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Occupational Therapist Dani Leon ~ 026
What if the behaviors we struggle with most are actually the body asking for support?
In this episode of Big Little Lessons, we sit down with occupational therapist Dani Leon, M.S., OTR/L, founder of Sprout Children’s Therapy Center, to explore how regulation, sensory experiences, and nervous system support impact how children (and adults) learn, connect, and function in everyday life.
Dani helps us understand what occupational therapy really is and how it supports daily participation, independence, and quality of life. We talk about common signs a child might benefit from OT, including sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, fine and gross motor challenges, and regulation struggles — and why these are often connected to how the brain and body process the world.
She shares Sprout’s holistic, relationship-based approach, where building trust, supporting regulation, and partnering with families create a strong foundation for growth. We also discuss how OT can support teens and adults navigating stress, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges.
Dani offers a simple, practical takeaway for families: creating a “Feel Better Kit” to help children (and parents) recognize what helps them feel calm, grounded, and ready to engage.
Big Little Lesson:
Behavior is communication. When we support the nervous system first, we make space for learning, connection, and confidence to grow.
We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]
Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.
https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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By Kristine Annunziata and Jenny GoodenoughWhat if the behaviors we struggle with most are actually the body asking for support?
In this episode of Big Little Lessons, we sit down with occupational therapist Dani Leon, M.S., OTR/L, founder of Sprout Children’s Therapy Center, to explore how regulation, sensory experiences, and nervous system support impact how children (and adults) learn, connect, and function in everyday life.
Dani helps us understand what occupational therapy really is and how it supports daily participation, independence, and quality of life. We talk about common signs a child might benefit from OT, including sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, fine and gross motor challenges, and regulation struggles — and why these are often connected to how the brain and body process the world.
She shares Sprout’s holistic, relationship-based approach, where building trust, supporting regulation, and partnering with families create a strong foundation for growth. We also discuss how OT can support teens and adults navigating stress, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges.
Dani offers a simple, practical takeaway for families: creating a “Feel Better Kit” to help children (and parents) recognize what helps them feel calm, grounded, and ready to engage.
Big Little Lesson:
Behavior is communication. When we support the nervous system first, we make space for learning, connection, and confidence to grow.
We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]
Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.
https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.