Beth Osten owns and directs a multi-disciplinary pediatric clinic in the Chicago area, which specializes in the treatment of infants, children, and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders. She has more than 40 years of pediatric experience as an occupational therapist. Beth speaks nationally and internationally on the DIR/Floortime model for treatment of autism spectrum disorders and has over 15 years of experience training professionals in the DIR/Floortime® model through ICDL and Profectum. Beth has taught many courses related to early intervention, autism, infant motor development, and sensory integration. She contributed to the ICDL Diagnostic Manual for Infancy and Early Childhood and is a co-author of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). Beth co-authored an ASHA certified training DVD, Assessment and Intervention of Communication in Children Birth-5: A Developmental Approach. Beth is currently completing a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development through Fielding Graduate University.
Susan Smith-Foley, OTD, MPA, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in family-centered and school-based O.T. / DIR-FCD services. She is passionate about supporting the integration of the DIR-FCD Model into public schools including working with multi-disciplinary teams and primary caregivers. Susan completed a post-professional doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy (OTD) at The University of Kansas Medical Center in December 2018. She is the founder and owner of Avon Occupational Therapy, Inc. located in Avon, NJ. Susan is an Associate Faculty member of Profectum Academy and a member of its International O.T. Working Group.
Natalie Kitts holds a Masters of Science from Kean University, and is a licensed occupational therapist. She has extensive continuing education including advanced training in Sensory Integration Theory and Intervention, and a Professionals Certificate in the DIR Model and Foundational Capacities for Development (FCD). Natalie is passionate about helping children with developmental differences thrive and reach their potential, including supporting her own son overcome many of the challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome. She is strongly committed to supporting and helping families survive the struggles of raising a child who is “differently abled”. Natalie has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in public school, private practice and early intervention since 2012. Her passion to help children drives her to share her experiences and educate others through workshops and professional presentations. She has previously presented on Dyslexia and Executive Function, Self-Regulation and Executive Function, and The Occupational Therapist’s Role in College Transition Services for Students with ASD. Natalie is the co-owner of Foundations of Executive Functions, which uses a unique program designed for occupational therapists to identify and provide intervention for children and young adults with executive dysfunction. She is hoping to have the curriculum, Foundations4Function, available for publication by the end of 2017. Natalie lives in New Jersey with her husband of 26 years and their 3 children. Her favorite leisure occupations include hiking, biking, kayaking, traveling and sharing life adventures with her family.
Presenters: Natalie Kitts, Beth Osten, Susan Smith-Foley
Historically parents have played a significant role in DIR intervention. Access to DIR has evolved across family constellations, as well as across geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural parameters since the model was first developed. Gaps currently exist in meeting the diverse needs of families. This presentation will address best practices for cultural sensitivity when developing and implementing DIR parent coaching and family support programs in the home and at school. Current qualitative and quantitative research will be presented to guide DIR coaching and program implementation.
Presenters: Natalie Kitts, Beth Osten, Susan Smith-Foley
Historically parents have played a significant role in DIR intervention. Access to DIR has evolved across family constellations, as well as across geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural parameters since the model was first developed. Gaps currently exist in meeting the diverse needs of families. This presentation will address best practices for cultural sensitivity when developing and implementing DIR parent coaching and family support programs in the home and at school. Current qualitative and quantitative research will be presented to guide DIR coaching and program implementation.
Although all providers in this directory have completed one or more of Profectum’s certificate training courses on the DIR-FCD model, the providers listed in this directory are independent contractors. Providers are not agents nor are they employees and nor are they under the control of Profectum Foundation. Providers are solely responsible for the quality of the services you receive.
