I have been a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist since 1998. Altogether, I have over twenty-five years of combined experience as an allied healthcare professional, including Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Aquatics Therapist and ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist. I was previously employed with two HCA hospitals in our local area, Blake Medical Center of Bradenton and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. I was also an independent contactor to Sarasota Memorial Hospital as well as the local Early Steps Program. During my employment with the hospitals, I gained valuable experience treating children, adults and the elderly.
Since 2002 with the assistance of my husband Jon, I have been in private practice specializing in pediatric occupational therapy. Many of my patients range in age from birth through teens, though I have gradually expanded my services to include adult and elderly patients as well. My work has positively impacted the lives of many families in very meaningful ways.
In March 2010, I began studying a innovative therapeutic technique formally known as the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®) Method, learning primarily from the originator, Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, PhD. Since then I have completed over 1,000 hours of MNRI® training, including 26 courses, seven at the advanced level, worked at seven multi-day Family Educational Conferences and achieved Core Specialist level in July 2014. I have over 9,000 hours of experience using the Masgutova Method on a daily basis in my private practice. Here’s a list of my MNRI® training and my complete resumé can be viewed here.
Svetlana’s method integrates and re-patterns our primitive reflexes to improve neurologic function and open new pathways for cognitive, behavioral and physical development. I extensively utilize the Masgutova Method in my treatment approach because I continue to observe rapid and profound improvements in gross & fine motor skills, speech & language processing, social-emotional behaviors, sensory processing and academics. The results have been truly life changing for my patients, their families and me!
I graduated with my first Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Florida in 1990. Wanting to expand my horizons in the healthcare field, I obtained a second Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Barry University in 1998. In addition to my on-going education in the MNRI® Method, some of my other notable qualifications include TOPSEI (Neonatal Intervention) training from the University of Florida, extensive training in Sensory Integration theory and methods, DIR®/Floortime™ Affect-Based Language Curriculum (ABLC) and Beckman Oral Motor techniques. I am also a certified provider for Interactive Metronome® as well as Therapeutic Listening®.