Our Speakers and Faculty
We, at PDP, strive to bring you the courses and topics you want, taught by the professionals you admire. The following speakers are all well respected and are wonderful resources for therapists, educators, and caregivers alike.
Steven
J. Cool, Ph.D., FAAO received his BA in Psychology
and Modern Languages at Trinity College, Hartford,
CT and his Ph.D. in 1966 in a combined academic program
in Psychology, Physiology, Biophysics, & Mathematical
Statistics. Steve is Emeritus Professor of Developmental
Neurobiology in the School of Occupational Therapy,
the School of Optometry, and the School of Professional
Psychology at Pacific University in Forest Grove,
OR. Dr. Cool has written and lectured widely on the topics
of visual perceptual development, vision therapy,
neuro-rehabilitation, NDT & SI theory, the "Biology
of Belief" and the "Biochemistry of
the Human Spirit".
Scott
W. Fox, MA, CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech and language
pathologist with intense experience working with children
demonstrating communication disorders related in part to
sensory processing/sensory integration dysfunction. He is
a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and received his
MA in SLP from the University of Cincinnati. Scott routinely co-treats with occupational therapist. He is currently working in private practice.
Lise Gerard Faulise, MS, OTR/L, BCP is renowned nationally for her workshops on sensory processing disorders with Patricia Wilbarger. Ms. Faulise is the founder of Rehab New England, a private sensory integration oriented practice in Rhode Island, and co-founder of the Wolf School in East Providence, Rhode Island, designed for K-8 children with learning differences. She currently conducts research at the Wolf School and provides private clinical services in the New England area.
Ms. Faulise’s past experience includes teaching administration/management at Worcester State College and clinical instruction at Saint Louis University, where she was director of the Faculty Practice in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She received her Advanced Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University.
Cindy Goldade, MEd is an International Brain Gym Faculty Member, a regular contributor to the international publication, Brain Gym Global Observer, and a licensed Brain Gym® Instructor. She has a master’s degree in Pre-K through Grade 6. As owner and operator of Evergreen Montessori School, Cindy taught 3-6 year olds for over a decade. Currently she is an independent educator who teaches courses to teachers and adults throughout the upper Midwest, including Hamline and University WI-River Falls. With more than ten years applying what she teaches personally, professionally and as a mother of three, Cindy combines her experience with over 1,000 hours of mind/body course work to shape her expertise.
Carl
Hillier, OD, FCOVD graduated from the University of California San Diego in 1977 with a B.A. in Psychology. He received a B.S. at Pacific University in 1980 and then graduated as a Doctor of Optometry in 1982. Dr. Hillier is an adjunct clinical professor at the Southern California College of Optometry and Illinois College of Optometry. In 1992 Dr. Hillier helped found the Vision Rehabilitation Clinic at the San Diego Rehabilitation Institute at Alvarado Hospital. He has lectured at every major neuro-rehabilitation hospital in San Diego County. He also lectured nationally and internationally on topics related to vision and development in children and adults. Dr. Hillier has been honored by the American Optometric Association as Sports Optometrist of the Year, and by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development by receiving the Getman Award, the College's highest award for clinical excellence.
Irene
Ingram,
OTR/L is a graduate of the Medical University of
South Carolina. She was certified in the treatment
and testing of sensory integrative dysfunction in 1981.
She uses Therapeutic Listening, Samonas sound therapy,
craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage of the brain
and many other approaches. She has always been interested
in learning many different theories and techniques
and developing treatment programs that are eclectic
and aimed at treating the whole person. Treatment of
the neck as a priority has been her specialty for 24
years. Mrs. Ingram has practiced for 30 years in the
schools, developmental centers, and the clinic. She
specializes in treatment for children with a variety
of needs from mild to severe.
Lindy Joffe, MS, OTR/L completed her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Columbia University in 1999. She has practiced continuously since that time in a variety of pediatric settings specializing in sensory integration. Lindy enjoys working with a range of ages, from early intervention to adolescents, as well as the occasional adult. She has taken a broad range of courses in sensory integrative principles, DIR/Floortime techniques, cognitive perceptual organization, and Masgutova Neuromuscular Reflex Integration Techniques, amongst others. Lindy has a particular interest in how the motor and sensory systems, particularly the visual-vestibular-auditory triad and underlying reflex systems, interact with cognitive perceptual skills to propel an individual’s problem solving abilities in both three-dimensional and two dimensional-space. Lindy believes strongly in taking therapy beyond the walls of the clinic, working closely with the child’s team to ensure maximal carry over of therapeutic techniques into the child’s life. She has taught continuing education courses in both sensory integration and problem solving. Lindy has a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mary
Kawar, MS, OT/L is a private practitioner in El Cerrito, CA. For over 50 years she has specialized in therapeutic programs for children and adults with sensory processing and motor control issues. As a well respected professional, Mary lectures throughout the US and internationally. Mary has a wealth of clinical experience and has been particularly successful at designing precise treatment strategies and therapeutic tools to improve vestibular, visual, and auditory integration for physical, social and cognitive engagement. She is co-author of two books/CD combinations entitled Core Concepts in Action and Astronaut Training: Sound Activated Vestibular Visual Protocol for Moving, Looking, and Listening. She has also recently written a chapter in the book Functional Visual Behavior in Children.
Nancy
Lawton-Shirley, OTR/L is an occupational therapist
who has integrated many different techniques in her
pediatric practice. She has training in Brain Gym,
Craniosacral Therapy/Myofascial Release, Fast Forward,
Interactive Metronome, and listening programs including
Auditory Integration Training, SAMONAS, Therapeutic
Listening, and the LIFT. She is a co-founder of Camp
Avanti-St. Croix, a sensory integration camp based
on an intensive treatment model. Nancy lectures on
topics related to Sensory Integration and CranioSacral
Therapy.
Maude Le Roux, OTR/L, SIPT, RCTC, IMC, CBIS has several years of field and supervisory experience in a variety of OT fields. She believes in being a life-long learner and attends conferences on nearly a monthly basis. An experienced Occupational Therapist (SIPT), she holds a DIR certificate and has completed several Sound Therapy certifications. Maude started her career in the field of psychiatry in South Africa and applies this work daily in her practice working with children with special needs. She has received mentoring from a known play therapist for several years and continues her training in both sensory processing and emotional processing as a life-long quest. Maude works with a team of OT, Floortime practitioners, SLPs, and PTs in her practice. She is well known for her experience and work with children who carry a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Dyslexia/ Learning Disabilities. Maude is a mentor to many therapists, including OT and DIR professionals internationally. She is frequently invited to speak at various parent groups and has presented at conferences in a variety of settings across the US and internationally. Maude is currently an elected board member of the International Association of Registered and Certified Tomatis Consultants and serves on the research committee for the same organization. She is a co-trainer of the Tomatis Training Team for USA and South Africa and has co-authored the first book in a planned series entitled, The Listening Journey for Children.
Teresa
A. May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA is a practicing therapist and Research Director of the Spiral Foundation at OTA-Watertown. She is a well known lecturer on sensory integration theory and intervention. Dr. May-Benson has a special interest in and extensive experience with autism, particularly older students and adults. Dr. May-Benson received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Boston University with a concentration in sensory integration and school system therapy. She has also authored a number of chapters on praxis, published dozens of papers and received numerous awards recognizing her contributions.
Rita Montez, MS, OTR/L earned her masters degree in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University in CA in 1997. She has worked continuously since that time in a variety of pediatric settings including: school-based therapy, hospital contracts, public development center, early intervention, and private clinic based treatment. She also provides continuing education to other professionals on a variety of topics. Rita’s specific interests are in treating the whole child and working closely with parents and other professionals to foster the child’s greatest level of functional development. She is particularly interested in the interplay between the vestibular, proprioceptive, visual and auditory systems. She sees the development of these foundational sensory systems as the key to developing the ability to engage effectively and easily in one’s world. Rita has extensive training in Sensory Integrative intervention techniques, along with additional training in: Interactive Metronome, The Perceptual Enrichment Program, Craniosacral Therapy, Body Mind Centering, and she is currently training in Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration. Rita is the owner/director of the Full Circle Development Center in Oakland CA.
Patricia
Oetter, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA is
an occupational therapist whose work encompasses many disability
groups aged newborn to adult. Ms. Oetter's MA is
in special education and she is co-author of the MORE:
Integrating the Mouth and Out of the Mouth of Babes books
and the MORE DVD. She is currently in private practice
in California and provides practicum training, consultation
and intensive treatment nationally and internationally. Patricia Oetter
Renée Okoye, MS, OTR/L has over 25 years of experience combined with extensive educational background including a Masters in Health Sciences, SIPT Certification and Board Certification in Pediatrics. She is a clinical educator for local colleges in New York, a Sensory Integration Resource for AOTA, and a professional grant reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education. Renée has been recognized by the New York State OT Association for Excellence in Practice and has published a number of articles in the area of pediatrics. Renée is the founder of Dove Ministries for Children and the Director of Dove Rehab Services on Long Island, NY.
Eileen
W. Richter, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA has her Masters of
Health degree in Maternal and Child Health and is
NDT certified. She has over thirty years experience
working with a variety of disability groups in
public schools, hospitals and private practice. Ms.
Richter has published a number of books and articles
on sensorimotor assessment and treatment including
co-authoring the MORE:
Integrating the Mouth, Out of the Mouth of Babes and the
Sensorimotor Performance Analysis books and the MORE DVD. Ms. Richter founded Professional Development Programs and PDP Press, Inc. and directed the company for 30 years, providing continuing education programs and seminal publications to pediatric therapists throughout the country. She is also a co-founder of Camp Avanti-St. Croix, a sensory integration camp based on an intensive treatment model. Eileen Richter
Nikki
Rosen-Lieberman, MA, OTR/L is a school therapist and co-founder and former clinical director of the Abilities Center, Inc., a therapeutic center for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Nikki has 30 years of experience using sensory processing and movement principles with individuals in a variety of settings. She has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, is certified in pediatric NDT, Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests, is a Feldenkrais Practicioner, and is a certified infant massage instructor. Nikki’s mentoring and personal commitment to peer education earned her the Distinguished Service Award from the Detroit Occupational Therapy Assoc. in 1996.
As Clinical Director of the Abilities Center, Inc., Nikki encouraged the publication of the “Getting It Write” Program as editor of the 1st and 2nd editions. She has taught the “Getting It Write” program on a professional level throughout the U.S and in a variety of settings.
Ana Do Valle, OTR, SEP is an occupational therapist and body centered therapist who specializes in self-regulation related to trauma and sensory integration dysfunction. She has experience working with physical disabilities related to trauma and dissociation. Ms. Do Valle has studied cross-cultural perspectives of trauma with indigenous and rural communities in South America. She is certified in Sensory Integration, NDT, and Somatic Experiencing (a body centered approach for trauma recovery). She graduated in 1983 from the Federal University in Brazil. Ms. Do Valle has a private practice in Boulder, CO and teaches internationally in the area of trauma recovery.
Professional Development Programs & PDP Products
6303 Osgood Avenue North • Suite 104
Stillwater, MN. 55082
Toll Free Phone: 877-439-8865 or local 651-439-8865
Toll Free Fax: 877-259-5906 or local 651-439-0421
