Philosophy

Playfulness is always at the center of Jodi's work with children.  She appreciates the dynamic nature of each child's gifts and challenges and uses hands-on therapy and child-directed play to promote emotional security and help the child feel comfortable in his or her own body.  The family is at the core of the therapy process and Jodi supports parents through guidance and training to maximize their child's potential.

Expertise

Jodi completed her Certification in Sensory Integration in 2001 through the University of Southern California/WPS to include administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration Praxis Test.  She is currently on track to receive certification in DIR®/Floortime™ through the ICDL (Interdisciplinary Council for Developmental and Learning Disorders).  The DIR model is a developmental framework that focuses on each child's individual sensory motor make-up and seeks to determine how best to use those abilities in a relationship-based treatment model for learning and problem solving.  DIR now serves as a foundation for all of her interventions as an occupational therapist.  Jodi has studied with the Upledger Institute since 1999 to specialize in care for infants and children using CranioSacral Therapy.  Advanced training and experience in Therapeutic Listening®, Astronaut Training(vestibular and core strengthening), Handwriting Without Tears®, Loops and Other Groups: A Kinesthetic Writing System, Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique, Visual Motor training, fine motor and praxis development, and the use of Sensory Diets create a platform of knowledge that allows Jodi to evaluate and individualize a program to best meet each child's needs. 

Sensory Gym

Jodi has her own private practice where she combines her sensory integration and DIR/Floortime practice.  She provides pediatric evaluations and treatment for children with sensory processing disorders, learning difficulties, fine and gross motor coordination delays, social impairments, emotional issues, and difficulties in handwriting.

Consultation

Jodi is currently working with Kim West, a licensed clinical social worker, sleep coach, and the author of "The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight" to train her sleep coaches on the benefits of sensory processing and craniosacral therapy.   

Jodi provides parent coaching in DIR®/Floortime™ and one-on-one consultation using video media to aid the parent's learning process.  School therapy consultations are also provided to help coordinate and solidify the home and school program in conjunction with one another. 

Jodi acts as a consultant in schools and the community.  She performs classroom assessments looking for ways to improve the environment to best meet the sensory and learning needs of students. Consultation for handwriting curriculumn development is provided from an occupational therapy perspective.  

Integrative Body Work

Jodi treats children using CranioSacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage Therapy, and Energy work.  Because the techniques are very gentle and non-invasive, children are very receptive participants.  Jodi maintains a mindful practice to create safety and relaxation for both child and parent.  Conditions commonly treated in infants and children are: Torticollis, Colic, Digestive Issues, Delays in development, Autism, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Modulation and Regulatory Disorders.