The Full Story
About Us
Michelle Speer, OTD, OTRL, iLsP, CTP, ADHD-CCSP
Michelle is a dedicated professional with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University and a doctorate in occupational therapy from the University of Michigan-Flint. With a strong background in mental health and sensory integration, she employs a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed care model in her practice. At an outpatient clinic, Michelle incorporates animal-assisted therapy with her dog, Fig Newton, and is currently researching the impact of this approach in a group setting for children learning about their sensory needs. Her certifications include: Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP), Certified Trauma Practitioner, ADHD Certified Clinician, Neurodiversity Specialist, and AEIOU Feeding Approach.
Fig Newton
Fig is a 3-year-old Carolina Dog Mix. He was adopted from Huron Valley Humane Society at 6 months old. Fig came from ruff beginnings, but has always had a strong love for people and other animals. With support from his owners, Fig has learned how to navigate his little world. Fig LOVES to play. His favorite activity is playing fetch with his frisbee or ball. Fig’s favorite foods are peanut butter and pup cups, but Fig loves food, so all food is fair game. Fig spends his morning and nights cuddling under fuzzy blankets between his owners and, with his stuffy, Ally the Alligator. Fig knows 15 tricks, and has strong command skills. While he looks serious, Fig is a pretty silly dog! Fig is known for his powerful butt wiggles and honking, instead of barking. Fig holds an AKC Canine Good Citizen certification,
and multiple Therapy Dog certifications. Fig and his handler, Michelle S are registered under Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Therapaws as a certified Therapy Dog Team.
Our
Story
My husband and I adopted Fig from our local rescue when he was 6 months old. Fig taught us what it means to be family no matter what, and what co-regulation might look like for some of the families I support. With roughly 1 year of consistent training (through in home supports, regulation protocols, and dog classes) Fig finally started to be able to experience was safety can look like. The more Fig felt safe, the more classes we explored, and the more he let me know he was open to being a part of one of my life and career dreams- to become a therapy dog team, and to start our animal-assisted intervention journey. Since this journey, Fig and I have been pawtners in crime, and an inseparable duo. Fig works with me at my current job as a pediatric (and adult) occupational therapist at an outpatient clinic. Fig has taught me about the power of the human-animal bond, and just how incredible dogs are.
Fig at Willow
Fig currently works with Michelle at Willow Integrated Therapy, a primarily pediatric outpatient sensory integrative clinic. Fig and Michelle support autistic and ADHD children, teens, and adults. Fig's impact is felt across the clinic-- he provides support with self-regulation, normalizing sensory differences, aiding in feeding therapy, challenging executive functioning, motivating healing movement, and overall provides a nervous system that is ready to co-regulate and connect in ways that humans could not begin to fathom. Michelle currently runs "Fig's Sensory Group" where neurodiverse children learn about their sensory profile, and learn ways to support and regulate their nervous system. We are currently collecting data on this group that will hopefully lead to future publication.
