Pediatric Rehab: Powerful (& Playful) Evidence-Based Practices to Improve Therapeutic Outcomes

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA has been a PT since 1991, board certified in neurologic PT in 1995, and a private practice owner since 2005. Dr. Studer has been an invited speaker covering all 50 states, 13 countries, and 5 continents speaking on topics ranging from cognition and psychology in rehabilitation, aging, stroke, motor learning, motivation in rehabilitation, balance, dizziness, neuropathy and Parkinson Disease. Dr. Studer was the founder and operator of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Oregon for 18 years and is now a co-founder and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness in Bend, OR. He is an adjunct professor at Touro University and additional appointment at UNLV. Dr. Studer assists the USC-led national network of neurologic PT residencies (Neuroconsortium) as well.  

In 2011, Mike was recognized as Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and (in 2014) the Geriatric Academies of the APTA. He received the highest honor available in PT in 2020, being distinguished as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA in 2020, joining a group of under 300 persons at the time for the history of the profession. Mike’s honors additionally reflect his service for Vice Presidency of the Academy of Neurologic PT, the Mercedes Weiss award for service to the Oregon chapter of APTA. He holds a trademark in dual task rehabilitation and has a patent pending on the same. Over his career, Mike has authored over 40 articles, 7 book chapters, and routinely has clinical research projects in affiliation with one of many universities. He is a consultant to professional athletes including Major League Baseball players, competitive divers, and some of the most prolific climbers in world history. As a very fun and lighthearted note, Mike is the four time and current WR holder for the fastest underwater treadmill marathon, a mark that was set most recently in January 2022. Most recently, Mike authored The Brain That Chooses Itself, a practical and applications-based guide to increasing both healthspan and lifespan for laypersons and medical professionals alike.  

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Mike Studer is the co-founding member and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness and has employment relationships with Touro University, the University of Nevada, and Post Acute Medical. He previously received a speaking honorarium from SMARTFit. Mike Studer receives royalties as a published author. He receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Mike Studer is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Vestibular Disorders Association, and the Oregon Physical Therapy Association. He serves on the advisory board of Rehab Management and ADVANCE.

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs.

Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Karen Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, LLC and is a field examiner for PDMS-3. She has employment relationships with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physical Therapy School, the Daymar Physical Therapy Assistant School and the Volunteer State Community College. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Karen Pryor receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Karen Pryor is a reviewer with Tennessee Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. She is an Ambassador for National Down Syndrome Society. She serves on the editorial board for APTA Journal.

Rosemary Gambatese, PT, MSPT, is a physical therapist with 38 years’ clinical experience. She received a BS in Biology from St. Bonaventure University and MS in PT from Arcadia University. She is an advanced clinical specialist at Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Flanders, NJ with specialties in pediatrics and neurology. In addition to her work at Kessler, she has been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University School of Health-Related Professions, Department of Physical Therapy, a consultant for early intervention and a contract therapist for agencies providing physical therapy in school settings. Practicing for over 30 years, Rose brings a wide range of experience and clinical expertise to her specialty areas of pediatrics and neurology. She has presented seminars for PESI, APTANJ and Select Medical Corporation on topics including congenital muscular torticollis, school-based PT intervention, cerebral palsy, and intervention to overcome sedentary behavior at all ages. Rose has presented a poster at APTA Combined Section Meeting on a novel stroke treatment an co-written articles on vestibular, stroke, and therapeutic exercise topics.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Rosemary Gambatese has employment relationships with Rutgers University and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Inc. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Rosemary Gambatese is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Varleisha D. Lyons (formerly Gibbs), PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, is an occupational therapist and author with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorders and neurological disorders. She developed and founded Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and became the first black indigenous American woman to serve as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. 

Varleisha continues to lecture and provides training on sensory processing strategies and self-regulation to practitioners, parents, and teachers throughout the country and internationally. As co-author of Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, she has provided families with strategies to understand and care for their children. Dr. Lyons is the developer of the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program and author of the best-selling book, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Exercises and Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (PESI Publishing & Media). She is the co-author of Trauma Treatment in ACTION: Over 85 Activities to Move Clients Toward Healing, Growth and Improved Functioning (PESI Publishing & Media). Her areas of expertise include neuroanatomy, self-regulation strategies across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma responsive approaches.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this presentation belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. Varleisha D. Lyons PhD, OTR/L is employed by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This work is independent of her role and not affiliated with AOTA, Inc.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Varleisha Lyons maintains a private practice and is the founder and CEO of Wasut Sanctuary & Education, LLC. She receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Lyons receives a speaking honorarium, recording and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Varleisha Lyons is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus. She serves as a board member of the National Association for Hearing and Speech Action.

Dr. Cara Koscinski is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and the founder of The Executive Function Institute, where she translates years of research into practical tools to support children, families, and professionals. Cara developed the Executive Function Express Program; a transformative model built on a child’s unique strengths to support executive function. The approach combines sensory regulation, movement, body awareness, and interoception as the foundation for planning, organization, time management, and metacognition.

An engaging speaker, she presents nationally on executive function, interoception, behavior, and self-regulation. Cara has authored seven books for caregivers and therapists, taught graduate OT courses, and continues to mentor doctoral students. She also founded The OTP Hivemind Mentoring Circle, creating a space for mentorship, collaboration, and growth among clinicians. Cara leads the largest pediatric OT Facebook group with more than 52,000 members worldwide. As the mother of an autistic adult son, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cara Koscinski maintains a private practice and is the founder of Occupational Therapy Hivemind Mentoring Circle and Executive Function Institute. She receives compensation as a presenter and royalties as a published author. Cara Koscinski receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Cara Koscinski has two sons who are autistic and have sensory regulation deficits. She is a volunteer mentor with the Texas Women's University and the University of Florida.

Sheetal Parikh, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, CYT, has been an occupational therapist since 2001. Dr. Parikh is a clinical assistant professor in the masters and doctorate occupational therapy programs at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. She teaches in courses such as neuroscience, clinical skills, movement analysis, evaluations and assessments, rehabilitation interventions, and developmental interventions.

Dr. Parikh has over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings and with a variety of diagnoses. Since 2006, Dr. Parikh has worked in the school setting with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental delays, genetic disorders, neurological disorders, and orthopedic disorders. She has also worked in early intervention, pediatric medical day cares, adult rehabilitation hospitals, acute care hospitals, sub-acute rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and home care.

Dr. Parikh is the founder and owner of SPOT Therapy, LLC, a company that specializes in providing occupational and physical therapy services in the schools. She provides evaluations, treatments, interventions, and education in the areas of sensory integration, self-regulation, autism, ADHD, and developmental delays. Dr. Parikh is a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and a certified yoga instructor (CYT). She teaches dance, yoga, and mindfulness to children of all abilities.

Dr. Parikh earned her Doctorate degree in occupational therapy in 2014 from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, with a focus on the multi-sensory approach to teaching handwriting. She earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy and her bachelor’s degree in health sciences in 2001 from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Sheetal Parikh has employment relationships with Saint Joseph's University, Kutest Kids Early Intervention, Salem County Special Services, and SPOT Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Sheetal Parikh has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics who has worked in a variety of settings, but extensively in public school settings, for over 20 years. Kim is currently a full-time therapist at the Binghamton City School District and the owner of OTKimWiggins, which primarily focuses on providing educational opportunities for parents and professionals. She is an experienced national and international program developer who has produced and presented training workshops and seminars on a variety of topics since 2010.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kimberly Wiggins is the owner of OTKim Wiggins and has employment relationships with Binghamton School District and Sensational Brain. She receives royalties as a published author. Kimberly Wiggins receives a speaker honorarium from Sensational Brain, Hands on Approaches, occupationaltherapy.com, and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kimberly Wiggins is a member of the AOTA and NYSOTA.