About PALS
Meet Vickie Maertz, Founder of PALS
Vickie Maertz, OTR, OTD, is the founder of Physical and Academic Learning (PALS) and a nationally recognized early childhood trainer and author. With more than 28 years of experience in the field, she brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, practical insight, and deep compassion to her work with educators and children.
Vickie earned both her Master’s and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her experience spans school districts, early intervention programs, pediatric home health, and private practice. Over the years, she has worked alongside teachers, directors, and families to create supportive, developmentally rich environments for young learners.
Experience That Makes a Difference
As a Texas Master Registered Trainer (#3350), Vickie has trained hundreds of directors, teachers, and early childhood professionals across Texas and beyond. Her extensive clinical background in child development allows her to translate complex concepts into easy-to-understand strategies that educators can use in their classrooms every day.
Through PALS, she provides professional development, customized academic planners, and educator resources that promote child-centered learning, confident teaching, and effective classroom management.
A Philosophy Rooted in Connection
Vickie believes that when educators feel supported, children thrive. Her mission through PALS is to help programs and professionals feel equipped, organized, and inspired as they build the next generation of learners.
When she isn’t teaching or writing, Vickie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being a proud grandmother.