Every year, ERI invites our community to help us recognize clinical excellence within birth to 3 practice settings —someone whose dedication, creativity, and compassion lift up children and families every day.

We are always moved by the stories of so many remarkable professionals whose influence extends far beyond their job titles and who have a profound impact on practice through their leadership and their support of colleagues, families, and communities.

To honor excellence both close to home and across the globe, we are excited to announce that we will present two Clinical Excellence Awards this year, including a brand‑new international category:

Clinical Excellence Award – U.S.

Clinical Excellence Award – International

Each awardee will receive a full scholarship to attend ERI’s 3rd Annual Birth to Three Conference.

We are delighted to announce the 2026 Birth to Three Clinical Excellence Award winners: Heather Beauchesne and Sanika Gawade and share more about their important work.

Clinical Excellence Award – U.S.

Before beginning her therapy career, Heather Beauchesne was deeply immersed in the equestrian world—breeding, riding, training, and forming strong relationships with both horses and clients. Her work eventually brought her to a therapeutic horse center and offered exposure to the possibilities within a range of therapy disciplines to support the varied needs of young people and their families. It was there that her passion for working with children became clear.

In her current role as an acute care therapist in a growing hospital and rehabilitation department, Heather ensures early identification and preventative interventions are in place for medically fragile infants. She uses proactive strategies that support regulation, positioning, and neurodevelopment, helping infants thrive during critical early stages and amidst medical complexity.

Heather has elevated developmental and family‑centered therapy across her hospital by collaborating closely with nursing and medical teams. Her leadership in training and interdisciplinary education has strengthened therapeutic supports across units and embedded developmentally supportive care into daily routines. From infants in pre-term “feeding and growing” units to pediatric oncology and eating disorder services, Heather applies her therapeutic skills to meet the needs of those moments in the hospital, with the bigger developmental picture also close in mind.

A central focus of Heather’s work is empowering parent–infant bonding during hospitalization. She teaches caregivers how to confidently hold, comfort, and connect with their infants—even in the face of medical complexity—ensuring families remain active, supported participants in their child’s early development.

Clinical Excellence Award – International

Our international Clinical Excellence Award winner has been instrumental in supporting infant development and incorporating family-centered principles into the hospital setting for more than 25 years. Sanika Gawade played a foundational role in establishing and sustaining therapy services in the NICU at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, India – an achievement that required not only clinical expertise, but persistence, vision, and deep collaboration. Over her 20 years at this facility, she contributed to a cultural shift toward individualized, neuroprotective care for preterm and medically fragile infants. Her presence and leadership helped ensure that infants received support tailored to their cues, needs, and developmental trajectories.

Currently, she continues her impactful work with both neonatal and early intervention services at another facility in western India. Her role includes teaching therapy students, mentoring staff, building capacity in evidence-based practice, and supporting systems of care that place families at the center. As a gifted educator, Saneka has shaped the learning of countless students and early-career clinicians, helping to advance their evaluation and clinical reasoning skills. Her mentorship includes hands-on training in cue-based feeding, positioning, sensory modulation, and family-centered coaching.

Furthering her positive impact for infants and children, Saneka’s collaborative partnerships with neonatologists, nurses, and other colleagues support excellence in care and client outcomes.

Congratulations to our Clinical Excellence Award Winners

ERI is thrilled to recognize and celebrate Saneka and Heather with the 2026 Birth to Three Clinical Excellence Awards and look forward to welcoming them both as our guests for this year’s conference.

Join This Year’s Birth to Three Conference

March 26 and 27, 2026
LIVE WEBINAR
Earn up to 12 contact hours

Choose your track and customize the conference to your interests. Conference sessions for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. Join us!