Melonie Monroe Lewis, COTA/L

Melonie earned her Associates of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Pitt Community College in 2010. Through her fieldwork and work experience she has worked directly with children with a variety of disabilities including autism, developmental delay, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, Alcohol Fetal Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.

"I have always been “young at heart” and playful; therefore I love serving preschool children. I “play” all day and get paid for it!! Working with my caseload kids the past year and a half has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Each time a child accomplishes a goal, it is such an awesome feeling knowing that I had a small part in his/her victory. Being formed and molded as a “people person”, I had the desire to work in the medical field and graduated from Beaufort County Community College in 1992 with a diploma to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse. For fifteen years, I cared for the geriatric population in two long term care facilities. In 2007, my family’s needs were changing which resulted in my second career. I chose Occupational Therapy for several reasons but for time sake, I will mention two. The first reason: My daughter, Brandi, was diagnosed with ADHD in the fifth grade. Feeling frustrated and helpless, I watched her struggle as she attempted to keep up with day to day studies. Having had similar issues growing up, I knew personally how Brandi felt; I had a deep desire to help others like her. The second reason was very personal to me. When I was 15, I was struck by a car. Therapy was challenging for me. Every day, my mom and I faced new hurdles. As a very active child, I was strong willed and persisted to push forward through the pain. I see myself in so many of the children I serve. I have been happily married to my best friend, Edward, for 7 years. I have two wonderful children---Brandi (age 16) and Jonah (age 11)."