Occupational Therapist
Barbara was certified as an occupational therapist in 1991. Following her degree, she earned a Certificate of Toddler Specialization as a Research Fellow at the Georgetown University Hospital Child Development Center. She has worked with children of all ages with a wide range of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, CP, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, learning challenges and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Before opening Way to Grow, Barbara was an occupational therapist in the D.C. Public Schools, at The Treatment and Learning Centers/Katherine Thomas School (Senior O.T.), and at the Frederick County Infants and Toddlers Program.
Barbara continually expands her understanding of pediatric practice by staying current with new treatment approaches. She has had extensive training in Sensory Integration practice and has attended educational seminars including REI, Bal-A-Vis-X, The Astronaut Program, Loops and Other Groups, and Brain Gym, among others. She keeps her knowledge of Sensory Integration practice current.
In addition to her pediatric practice, Barbara is co-founder and co-director of the Montessori Medical Partnership for Inclusion – an educational and advocacy group working for inclusion of more children with special needs in Montessori schools across the world. You can learn more at www.Montessori4Inclusion.org.
Barbara initially founded Way to Grow together with her sister, Susan, in 2002. They are both occupational therapist experts, specializing in addressing the unique needs of children.
Growing up in a family with a father who was disabled, Barbara and Susan had direct experience with the challenges of having a family member with a disability. Their careers, training and life experiences have all contributed to the development of Way to Grow’s empathetic and holistic philosophy and unique approach to pediatric therapy.
Now managing the clinic on her own, Barbara continues to maintain the family-centered approach and humanistic philosophy with which she and Susan began.