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At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we proudly spotlight the dedicated clinicians who bring expertise, compassion, and creativity to children across our schools.
Meet John DeLuca, an occupational therapist whose passion and experience have touched both adult and pediatric populations over his impressive 33-year career.
We celebrate John's work not only for his talents but also for the confidence, balance, and meaning he’s found, both at work and at home.
Why did you choose to work with Kelly Pediatric Therapy?
I was searching for flexibility as an independent contractor so I could balance work and personal life. I was caring for my mother three days a week, so finding a caseload that fit my schedule was critical.
I had decades of experience with adults in hospitals, sub-acute care, and home health. Then, during the pandemic, I pivoted to works in the school system as a physical education and health teacher at a middle school. I also spent time working with students with special needs.
Then, I learned about school-based occupational therapy opportunities. Kelly Pediatric Therapy gave me the flexibility to create my own schedule. I could work as much or as little as I needed. It’s exactly what I was looking for—both in terms of timing and life balance.
How was the transition, especially shifting from adult care to school-based therapy?
I had new job jitters—new school, new students, and a new career. Coming from adult care, I was comfortable treating older populations and could almost do a lecture on the subject. With pediatrics, I felt less confident. I was honest with my clinical director about my need for guidance and support.
Kelly provided everything I needed, from videos to links to resources to personal clinical support that was just a call, text, or email away.
I use the online resource hub all the time. It offers tips, techniques, and strategies for evaluations, assessment, IEP meetings, and documentation. I needed those tools coming into the pediatric setting, and I’m grateful Kelly offers them.
The onboarding was seamless. There were FAQs, resources, and time to get to know the school, staff, and students before I started treating students. That made a huge difference; I didn’t feel rushed and could really get my feet wet.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding thing is seeing the smiles on the students’ faces—especially those who’ve experienced trauma or don’t have easy home lives. When they’re with us, they shine. Watching their confidence, fine motor skills, writing, and reading improve is amazing. They truly flourish because our services are having an impact.
Does your personal experience inform your work?
Absolutely. My son was a special education student with a seizure disorder. We were once on the parent side, depending on the school and professionals for support.
They took such good care of our son that I promised myself: if given the chance, I’d give the same care to other students. Now, I get to give back. I treat every child as if they were my own, striving to make their days brighter, happier, and more comfortable.
How would you describe the company culture at Kelly Pediatric Therapy?
If someone is considering it, I’d tell them to go for it. It’s a company that supports you and listens to you. They’ll work with your schedule, offer competitive rates, and are transparent about your performance and compensation.
Grow your career with Kelly Pediatric Therapy.
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, our mission is to support dedicated therapists like you, so you can make a difference for children and families in our schools, clinics, and communities. We offer resources, mentorship, and real opportunities for career growth—plus a true work-life balance. Learn more about all the ways we support our therapists.
Connect with our recruiters today to learn how you can advance your career—and make every hour you spend at work more meaningful.
Explore our PT, OT, SLP, and behavioral health opportunities in schools across the country.
