About the Authors

LouAnne Audette, OTR

LouAnne Audette received her BS degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 1975. After working in nursing homes for a few years, she got married and stayed home for 10 years to raise her 3 sons. She returned to work part-time in 1985 at a general hospital, and later at a small private sensory integration-based pediatric clinic located in the Davisburg (Michigan) Medical Clinic that combined psychiatry with tutoring, counseling, and therapy.

Her son received tutoring and counseling at this clinic and LouAnne learned many ideas that would lead to the Getting it Write concept and her desire to help other parents who were going through similar frustrations. In 1997 Kenny REHAB (see About the Program) downsized their business, and LouAnne went on to work at The Abilities Center, Inc. in West Bloomfield, Michigan after both the owner and clinical coordinator expressed an interest in editing, piloting, and publishing Getting it Write.

LouAnne continued exploring occupational therapy's diversity at The Abilities Center by working in group homes for the developmentally disabled, becoming certified in infant massage techniques, introducing the Kindermusik® concept to the center, and carrying out grant programs through EarlyOn. She is presently enjoying running her own business, Moving Forward, LLC, a senior move management company. She and her staff help seniors in Southeast Detroit with floor planning, downsizing, sorting and organizing, packing and unpacking, as well as referral and follow-up services during later life moves.

LouAnne loves helping people of all ages and is a strong advocate for the many facets of Occupational Therapy. She is also a musician, grandmother, and devoted volunteer for her church and community.

Anne Karson, OTR

In 1982 Anne Karson received her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University. After three years as a staff OTR in a community-based hospital, Anne accepted the position as Director of Occupational Therapy at Pontiac General Hospital. In addition to supervising and managing the department, she became involved in developing and marketing of new programs. Her pediatric interest began with the rehabilitation department's involvement with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and progressed to development of an out-patient pediatric program. Being a mother of two boys, enjoying working with children, and continuing to develop new programs, she and LouAnne Audette developed the six-week Getting it Write remedial handwriting program. Initially this program was conducted out of Kenny REHAB's out-patient clinic in Rochester, Michigan and later in the Abilities Center's pediatric sensory integration clinic in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The program has also frequently been modified and used by school therapists, community education programs, or by tutors on a group or individual private-pay basis.

At the present time, Anne continues to stay involved in various areas of occupational therapy, and is Home Care Therapy Director for Henry Ford Health Care Systems.