“One of the things that I wanted to do is have a sensory room,” Modi said, while she looked at the blueprint for her new office space.

With every design, she kept the interests of her youngest clients in mind. Modi said to her knowledge, when the practice opens, it will be one of the few private practices in the area that offers oral sedation, which she described as a kid-friendly alternative to nitrous oxide.

“So, our practice is nearing completion with the construction and we’re so excited that we’re going to be opening up at the end of next month,” Modi announced.

Modi said she loves kids so much that while waits for her new office to be ready, she’s temporarily trading in her toothbrush to fill in as a substitute teacher.

“Over winter break, I was reading about the shortages of substitute teachers and the timing was just perfect,” Modi said.

So, Modi said she spoke to the superintendent of Orange Schools, where her son is enrolled, to volunteer her time.

 “Obviously, my degrees are in biology and chemistry, but I’ve had a lot of experience working with children because of my pediatric specialty. But, also the fact that during the shutdown, I had to become a school teacher for my son,” Modi said.

With this experience, Modi said the district could expedite her substitute teaching license.

She added that filling in as a substitute teacher is her way to continue connecting with kids and with the community while her practice is under construction.

“The kids need in-person learning. So, what better way than to come together as a community,” Modi said. “I know I’m just one person, but there is a shortage, and you know, we do what we can to keep these schools in-person and open, which is what these kids need.”