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 respect 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".
Deborah
Dougherty-Harris,
MA, OTR/L has over 25 years experience in
a variety of settings, with a primary emphasis on pediatrics
and the school setting. She co-founded and co-owned
a private practice in Albuquerque, NM and is presently
an Associate Clinical Professor in the occupational
therapy program at the University of Wisconsin, in
LaCrosse. She provides consultation in a small private
practice. Deborah is SIPT certified and is very interested in the
evaluation of sensory processing through standardized and
non-standardized means.
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.
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. He is a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in
Visual Development. 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 lectures in Spain, England, Mexico, and Canada 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.
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.
Teresa
A. May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L Clinical Specialty Director of Occupational Therapy Associates-Watertown, P.C. and Research Director of the Spiral Foundation at OTA-Watertown, is a well known lecturer on sensory integration theory and intervention. She has authored three book chapters on praxis and sensory integration and completed her doctoral dissertation on ideational praxis. In addition, she 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 degree from Boston University with a concentration in sensory integration and school system therapy. She was a Maternal and Child Health Fellow in the Doctoral Program in Therapeutic Studies at Boston University.
Lee
Pennington Neill, Ph.D. has been an educator for nearly 40 years. She has worked as a classroom teacher, elementary school counselor, and reading specialist in the public school system. In 1968 Dr. Neill was fortunate to meet and work with A. Jean Ayres, and since that time, has focused on learning about the physical aspects supporting children’s learning, often studying with OTs to acquire this important developmental information. Currently, Lee maintains a private practice in Santa Barbara, California. She has a relaxed, informal teaching style.
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.
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 Public 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.
Nikki
Rosen-Lieberman, MS, 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.
Professional Development Programs & PDP Products
1675 Greeley Street South • Suite 101
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
