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Author, Speaker, Trainer, Artist, Occupational Therapist and Sister
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Hello and Welcome!

The most valuable teachings come from real-life experiences. Wisdom, clarity of what's important, and connections appear.  I've learned, we are more the same than different!

 

Tidbits:

  • Raised by a boy with Down syndrome: David taught more than I'll ever teach anyone! 

  • Favorite work is with preschool ages. So many questions...so much fun!

  • Descendant of St. Croix Chippewa of Wisconsin tribe. Nature & art LOVE!

  • Work in rural Alaska in 10 villages of the Yupik tribe for 3 years. Where first used skills at teaching complex OT subjects on the fly! (see video below)

  • Live in Montana and provide OT consultation with the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreilles Tribes Early Childhood Services program. 

  • Trip to Italy for Reggio inspired Training. Mind BLOWN by their love of nature, art, and respect of innate teachings from children with different-abilities! 

  • 5 week trip to India, Nepal, & Thailand. Sensory Processing training in an orphanage 

  • Consulting architects to add sensory, nature, and art into education environments 

  • Sculpted 8 characters (in my book) to express my appreciation & love

  • Obsessed with helping people understand sensory processing skills and how the skills can be more fully developed and "behaviors" dropped.

  • NOTE: My ideas and solutions have come about from working in places where OT's are a rarity. If you have access to an OT that understands Sensory Processing Skills Development that's wonderful!

Helping YOU help kids!

Some signals kids give when they need more sensory input:

  • picky eating 

  • chewing on clothing

  • mouthing toys/items post 2 year old 

  • hitting out at others

  • climbing shelves and tables 

  • walking on their toes

  • w-sitting (opposite of criss cross sitting, legs fan out to sides)

  • roaming room during choice time & missing out on fine motor

  • trouble staying seated

  • bumping or crashing into others

  • breaking items often & accidentally 

 

Kids show us what they need!

Let me help you help kids.

 

Cyndi

 

Life is so very interesting! I have learned so much from the many people I was trained to support and help. From my little brother, David and the many children I’ve had the honor to spend time with as their occupational therapist, I’ve learned to be brave, to sit, to enjoy the moment, to laugh, to play, to observe, to be curious, to forgive, to try, and to overlook obstacles and straight into the things one learns from challenges. These are all gifts I would of never expected as I worked so diligently all those years ago to prepare to help children with disabilities. Life is so very interesting! I have learned so much from the many people I was trained to support and help. From my little brother, David and the many children I’ve had the honor to spend time with as their occupational therapist, I’ve learned to be brave, to sit, to enjoy the moment, to laugh, to play, to observe, to be curious, to forgive, to try, and to overlook obstacles and straight into the things one learns from challenges. These are all gifts I would of never expected as I worked so diligently all those years ago to prepare to help children with disabilities.  

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In the Media

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Articles

The Flathead Beacon

“A TOY WITH A MISSION” BY MICK HOLIEN 05.28.2010
 

The Missoulian

“ABLED IMAGINATION: POLSON WOMAN CREATES DOLLS TO ENCOURAGE TOLERANCE” BY VINCE DELVIN 06.02.2010
 

Apostrophe Magazine

“TOY WITH A MISSION BENEFITS CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME” BY MICK HOLIEN

“THE BENEFITS OF LIVING WITH DAVID”

 

Newscasts

KPAX News Appearance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 


 

Interviews

Interview with Good Medicine Part 1 & 2:

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