A capstone project by UAB post-professional OTD graduate Pierrette K. Yeo has become a new sensory room at Jaggard Elementary School in New Jersey, opening in September. After initial grant applications were unsuccessful, Yeo continued pursuing the project, ultimately working with the school community to bring the room to life.
Post-Professional OTD alumna Pierrette K. Yeo, MPA, MOT, OTD, OTR/L
For her 2024 capstone project in UAB’s post-professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, Pierrette K. Yeo, MPA, MOT, OTD, OTR/L, set out to secure funding to replace her school’s outdated sensory room.
Two years later, the new room is scheduled for a September opening.
Students at Jaggard Elementary School, a K–5 school in Marlton, New Jersey, learn in general education classrooms, eight self-contained classrooms for students with multiple disabilities, and seven for students with autism. Yeo provides occupational therapy services at Jaggard as a school-based occupational therapist with Burlington County Special Services School District.
Yeo had long envisioned replacing the school’s old sensory room with a more inviting, better-equipped space. After examining the evidence on sensory rooms through her OTD coursework, she focused her capstone on identifying potential funders and preparing foundation grant applications.
She ultimately submitted applications to four foundations without receiving an award. Her faculty mentor, Professor Emeritus Laura Vogtle, PhD, OTR/L, had warned her that obtaining funds for a public school project could be hard because funders might assume that the school system should cover the cost. Still, Vogtle encouraged Yeo to continue pursuing the project.
“She asked me not to let it go and to have patience to see it to completion,” Yeo said.
The process was intensive. Yeo had to research potential funders, determine whether their priorities aligned with the project, and work within tight application deadlines.
“Her willingness to put in the time and produce foundation grant proposals with very short timelines was unique,” Vogtle said.
When foundation funding did not come through, Yeo sought support from the school community.
The new sensory room at Jaggard Elementary includes a 6-foot bubble tube, an illuminated color-changing sensory bin, liquid floor tiles, interactive wall panels, and soft sensory equipment for calming and movement.In fall 2025, she brought the idea to Jaggard Elementary Principal Marnee Morris, then worked with the school’s PTA president to raise money. The PTA ultimately provided most of the funds, supplemented by a fundraiser and private donations. The total cost was just under $6,000. Fellow occupational therapist Linda Beck, OTR/L, helped Yeo prepare the room, including painting its walls.
The finished room includes areas for calming, touch-based exploration, and active movement. Equipment for movement and heavy work includes a Jungle Jumparoo, therapy balls, scooters, a floor elliptical, and a sensory spinning carousel; other features include a star projector, rainbow mirrors, and a LEGO wall.
Students will use the new space for sensory breaks and movement opportunities during the school day. School and district administrators have already toured the room, and Yeo said the response has been enthusiastic.
“I am beyond excited that our students at Jaggard will be able to have a place they can go to during the day when they need a sensory break,” Yeo said.