Presenters

Linda is a speech language pathologist and RDI® Consultant. She co-founded Peer Projects - Therapy From the Heart, a clinic in Beverly, MA dedicated to helping kids and families by using a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness. Linda has been working with individuals with social learning differences for over 25 years. She leads trainings on the topic of social learning, has authored Declarative Language Handbook, Co-Regulation Handbook, numerous articles, and co-authored the book Social Thinking and Me with Michelle Garcia Winner. Linda lives north of Boston with her husband and their two busy lovable boys.
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Jed Baker, Ph.D. is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, an organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. He writes, lectures, and provides training internationally on the topic of social skills training and managing challenging behaviors. He is an award winning author of 8 books, including Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome and Social Communication Problems; Preparing for Life: The Complete Handbook for the Transition to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome; The Social Skills Picture Book; The Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond; No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior; No More Victims: Protecting those with Autism from Cyber Bullying, Internet Predators & Scams; Overcoming Anxiety in Children and Teens; and School Shadow Guidelines. His work has also been featured on ABC World News, Nightline, the CBS Early Show, and the Discovery Health Channel.
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Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR is the executive director of Developmental FX (DFX) in Denver, Colorado, a non-profit organization providing clinical and training services to engage and elevate pediatric therapeutic practice. She is a leading pediatric occupational therapist (OT) involved in clinical treatment, research, mentoring, and training regarding OT intervention for persons with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially Fragile X Syndrome and autism. Tracy has a master’s degree in developmental psychology/neuroscience. She received her NDT training with Lois Bly. She is SIPT Certified and was the clinical specialist in sensory integration at The Children’s Hospital in Denver as well as the OT for the Fragile X Research and Treatment Center. Tracy continued her clinical and research work with Dr. Randi Hagerman at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute during its start-up year prior to starting Developmental FX. Tracy has written several book chapters on sensory integration and neurodevelopmental disorders and teaches nationally and internationally on sensory integration, autism, fragile X and related topics. She is the lead author for the SpIRiT & S.T.E.P.S.I. Clinical Reasoning Tools which are leading-edge evidence-based models in pediatric OT. These models are utilized in OT practices around the globe and included in the model at Camp Jabiru in Australia. The tools are shared through the “Spirited Conversations’ Podcast as well as through DFX’s training platform, Learning Journeys. Tracy is a member of the National Fragile X Foundation Clinical Research Consortium, the Scientific And Clinical Advisory Committee, and the NFXF Advisory Council and an expert advisor to the CDC and RTI Fragile X Priorities Panel.
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Dr. Zehr is an international trainer to schools and organizations in the cognitive skills method, the Feuerstein Program. She also offers unique personalized coaching to corporate executives who wish to improve or restore cognition to continue important contributions to their professional field of expertise.
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Dena Isaacs, MA OTR/L has worked in school-based occupational therapy for over 20 years. Dena works in a private school as a staff OT as well as running a private OT practice. Dena has been a level 1 and level 2 fieldwork supervisor for Touro College. In addition, she developed and runs a prewriting and writing program for 4 and 5-year-olds. Her program is an innovative, multisensory program that includes uniquely tailored weekly lessons to ensure that students become proficient writers.
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Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed., has extensive experience with children with learning, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Having taught K-12 in public, private and psycho-educational settings as well as the early intervention field, she brings decades of knowledge and practical “front line” understanding. In private practice for the past 15 years, Lori brings a unique mix of personal and professional insight to the table. She presently serves as a private educational interventionist, and contracts with a variety of local and national schools, public and private, to provide ongoing assistance to children with special needs. Additionally, Lori is a nationally-known speaker who presents classes to parents and professionals on topics such as Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, ADHD, The Critical Importance of Play, and Executive Functioning Skills. Lori is a highly sought-after Keynote and Session Speaker at both Parent and Professional Conferences. Lori is the proud mother of three amazing sons who have been her best teachers, and lives on 20 mountain acres with her husband and dogs.
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Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 23 years of experience in diagnostic evaluations, treatment and case management of children, adolescents and adults with language learning disabilities, nonverbal learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, executive dysfunction, Asperger’s disorders and social pragmatics.
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Sheila Frick, OTR/L is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and founder of Vital Links. Since 1980, Sheila taught internationally clinician, lecturer, and pioneer in Occupational Therapy. Sheila has well over 30 years of clinical experience, having worked in psychiatry, rehabilitation, and home health before specializing in pediatrics. Sheila's expertise includes sensory processing dysfunction, sensory integration, and auditory interventions.
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Dr. Mitchell Scheiman, OD, Ph.D. is a nationally known optometric educator, lecturer, author, and private practitioner. He is the author of “Understanding and Managing Visual Deficits: A Guide for Occupational  Therapists”, and Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Guide for Occupational Therapists” published by Slack Incorporated. Dr. Scheiman has a long and close relationship with occupational therapists.
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Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L, earned an MS in Occupational Therapy, as well as a Post-Professional Pediatric Certificate from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist and autism consultant for over 16 years, serving school-aged children and adults.
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Dr. Robert Melillo is one of the world’s most sought after and respected experts in Developmental Functional Neurology, Brain Imbalances, hemispheric integration and the diagnosis and correction of most neurobehavioral disorders and learning disabilities.
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Gail Ritchie, OTR, C/NDT is an independent, pediatric therapy provider and Occupational Therapist offering a range of therapies based on the culmination of skills and expertise attained over the last 35 years.
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Peter Vermeulen, PhD in Psychology and Clinical Educational Sciences, has more than 35 years of experience in the field of autism. Founder of “Autism in Context”, where autism is understood in context. Peter is an internationally respected lecturer/trainer and he presents all over the world.
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Eileen Richter, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA has over 30 years’ experience working with a variety of disability groups in public schools, hospitals, and private practice. She has her Master of Public Health degree in Maternal & Child Health, is NDT certified, and has published a number of books.
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Patricia Oetter, MA, OT, FAOTA has earned her B.S. degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas and her master’s degree in special education from Kansas State Teachers College. She has clinical experience with individuals of varying disabilities, age’s newborn to adult. Her primary emphasis has been infants and toddlers, preschool and elementary-aged children with learning, communication and/or sensory processing disorders.
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Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Involved with birth to three through early intervention since 1986, she developed techniques to be utilized in homes, childcare centers, and school systems to advance therapy programs in children.
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Aubrey Schmalle, OTR/L, SIPT has 20 years experience working with neurologically diverse children using a sensory integrative approach. She graduated from Boston University in 2003 with a Bachelors in Occupational Therapy and continued to advance her clinical knowledge through self-study, mentorship, certification in sensory integration theory and practice (C-SIPT), Consultant level certification in the Tomatis Method, and training in Tomatis-based auditory interventions.
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Tracy Bjorling; M.S., OTR/L, is a pediatric OT currently pursuing a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tracy has had the wonderful opportunity of being mentored by Sheila M. Frick in her clinic. Working in conjunction with Sheila,
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Lindsey Biel is a pediatric occupational therapist with a private practice in Manhattan. She is co-author of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, with a foreword by Temple Grandin and the author of Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens.
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Alex Lopiccolo a/k/a Mr. Alex is an experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant. Alex is well known as The King of Swings.
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Jessica Minahan, MEd, BCBA, is a licensed and board-certified behavior analyst, special educator, as well as a consultant to schools internationally (www.jessicaminahan.com). Jessica has over seventeen years of experience supporting students who exhibit challenging behavior in urban public-school systems.
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Dr. Jessica Gilson PT, DPT is a physical therapist who received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro College and her Bachelors of Science from Yeshiva University Stern College for Women. Jessica primarily works with children and young adults ranging in age from birth to 21 years old in a variety of settings.
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Miriam Manela, OTR, is the founder of online-bloom.com: An online platform for teaching the Thrive Method, geared toward helping children to reach their full potential, no matter where they are in the world. She is the author of the groundbreaking parenting book ‘The Parent-Child Dance’: A guide to Help You Understand and Shape Your Child’s Behavior.
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Melanie has over 20 years of experience as a successful pediatric feeding therapist. Melanie’s advice has been shared in a variety of popular television and print media. She is the co-author of the award-winning Raising a Healthy Happy Eater: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Setting Your Child on the Path to Adventurous Eating (2015) and Baby Self-Feeding: Solutions for Introducing Purees and Solids to Create Lifelong Healthy Eating Habits (2016). Melanie is the author of Happy Mealtimes with Happy Kids (2010) and the producer of the award-winning kids’ CD Dancing in the Kitchen: Songs that Celebrate the Joy of Food!
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Chrys Kub, PT, C-NDT is NDT certified in pediatrics and an integrative physical therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. Chrys has developed and taught courses in evidenced-based treatment techniques for children with neurodevelopmental disorders as well as courses in therapeutic yoga applications for children and adults throughout the US and online. She has extensive experience in multiple settings including outpatient neurological rehabilitation, the school, Private Practice, Outpatient Sensory Integration Clinic, NeoNatal Home Health, and Early Intervention.
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Mary Hallway, OTR/L, SWC, C/NDT received the Bachelor of Science degree with honors in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University and has forty years of experience specializing in pediatrics in medical, educational, and community-based settings.
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Leslie Paparsenos, PT, MS, C/NDT is an independent, pediatric therapy provider, licensed Physiotherapist in Australia, and licensed Physical Therapist in the United State of America. She specializes in evidenced-based, pediatric rehabilitation, serving babies, children, and adolescents across a spectrum of neurological and developmental disabilities, and their families.
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Carrie is a 1996 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia Occupational Therapy program. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings in Georgia, New York, and South Carolina, and Colorado. Over the past 20+ years, Carrie has continually sought to further her knowledge and understanding by completing continuing education on topics including sensory integration theory, infant massage instruction (IAIM), Integrated Listening Systems (iLs ), and Handwriting without Tears (HWT).
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Penny Stack, OTD, OTR/L is the founding owner of the Dyslexia Center of Tulsa, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Penny has over 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist that includes working with children who have special learning needs.
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Ricki Dembitzer has been an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years specializing in pediatrics. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from Wayne State University in Michigan and received an additional Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences as well as a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Touro College in New York City.
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Bethanne N. Mazurczak MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT has been a practicing clinician since 1990, specializing in the pediatric rehabilitation of infants, children, and adolescents. Bethanne has a wide range of experience in working with children of all ages with neurological and developmental disabilities. She is certified in Neuro-DevelopmentalTreatment, SOS Feeding, and is currently completing the process as an NDT Candidate Instructor for the NDTA.
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Jenny L. Clark, OTR/L, BCP (AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics) graduated from The University of Kansas in 1990 with distinction and has helped children over the past 28 years as a licensed pediatric occupational therapist working as a speaker, consultant, private practitioner at her own clinic (Jenny’s Kids, Inc.), school-based occupational therapist, independent contractor for early intervention services, author, and inventor.
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Dr. Bialer is an experienced seminar leader, educational adjunct instructor and lecturer, providing numerous clinical workshops across the country on the topics of Sensory Processing Disorder; School Based Therapy, Attention, Praxis and Executive Functions.
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Janet McDonald trained directly with the founders of RMTi™, psychiatrist Harald Blomberg, MD, and kinesiologist Moira Dempsey. She is a Learning Specialist, Licensed Massage Therapist LMT, has studied numerous methods of Reflex Integration and served as international instructor.
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Paula Cox, PT, DSc, PCS, is a licensed, board certified, physical therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience in pediatric neurological and neuromuscular rehabilitation.
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A unique combination of clinical psychologist, nutritionist, and special education teacher, Dr. Nicole Beurkens, PhD, has almost 20 years of experience supporting children, young adults, and families. She has specialized expertise in evaluating and treating a wide range of developmental and mental health concerns...
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Rosetta graduated from NYU Physical Therapy with a BS/PT in 1990. Rosetta has over 30 years experience in orthopedic/sports therapy, as well as pediatric early intervention home care and school based therapy.
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Tania is the co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. She is a registered Psychologist and a registered Play Therapist. She completed her undergraduate studies in South-Africa before engaging in a one-year, full-time internship in Chicago at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. In 2012, she received her Masters of Counselling from the City University of Seattle.
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David Blaski is a neonatal/pediatric occupational therapist and certified early intervention specialist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing disorders, neurological and orthopedic disorders, developmental delay and autistic spectrum disorders.
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Jenni Halstead, BS, COTA/L has worked in OT for the past 25 years. She is an instructor and academic fieldwork coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Washburn University in Kansas. She worked in pediatrics prior to instructing at WU for 13 years, and has also worked in upper extremity rehab, acute care, and long-term care. She specializes in reflex integration
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