Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, an award-winning early intervention specialist and maternal health advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack occupational therapy’s vital role in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. In this compelling conversation, Nicole and Patricia share personal stories, clinical insights, and a bold call to action for OTPs across all settings. Together, they explore how OT can help tackle inequities, improve health literacy, and support mothers during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Tune in to discover practical ways you can expand your impact and help save lives—starting with the questions you ask.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the occupational therapy practitioner’s role in promoting maternal health outcomes and supporting participation as a member of interprofessional perinatal care teams
• Apply evidence-based, occupation-centered strategies to reduce the effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and address contextual factors contributing to maternal mortality
• Solve patient case scenarios that require addressing health literacy, racial inequities, and social determinants of health to support occupational engagement during the perinatal period

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health and preeclampsia
• (00:02:20) Personal journey with preeclampsia
• (00:04:43) Understanding preeclampsia
• (00:06:13) The impact of preeclampsia on mothers
• (00:11:38) Risk factors for preeclampsia
• (00:12:35) Disparities in maternal health
• (00:16:53) The effects of women not being heard in maternal health
• (00:21:18) Effects of preeclampsia on infant development
• (00:26:50) The role of occupational therapy practitioners in maternal health
• (00:32:08) Recent research on preeclampsia
• (00:40:19) Resource kits for mothers
• (00:47:50) Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia
• (00:53:15) Actionable takeaways for practitioners

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Teddie Buchner, PhD, OTR/L, QMHP, OT Reg. (AB), an expert in pediatric and maternal mental health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the hidden connections between maternal mental health and pediatric sensory development. Drawing on clinical experience and original research, Teddie and Nicole dive into how occupational therapists can better support new mothers while fostering healthy co-occupations and sensory integration in infants. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based insights and practical tools to address maternal mental health in everyday pediatric practice. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that reaffirms the OT’s vital role in nurturing the parent–child relationship from the very beginning.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze evidence linking pregnancy-related mental health to maternal attachment behaviors and pediatric sensory integration outcomes
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to support maternal mental health and promote occupational development in early parent–child relationships
• Solve patient case scenarios involving new mothers facing mental health challenges during their transition into the parenting role

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:04:30) Why ask about maternal mental health?
• (00:05:38) Baby blues vs. PMADs: what OTs should know
• (00:08:30) Stigma, silence, and the fear of disclosure
• (00:10:30) The power of OT in early parenting support
• (00:13:50) What to look for in a new mother
• (00:17:05) Complex symptoms of postpartum mental illness
• (00:22:38) How maternal mental health affects infant development
• (00:27:20) What the research says
• (00:30:30) Attachment vs. bonding: why the difference matters
• (00:35:00) The sensory side of co-occupations
• (00:38:40) Translating research to practice
• (00:46:00) The gap between parent reports and observed performance

• (00:50:00) Resilience as a protective factor
• (00:51:30) Top 3 clinical takeaways

• (00:55:00) What’s next in research and advocacy
• (00:57:25) Wrap-up

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Allie Evancho, OTR/L, CYT, occupational therapist, certified yoga teacher, and PhD candidate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the growing role of nature-based practices in pediatric occupational therapy. Nicole and Allie dive into the research and real-world examples behind why—and how—taking therapy outside the clinic can make a difference. Together, we unpack how outdoor environments support sensory integration, emotional regulation, and health equity for children with disabilities. You’ll leave this conversation inspired by evidence-based strategies and community-driven ideas you can bring to your own OT practice.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around nature-based practices in occupational therapy
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address therapeutic activities for children with disabilities
• Solve patient case scenarios involving nature-based recreation

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:20) Exploring nature-based therapy
• (00:04:05) The importance of nature in pediatric occupational therapy
• (00:05:36) Health equity and accessibility in nature
• (00:08:40) The impact of screen time on children
• (00:13:05) Benefits of nature for mental and physical health
• (00:16:40) Theories supporting nature-based interventions
• (00:20:34) Incorporating nature into therapy practices
• (00:22:55) Advocacy and accessibility in outdoor therapy
• (00:26:40) Creating buy-in for nature-based programs
• (00:29:06) Actionable takeaways for therapists
• (00:33:56) Building trust and safety in nature activities
• (00:36:00) Case example
• (00:40:25) Future directions in pediatric therapy
• (00:42:58) Creating inclusive green spaces
• (00:45:25) Grant writing and funding for nature programs

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Dr. Brittany Saviers, an occupational therapist and researcher known for her work on play, creativity, and occupational identity, joins host Nicole Quint for an inspiring conversation about reclaiming the role of play in pediatric practice. Together, they explore how unstructured, child-led play—and the toys that support it—shape not only skill development, but also who we become. From toy affordances to play equity, this episode invites you to reimagine how, why, and what we play with in therapy. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you advocate for play as a core occupation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze play as a critical contributor to occupational identity formation and skill development, alongside the importance of unstructured, intrinsically motivated play
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to leverage toy/play affordances for meaningful engagement across pediatric populations
• Apply toy affordance principles and play categories to interpret pediatric case scenarios

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to play and its importance
• (00:01:56) Brittany Saviers: background and research
• (00:03:25) Key findings on play and creativity
• (00:06:35) Reimagining play culture in occupational therapy
• (00:10:50) The paradox of play as a right
• (00:13:54) Key questions for occupational therapists
• (00:19:44) The evolution of toys and their role
• (00:25:00) Generational differences in play
• (00:28:45) The kaleidoscope of play: understanding its complexity
• (00:31:30) Translating research into practice: practical applications for OTs
• (00:37:20) Occupational justice: ensuring equal access to play
• (00:40:20) Permission to play: empowering families and caregivers
• (00:43:30) Actionable takeaways: implementing play in therapy
• (00:45:35) Real-life scenarios: applying play concepts in therapy
• (00:51:36) The future of pediatric therapy: embracing play as a science

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L, a leading voice in neurodiversity-affirming practice and coauthor of the SCERTS Model, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack the science and practice of supporting regulation and occupational engagement in pediatric rehabilitation therapy. Nicole and Amy explore why regulation is foundational for engagement and challenge conventional approaches that may unintentionally promote masking over meaningful participation. You’ll hear how strengths-based, individualized strategies can empower clients—and how we, as practitioners, can move beyond one-size-fits-all frameworks. Join us for a practical and powerful conversation that will help you rethink how regulation shows up in your sessions.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the importance of supporting regulation for neurodivergent individuals, with implications for all clients
• Apply evidence-informed strategies to actionably address the regulatory needs of clients in ways that are authentic and affirming to their presentation to facilitate participation in meaningful occupations
• Solve patient case scenarios involving regulatory challenges/support needs for clients with diverse communication profiles

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:30) Amy’s professional journey into regulation
• (00:04:30) Rethinking regulation: beyond calm
• (00:08:45) What the research and community are saying
• (00:15:18) Translating research into practice
• (00:19:20) The OT role in regulation across the day
• (00:23:40) Tools to assess and support regulation
• (00:27:50) Language, buy-in, and building capacity
• (00:33:00) Three actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:43:40) Case scenario: a school-based example
• (00:51:30) Empowering the whole team through universal design
• (00:53:10) Final words of wisdom
• (00:55:00) Outro and CE info

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Autism Level UP!

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Sharon Eva, MS, OTR/L, a passionate pediatric occupational therapist and researcher, joins host Nicole Quint to discuss how we can reframe play for autistic children through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Nicole and Sharon explore how the OT profession is evolving, challenging traditional models and embracing strengths-based, self-determined engagement. Together, they share real stories, research highlights, and practical strategies you can bring into your sessions right away. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that centers on joy, autonomy, and meaningful connection in pediatric care with the neurodivergent population.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based pediatric OT practice
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address play in young children with autism from a neurodiversity-affirming lens
• Solve patient case scenarios involving facilitators and barriers to neurodiversity-affirming play interventions

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:52) Introduction to neurodiversity and play
• (00:03:04) The shift to neurodiversity-affirming practices
• (00:06:35) Understanding neurodiversity and its historical context
• (00:10:52) The importance of play in neurodivergent children
• (00:11:53) Research insights on autistic play preferences
• (00:14:50) Translating research into practice
• (00:17:44) Addressing pushback in neurodiversity practices
• (00:19:01) Effective communication using a strength-based approach with parents and caregivers
• (00:25:20) Actionable takeaways for practitioners
• (00:27:35) Creating meaningful engagement in therapy
• (00:32:34) Case study: Matthew's journey
• (00:40:20) Final thoughts about how practitioners and parents can be pediatric pioneers for neurodivergent children

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Tenets of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Thomas Morgenthaler, PhD, MSc OT, BSc OT, joins host Nicole Quint for a compelling conversation on outdoor play as a vital childhood occupation. Drawing on his international clinical experience and groundbreaking PhD research on play for the sake of play, Thomas brings a fresh lens to how we think about—and design and evaluate—the environment of play spaces. Together, we explore the disconnect between how play is valued and how it's often used in practice, inviting you to reflect on your own assumptions and opportunities for advocacy. Join us and come away with practical, evidence-based strategies to help every child access meaningful, inclusive outdoor play.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around outdoor play occupations and their environmental determinants
• Apply evidence-based strategies to evaluate and improve play space usability and play value
• Analyze your own assumptions about what makes a “good” playground or outdoor space for children

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (0:01:05) Introduction to pediatric pioneers and outdoor play
• (0:04:25) The importance of play spaces in childhood
• (0:09:45) Child rights and the role of play
• (0:15:44) Research insights on outdoor play
• (0:21:11) Intense play and belonging in play spaces
• (0:23:40) Understanding play space usage
• (0:30:09) Accessibility vs. usability in play spaces
• (0:32:31) Defining play value
• (0:33:33) Environmental features and play affordances
• (0:35:30) Tools for assessing play spaces
• (0:39:02) Inclusive design for diverse needs
• (0:44:00) Therapists' role in promoting outdoor play
• (0:48:42) Actionable takeaways for therapists
• (0:53:14) Final thoughts on the importance of play

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Thomas Morgenthaler's LinkedIn
• Using the Theory of Affordances to Understand Environment–Play Transactions: Environmental Taxonomy of Outdoor Play Space Features—A Scoping Review

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers

Dr. Sarah Adam, Paralympic medalist, occupational therapy professor, and Team USA wheelchair rugby trailblazer, joins Nicole Quint and Pediatric Pioneers to explore the transformative power of adaptive sports for kids. Together, we delve into an evidence-based discussion of participation barriers, clinical applications, and why sports should be seen as essential—not optional—for children with disabilities. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to integrate adaptive sports into your practice, advocate for increased access, and empower young athletes to build confidence, independence, and resilience. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how OTs can help open the door to lifelong participation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the impact of adaptive sports and exercise on physical, social, and psychological development in children with disabilities
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to help therapists integrate adaptive sports and physical activity into therapy and daily life for children with disabilities
• Examine occupation-based solutions that promote equitable access to adaptive sports while considering the role of competition in fostering identity, confidence, and long term engagement in physical activity for children with disabilities

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:33) Introduction to adaptive sports and our guest Sarah Adam, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS

• (00:06:02) The importance of adaptive sports in pediatric therapy

• (00:12:03) Mindset shifts for families and communities

• (00:17:52) Research insights on adaptive sports benefits

• (00:19:11) Accessibility challenges and solutions in adaptive sports

• (00:27:14) Integration of adaptive sports in schools

• (00:30:32) Visibility and representation in adaptive sports
• (00:32:24) Interprofessional collaboration in adaptive sports
• (00:38:23) The importance of competitive context in sports
• (00:40:48) Actionable strategies for therapists
• (00:43:48) Success stories in adaptive sports

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Amy Coopersmith, an esteemed expert in self-determination, joinsPediatric Pioneers to explore how occupational therapy practitioners like you can empower youth to take the lead in their own development. Together with host Nicole Quint, we unpack the critical concept of learned helplessness as well as its impact, offering practical strategies to foster autonomy, motivation, and meaningful goal-setting in therapy and beyond. Tune in for actionable insights on translating self-determination research into practice and transforming therapy sessions into opportunities for true independence. You’ll walk away with tools to inspire children—and their support networks—to unlock their full potential.

Learning Objectives

• Critique the effectiveness of three evidence-based strategies for improving students’ motivation and engagement in school, as presented in the case study
• Design a plan incorporating three preventative strategies and accommodations to reduce learned helplessness and foster independence in learners’ chosen occupations
• Devise appropriate accommodations and modifications to address at least three implications of learned helplessness in order to promote student engagement in chosen occupations

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:05) Introduction to guest and self-determination in pediatric therapy
• (00:03:00) The impact of learned helplessness
• (00:06:52) Special education reform and autonomy
• (00:09:11) Parental influence on child development
• (00:12:36) Strategies for empowering children
• (00:16:34) Research insights on self-determination
• (00:18:20) Parenting styles and their effects
• (00:20:45) Practical tools for practitioners
• (00:22:52) Creating child-led environments
• (00:26:35) Implementing calming corners'
• (00:30:08) Empowering decision-making in children
• (00:36:38) The evolution of special education reform
• (00:39:50) Transitioning to self-determination
• (00:48:01) Building buy-in among stakeholders
• (00:53:15) Understanding self-determination vs. self-advocacy
• (00:56:28) Actionable strategies for practitioners

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Captain Me (Self-Determined Kids)
• I Raise My Eyes to Say Yes

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Elise Bloch, a seasoned occupational therapist, educator, and advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the power of patient- and family-engaged care (PFEC) in pediatric rehabilitation. Pulling on her experience as both a clinician and as a parent navigating the healthcare system, Elise shares personal insights and research-backed strategies for truly listening to and collaborating with families. Together, we discuss how PFEC can improve patient outcomes, enhance health literacy, and reduce medical errors, along with actionable steps you can take to integrate these principles into your practice. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your partnerships with families and elevate the care you provide.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the historical context for patient- and family-engaged care
• Interpret the evidence around implementing patient- and family-engaged care service delivery in pediatric care
• Apply evidence-based strategies for implementing patient- and family-engaged care to support occupations that are meaningful to children and their families

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome

• (00:00:27) Introductions

• (00:01:33) Dr. Elise Bloch’s journey in patient- and family-engaged care

• (00:02:52) The importance of listening to families in healthcare

• (00:08:02) Historical context of patient- and family-engaged care

• (00:12:07) The role of occupational therapy in family-centered care

• (00:19:15) Research and benefits of patient- and family-engaged care

• (00:24:07) Advocacy and support systems for families

• (00:28:20) Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and patient-centered research

• (00:30:09) Engaging families in healthcare settings

• (00:32:30) Cultural humility and family support

• (00:36:46) Respect, dignity, and information sharing

• (00:43:32) Facilitating participation and collaboration

• (00:52:44) Actionable takeaways for family engagement

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/