TBD Stonybrook
Catskill, NY

I have received written confirmation from the Board of Education that an individual, Caitlin Cowan, who has been functioning in the role of an occupational therapist, is not a licensed occupational therapist. This is not speculative; it has been explicitly confirmed in writing by the governing authority.Occupational therapy is a regulated profession requiring state licensure to ensure that services provided to students meet established clinical, ethical, and safety standards. The use of an unlicensed individual in this capacity raises significant concerns regarding compliance with New York State regulations, the validity of services delivered, and the well-being of students relying on these supports.Families trust that specialized services, particularly those tied to IEPs and developmental needs, are provided by qualified and credentialed professionals. Assigning an unlicensed individual to perform or represent occupational therapy services undermines that trust and calls into question the integrity of service delivery.Given that this lack of licensure has already been confirmed by the Board of Education, this matter warrants immediate attention and corrective action. At minimum, the district should clarify the role this individual performed, disclose the duration of time services were provided without appropriate licensure, review affected services for compliance, and ensure that all occupational therapy services moving forward are delivered exclusively by properly licensed professionals.This situation reflects a concerning lapse in oversight. Prompt investigation, transparency, and corrective measures are necessary to ensure compliance with state standards and to restore confidence in the district’s practices.