NEW COURSE!
This on-demand features the full thirteen (13) session conference (31.5 contact hours - 3.15 CEUs) recorded from Therapies in the School 26th Annual Conference 2025. Take a deep dive into the most pressing topics in school-based therapy—designed to empower you with practical tools, evidence-based strategies and renewed inspiration.
This on-demand series features the full thirteen (13) session conference (31.5 contact hours – 3.15 CEUs) recorded from Therapies in the School 26th Annual Conference 2025. It includes recordings from Program A (Day 1) and Program B (Day 2).
This on-demand series features sessions recorded at the two-day Therapies in the School 26th Annual Conference 2025. This 2-Day Conference package not only meets most license renewal requirements for hours, but offers the content that will elevate your school-based practice. You get it all!
Whether you are new to the school setting or a seasoned therapist, we know you’ll learn, grow and gain inspiration to continue making a difference with your students! View all the session information below.
Audience:
This intermediate level conference is for PTs, PTAs, OTs, OTAs, SLPs and special educators working with children in schools.
*Please contact our office in order to register your on-demand group. Email info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530 to speak with one of our team members. Please share this offer with your colleagues and staff!
From Movement to Meaning: Creating Connection and Communication with Complex Communicators
Tanna Neufeld, CCC-SLP
Looking at Behavior Through the Lens of Embodied Cognition
Athena Oden, PT
How Sensorimotor Needs Affect Behavior and What to Do About It
Athena Oden, PT
Seeing Beyond ADHD: Uncovering Vision Challenges in Students
Amber Fessler, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Purposeful Push-In: Practical Strategies for Integrated School-Based Therapy
Jennifer Huff, OTR, MOT
Increasing Skills, Competence and Confidence: Best Practices for the New School-based Therapist
Erika (Buckhouse) Hanson, PT
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) In and Out of the Classroom: Strategies for Success
Melissa Gerber, OTD, OTR/L
Moving Beyond “Sensory vs. Behavior”: Why This Question is Popular but Doesn’t Lead Us to Answers
Amy Lewis, OTR/L
Motor Needs, Educational Relevance, and Evidence-Based Practice: Incorporating All Three for Evaluations and Interventions that Promote Participation
Nia Mensah, PT, DPT, PhD
Expanding Regulatory Capacity: A Better Approach Than “Sensory vs. Behavior”
Amy Lewis, OTR/L
Making Writing Meaningful: Play-Based Therapy for Kids Who “Hate Writing”
Kelsie Olds, MOT, OTR
Demystifying Pediatric Orthotic Recommendations for the School-Based Therapist
Amanda Hall, PT
Practical Tools for Participation: Planning, Delivering and Adjusting Interventions for Students with Motor Needs
Nia Mensah, PT, DPT, PhD
Tanna Neufeld is a state-licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children and young adults with developmental differences. Her clinical work spans home, school, clinic, and virtual environments, with a focus on empowering individuals with complex communication needs to access and develop meaningful connection and communication.
Tanna currently serves as a research associate and is pursuing her doctoral degree in infant and early childhood development with a focus on mental health and developmental disabilities. Her research centers on parental reflective functioning and communication outcomes in autistic children. She also leads a boutique consulting and coaching practice, offering personalized training, mentorship, and technical assistance to professionals and families navigating the AAC journey.
As the founding director of AACcessible, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving global access to AAC through education, advocacy, awareness, and action, Tanna oversees a team of volunteers and contributors united by a shared commitment to enhancing social-emotional and communicative outcomes for individuals with complex needs. In addition to her leadership, coaching, and research work, she regularly engages in international speaking and consulting, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance best practices in AAC and inclusive care. Learn more about Tanna and her work here: https://aaccessible.wixsite.com/tannaneufeld
Tanna Neufeld receives an honorarium from Education Resources. Tanna also receives and consulting fee, has intellectual property rights and receives a royalties and an honoraria from AACcessible Foundation.
Tanna Neufeld is a Founding director, of the nonprofit organization AACcessible and is a member of the Board.
Athena Oden, PT, graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and has dedicated over 40 years to pediatrics, working in public and private schools, residential facilities, and non-profit organizations for children, in addition to serving as an Early Childhood Intervention consultant. She has developed and implemented successful motor programs for schools across the U.S., led Assistive Technology teams, designed accessible playgrounds, served as an expert jury member in validating three assessments for students with developmental delays, and is currently on the founding Board of Directors for a private school. Athena has presented at local, state, national, and international levels on topics related to neurological and physiological development in the classroom. Her book, Ready Bodies, Learning Minds: Cultivating the Complete Child©, builds on the tenets of previous editions and is tailored for therapists, teachers, and parents. This book provides insight into the sensory and motor systems essential for learning and success for students of all ages and abilities, incorporating research and references while outlining the curriculum for school-based motor lab programs. An observation tool, the Ready Bodies, Learning Minds Screening Report, aids therapists in identifying the most effective intervention strategies for children. Additionally, the Sensorimotor Needs Inventory was recently created to support intervention strategies for behavioral challenges in children with disabilities. Athena was honored to contribute to the development of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) white paper on The Role of School-Based Physical Therapy: Successful Participation for All Students in 2012 and its current update in 2023, and she served for six years as a past Regional Representative for the South Central U.S. states for the School-Based SIG of the APTA.
Athena Oden receives an honorarium from Education Resources.
Athena Oden has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Amber Fessler, OTD, MS, OTR/L, is a highly experienced pediatric occupational therapist with two decades of expertise working with diverse pediatric populations. She is a contributing author to Dr. Scheiman’s Understanding and Managing Vision Deficits: A Guide for Occupational Therapists (4th Edition) and has published research no occupational therapy and optometry collaboration in pediatric care in the Vision Development and Rehabilitation Journal.
She earned her post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Salus University in 2020, specializing in Remedial Vision Rehabilitation. Currently, she owns and operates a private practice dedicated to helping children with learning-related vision deficits, working closely with optometrists to provide comprehensive care. Amber’s extensive clinical background spans early intervention, public schools, outpatient care, and vision therapy clinics.
Financial Disclosure: Amber Fessler has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. She does receive an honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Amber Fessler has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Erika has been a full-time school based physical therapist in Fargo Public Schools for over 20 years. In her role as a mentor for new school-based OT’s, PT’s and special education teachers. Mentoring new teachers in special education, she saw which areas special education teachers rely on related service providers skills to address the students’ needs. Mentoring OT’s and PT’s new to the school setting, as well as being a clinical instructor for physical therapy students and teaching continuing education courses to post professionals has allowed Erika to better understand and thus teach about components of school-based therapy that are most difficult to implement and perform for therapists. Erika is also an advanced trainer of the Nurtured Heart Approach ® and a coach for Catalyst Approach to classroom management. Both of these strategies help to connect with students, integrate into the school environment, and address behavioral concerns.
Erika and her husband, Chris, have lived and worked in Fargo for nearly 30 years, attending undergrad in Fargo as well. They have 4 children; Two in college and two at home. One of their children is neurodiverse and has struggled with behavioral issues throughout his school years. Unfortunately, one of their children also suffered from cancer in 2022. The child is currently doing well. But that experience certainly opened a new level of empathy for children, and their parents, who suffer from medical conditions. Erika’s hobbies include fostering unwanted dogs for a local rescue and connecting with their new adopters, and growing houseplants.
Erika Buckhouse Hanson receives an honorarium from Education Resources.
Erika Buckhouse Hanson has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Dr. Melissa K. Gerber, OTD, OTR/L is a seasoned and respected clinician with extensive experience in pediatrics. She began her career in adults in inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation and acute care. Currently, she has been working for the Great Neck Public Schools for the past 24 years.
She is president of 4MYKIDSOT, a private practice where she provides therapy and evaluations. Dr. Gerber has presented at Education Resources, Therapies in the Schools on Visual Processing: Treat, Remediate, Refer. She also teaches Developmental Coordination disorder course for ERI. In 2023, she co-published The School Based chapter in The Quintessential OT.
She is enthusiastic to share her experiences and provide strategies that can be incorporated immediately. She completed her master’s and doctorate degrees from Quinnipiac University while working full time in the schools.
Financial Disclosures: Melissa Gerber receives an honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Melissa Gerber has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
AMY LEWIS OTR/L pediatric OT in Charleston, SC. Amy has a particular interest in psychology, sensory integration, auditory interventions, relational neuroscience, and light touch body work. She recently completed a 2-year mentorship in Tensegrity Medicine, an approach that treats the whole person from an integrated mind and body perspective, focused on the fascial system. Her OT career began in the birth to three population, affording the opportunity to hone her focus on foundational skills like postural control and regulation. Certifications include SIPT, Therapeutic Listening, Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention, iLs, and Safe and Sound Protocol. When transitioning to work with older children and adults, Amy maintained a focus on foundational skills and how they support regulatory capacity, while also bringing in her studies of mindfulness, and the practice of self-compassion. Amy currently works at Powerfully You, teaching and supporting therapists, and lectures as Affiliate Faculty at The Medical University of South Carolina. Powerfully You is a culmination of 20 years working as an OT, combined with life experiences and learnings and a passion for being with others on their journey in a way that comes alongside and offers information and tools.
Dr. Nia Mensah is a pediatric physical therapist, researcher, and educator with over 15 years of experience serving children with complex developmental disabilities. She earned her PhD in Motor Learning from Teachers College, Columbia University, where her research focused on physical activity and participation in non-ambulatory youth with cerebral palsy. Currently, Dr. Mensah is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Southern California and serves as pediatric physical therapy hybrid faculty at the University of Colorado DPT Program.
Her clinical and academic work bridges school-based practice, early intervention, and translational motor learning research. She is widely recognized for advancing culturally responsive and evidence-informed care in school settings and has presented nationally on the intersection of equity, family advocacy, and school-based service delivery.
Nia Mensah receives an honorarium from Education Resources.
Nia Mensah has nonfinancial relationships to disclose. Nia is Vice President and
Founder/ Kusudi International Inc. Non-Profit organization and is Coordinator of Community Relations Committee. This is a volunteer role.
Kelsie Olds, "The Occuplaytional Therapist", shares passionately every day online with thousands of parents, teachers, professionals--and adults simply seeking to heal childhood wounds in their own selves--about the healing and power in play as the core meaningful occupation that underlies childhood. Kelsie has worked on an Air Force base in England; in rural Oklahoma, USA; and currently in Geelong, Australia. This gives them a unique perspective on various Western systems of healthcare and education, and the ways those intersect and affect the children they work with every day.
Kelsie Olds receives an honorarium from Education Resources.
Kelsie Olds has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Amanda Hall, PT, MPT, PCS, began teaching clinical education with serial therapeutic casting courses, and has since developed additional coursework based on an integrative approach to treatment for patients with pediatric and neurological health conditions. Her clinical practice is at the Rehabilitation and Specialized Care of Children’s National Hospital (formerly the HSC Pediatric Center) in Washington, DC, where she specializes in treating “outliers” and patients with complex presentations. Her framework is grounded in PNF principles, therapeutic alliance, neuroplasticity, manual therapy, therapeutic gait, and developmental kinesioplasticity. Her framework has a strong focus in patient-centered treatment and adaptive design. As a result, she has received international media attention as the “Madcaster.” Notable presentations include the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, the APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference, and at the National Institutes of Health. She graduated with her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Washington in 2001 and received her Board-Certification as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist in 2010.
Financial Disclosure: Amanda Hall receives an honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Amanda Hall has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Jennifer Huff, OTR, MOT is passionate about empowering practitioners to be effective, collaborative members of their school teams. She currently works in the schools and in addition, provides resources and mentorship opportunities to school-based occupational therapy practitioners nationwide through her company, Jennifer Huff LLC. She is on the Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA) Speakers Bureau and presented at the 2025 TOTA Annual Conference. Jennifer seeks to equip others to embrace best practices, find community, and effectively engage in their vital role as part of the educational team.
Jennifer Huff receives payment from Education Resources, Inc.
for teaching this course.
Jennifer Huff has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to
disclose.
Once you purchase an online course you will have access to the course materials. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam.
Once you purchase an online course, you will have the opportunity to take an exam to test your retention of the material. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam. The exam must be completed with a pass rate of 80% or more in order to receive your certificate of attendance.
This course meets the criteria for 31.5 contact hours (3.15 CEUs) Intermediate Level.
To receive a certificate of completion all registered attendees are required to attend and participate fully in all applicable course activities (i.e., labs, discussions, group work, polls, post-tests with passing grade of 80% or greater etc.) and complete the evaluation form.
Education Resources Inc. is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID#13946. This Distance Learning-Independent course is offered at 31.5 contact hours 3.15 CEUs. (Intermediate level, OT Service Delivery & Foundational Knowledge & Professional Issues). AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
This course can be used toward your NBCOT renewal requirements for 31.5 units.
Approved provider of the FL Board of Occupational Therapy-CE Broker – 37.5 hrs. This course meets the approval of the TX Board of OT Examiners.
ASHA credits are accepted by the TX Department of License and Renewal.
Application has been made to the MD Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Application has been made to the MN Board of Physical Therapy.
Application has been made to the NJ Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Approved sponsor by the State of IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Physical Therapy for 37.5 contact hours. Approved provider by the NY State Board of Physical Therapy for 37.5 contact hours (3.75 CEUs).
Education Resources, Inc. is an approved provider for Physical Therapy CEUs in the following states: CA, NM, OK, TX and the assignment does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures for these.
The following state boards of physical therapy accept other states’ approval: AK, AR, AZ, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MO, MS, NC, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VA, VT, WI, WY. The following state boards of physical therapy either do not require course pre-approval or do not require CEUs for re-licensure: AL, CO, CT, IA, ME, MT, NE, ND, NH, SD, WA.
12 hours of this course qualify towards the discipline-specific hours for the 20-hour requirement for NDTA re-certification. They do NOT qualify towards the 8-hour NDTA Instructor requirement for re-certification.
Education Resources Inc. 266 Main St, Suite 12, Medfield, MA 02052 • 800-487-6530