Sawdust OT
Our Story
Sawdust Occupational Therapy was created by Benjamin Keeling and James Garwacki, who met at Brenau University. During an OT foundational course, they brainstormed how to innovate OT for young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) using craft.
Their idea, initially unnamed, revolved around using woodworking to support this community. Recognizing a gap in services for these individuals, Ben and James connected with Circle of Friends in Woodstock, a group focused on building a special needs community.
Together, they developed Sawdust OT, aiming to provide a safe, inclusive environment where young adults and children with special needs can learn, build, and prosper through woodworking.
Benjamin Keeling OTR/L
Co-Owner & Director of Clinical Affairs
Ben received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and his Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University. Ben possesses extensive experience with the pediatric and mental health population and serves as North Chair for the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association.
He possesses clinical experience in community based day programs for adults with mental health conditions and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Ben is an adjunct professor at Brenau University and coordinates fieldwork supervision between Circle of Friends and is a fieldwork site supervisor at Sawdust OT.
Contact:
Ben@sawdustot.com
Ben's NPI: 1104395813
James Garwacki OTR/L
Co-Owner & Director of Operations
James is a US Air Force Veteran who received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Georgia State University and his Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University.
He owns and operates multiple businesses that focus on construction/trade/real estate and marketing. He is experienced with pediatric and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities as well as insurance/billing rules and regulations within the state of Georgia.
James is involved with Home Depot’s nonprofit, Ken’s Krew, and is the liaison between Home Depot and Sawdust with regards towards supported employment and engagement.
Contact:
James@sawdustot.com
Jame's NPI: 1336605906
Jarred McNeil COTA/L
Jarred received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Chattahoochee Technical College.
Jarred currently works at a private school, and has experience in pediatric occupational therapy and community based day programs for pediatric and young men with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
He also possesses experience working on small engines and mechanical work as his hobbies.
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Jarred's NPI: 1881328953
Larsen Wilkinson COTA/L
Larsen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia College and State University in 2010. She worked eleven years as a Paraprofessional at a residential psychiatric facility where she taught adolescent boys who had been diagnosed with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders how to read and excel in the classroom.
She went back to school in 2021 to become a COTA, receiving her Associates of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Chattahoochee Technical College.
In her free time Larsen enjoys cheering for her Georgia Bulldogs, traveling, and volunteering with local non-profits in the Metro Atlanta area.
Larsen's NPI: 1649966128
Danielle Pecora OTR/L
Danielle received her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. When she first moved to Atlanta she worked for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta before opening her own private practice, which she had for 15 years. She has experience working in both the private clinic setting as well as the school system.
Danielle is also interested in health and fitness and is a CrossFit L2 Trainer, a certified CrossFit Kids trainer, and Adaptive and Inclusive Trainer. Blending her two loves she also owns a CrossFit gym in the area and has trained people of all ages and abilities.
In her free time she enjoys traveling, crafting, doing DIY projects, building things for her house, and decorating. She enjoys working out, watching, and playing most sports. Danielle is an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan as she is originally from Philly. Danielle is very excited to be blending two more loves (being an OT and building) at her new position at Sawdust OT.
Danielle's NPI:1003993684
Jake Dillon COTA/L
Jake earned his Associate of Applied Science for Occupational Therapy Assistant from Chattahoochee Technical College. His affinity for working with tools can be traced back to his early years spent alongside his father working on metal-smithing projects, instilling in him a profound understanding of craftsmanship from a young age.
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Growing up in a household where creativity was nurtured—thanks to his mother, an art teacher, and summers spent in art camp—Jake's education extended to the innovative environment of High Meadows School. Here, his hands-on learning style flourished, igniting a passion for crafts that eventually led him to earn certification in set construction from the esteemed Georgia Film Academy. This credential paved the way for Jake to contribute his talents to various film, television, and stage productions, where he thrived in prop and set construction roles.
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Driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives and communities, Jake embarked on his journey into occupational therapy. Throughout his OTA schooling, he discovered a profound passion for creating functional environments that enhance individuals' lives. Now, Jake eagerly anticipates merging his two passions—occupational therapy and crafts—as he embarks on this rewarding journey.
Jake's NPI: 1346093879
Travis Nadeau OTR/L
Travis holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Salem State University and achieved his Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Brenau University. With a passion for serving neurodiverse young adults and children, Travis has honed his skills through immersive experiences, including Level II Fieldwork and Capstone endeavors at Sawdust OT.
Eager to deepen his expertise in this specialized field, Travis is committed to broadening his understanding and making a meaningful impact within this community and setting.
Travis's NPI: 1659110146
Rick, Master Carpenter
Rick started his woodworking career at the age of 14 when he and his older brother Bill worked as apprentice carpenters under a master Carpenter named Hoyt. Hoyt was in his 80's and gave instructions on how to frame a house from his folding chair stationed at every job site.
Rick continued working in the construction industry all through high school and occasionally while attending college on a scholarship as a Gymnast. He obtained his degree in marketing and worked in the construction industry first as a property adjuster and then in Engineered sales for 23 years. He remained active as a contractor throughout this time building homes, building furniture and other carpentry projects while working closely with contractors. He has worked exclusively as a general contractor since 2012 and runs his own contracting business.
He has been blessed to work closely with James and Ben since the start of Sawdust and cherishes his time working with Sawdust's therapist and apprentices