliderport, or sign up to do it if it’s your type of thing! A day in Downtown: -Start with brunch and farmers market in Little Italy. Some of my favorites are Queenstown Public House and Morning Glory -Walk down to the harbor and check out the Midway if interested -Catch a quick Uber ride up the hill to Balboa Park….a great place to pack a picnic and stroll the beautiful grounds and museums. Grab a cocktail at The Prado. -If it’s baseball season, head to Petco to catch a game, it’s lots of fun and it’s an awesome stadium. -End in South park for dinner at Piacere Mio- a charming little italian restaurant. A day in Point Loma/Ocean Beach -Grab a quick breakfast at PL Bagel, and a coffee down at Azucar or Coffee Hub, then head to Shelter Island. -Paddle Board in the San Diego Bay, my favorite spot is tucked in behind the Kona Kai resort through all the boat docks. Paddle over to Kellogg Beach if you want to set up on the sand at all before heading in. -Grab some delicious fish tacos at Mitch’s for lunch. -Got to head to Sunset Cliffs for a nice walk and of course, to catch the sunset over the Pacific. It’s also fun to head to Newport Avenue (especially on Wednesday for farmers market) in OB- there’s no place like it. -There are lots of fun dinner spots…Bo Beaus, The Pearl, Old Venice, Jimmy’s, Cesarina -If it’s summer, definitely catch a concert at Humphrey’s by the Bay; my favorite venue in San Diego.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mentor, business partner, and mother all in one….Bobbi Hanna

Website: https://www.kidsonthepointot.com
Instagram: A work in progress, coming soon!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsonthePointOT1237/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credits
Nick Mitzenmacher