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.
Meet our team
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
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
Susan Brown, Office Manager
Susan brings with her a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and over two decades of experience in medical administration. Originally from Upstate New York, Susan and her family relocated to Georgia in 2014, where she quickly became an integral part of the local healthcare community.
Throughout her 20+ year career, Susan has served in a wide array of medical office environments, refining her expertise in patient coordination, administrative operations, and front-office leadership. Her professional journey led her to discover a deep and lasting passion for working with families of children with special needs, a calling that has since become the heart of her work. Susan's unwavering empathy, attention to detail, and commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment make her a cornerstone of our administrative team.
Beyond the office, Susan is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother who treasures time spent with her family. She finds joy and peace in gardening, where she nurtures her plants with the same care and attentiveness she brings to her role at the clinic.
