Pediatric Pioneers: A Medbridge Podcast

Dr. Zesarae Bodie, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, CSOT, founder of Intimate Health Solutions and an expert in perinatal and sexual health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore OT’s overlooked role in postpartum physical recovery. Nicole and Zesarae unpack how pediatric therapists, especially those in early intervention, are uniquely positioned to support not only babies but also the birthing parents navigating profound physical transitions. Tune in to discover how your existing skills in activity analysis, environmental modification, and co-occupation can powerfully shift maternal health outcomes without needing a new certification.

Learning Objectives

Analyze th...

Duration: 01:01:40

Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, an award-winning early intervention specialist and maternal health advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack occupational therapy’s vital role in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. In this compelling conversation, Nicole and Patricia share personal stories, clinical insights, and a bold call to action for OTPs across all settings. Together, they explore how OT can help tackle inequities, improve health literacy, and support mothers during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Tune in to discover practical ways you can expand your impact and help save lives—starting with the questions you ask.

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Duration: 01:00:37

Teddie Buchner, PhD, OTR/L, QMHP, OT Reg. (AB), an expert in pediatric and maternal mental health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the hidden connections between maternal mental health and pediatric sensory development. Drawing on clinical experience and original research, Teddie and Nicole dive into how occupational therapists can better support new mothers while fostering healthy co-occupations and sensory integration in infants. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based insights and practical tools to address maternal mental health in everyday pediatric practice. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that reaffirms the OT’s vital role in nurturing the parent–chil...

Duration: 00:58:28

Allie Evancho, OTR/L, CYT, occupational therapist, certified yoga teacher, and PhD candidate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the growing role of nature-based practices in pediatric occupational therapy. Nicole and Allie dive into the research and real-world examples behind why—and how—taking therapy outside the clinic can make a difference. Together, we unpack how outdoor environments support sensory integration, emotional regulation, and health equity for children with disabilities. You’ll leave this conversation inspired by evidence-based strategies and community-driven ideas you can bring to your own OT practice.

Learning Objectives

Analyze the evidence around...

Duration: 00:48:28

Dr. Brittany Saviers, an occupational therapist and researcher known for her work on play, creativity, and occupational identity, joins host Nicole Quint for an inspiring conversation about reclaiming the role of play in pediatric practice. Together, they explore how unstructured, child-led play—and the toys that support it—shape not only skill development, but also who we become. From toy affordances to play equity, this episode invites you to reimagine how, why, and what we play with in therapy. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you advocate for play as a core occupation.

Lear...

Duration: 00:56:53

Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L, a leading voice in neurodiversity-affirming practice and coauthor of the SCERTS Model, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack the science and practice of supporting regulation and occupational engagement in pediatric rehabilitation therapy. Nicole and Amy explore why regulation is foundational for engagement and challenge conventional approaches that may unintentionally promote masking over meaningful participation. You’ll hear how strengths-based, individualized strategies can empower clients—and how we, as practitioners, can move beyond one-size-fits-all frameworks. Join us for a practical and powerful conversation that will help you rethink how regulation shows up in your sessions. Duration: 00:55:58

Sharon Eva, MS, OTR/L, a passionate pediatric occupational therapist and researcher, joins host Nicole Quint to discuss how we can reframe play for autistic children through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Nicole and Sharon explore how the OT profession is evolving, challenging traditional models and embracing strengths-based, self-determined engagement. Together, they share real stories, research highlights, and practical strategies you can bring into your sessions right away. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that centers on joy, autonomy, and meaningful connection in pediatric care with the neurodivergent population.

Learning Objectives

Analyze the evidence around...

Duration: 00:44:42

Thomas Morgenthaler, PhD, MSc OT, BSc OT, joins host Nicole Quint for a compelling conversation on outdoor play as a vital childhood occupation. Drawing on his international clinical experience and groundbreaking PhD research on play for the sake of play, Thomas brings a fresh lens to how we think about—and design and evaluate—the environment of play spaces. Together, we explore the disconnect between how play is valued and how it's often used in practice, inviting you to reflect on your own assumptions and opportunities for advocacy. Join us and come away with practical, evidence-based strategies to help ever...

Duration: 00:56:31

Dr. Sarah Adam, Paralympic medalist, occupational therapy professor, and Team USA wheelchair rugby trailblazer, joins Nicole Quint and Pediatric Pioneers to explore the transformative power of adaptive sports for kids. Together, we delve into an evidence-based discussion of participation barriers, clinical applications, and why sports should be seen as essential—not optional—for children with disabilities. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to integrate adaptive sports into your practice, advocate for increased access, and empower young athletes to build confidence, independence, and resilience. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how OTs can help open the door to lifelong...

Duration: 00:53:37

Dr. Amy Coopersmith, an esteemed expert in self-determination, joinsPediatric Pioneers to explore how occupational therapy practitioners like you can empower youth to take the lead in their own development. Together with host Nicole Quint, we unpack the critical concept of learned helplessness as well as its impact, offering practical strategies to foster autonomy, motivation, and meaningful goal-setting in therapy and beyond. Tune in for actionable insights on translating self-determination research into practice and transforming therapy sessions into opportunities for true independence. You’ll walk away with tools to inspire children—and their support networks—to unlock their full potential.

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Duration: 01:01:31

Dr. Elise Bloch, a seasoned occupational therapist, educator, and advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the power of patient- and family-engaged care (PFEC) in pediatric rehabilitation. Pulling on her experience as both a clinician and as a parent navigating the healthcare system, Elise shares personal insights and research-backed strategies for truly listening to and collaborating with families. Together, we discuss how PFEC can improve patient outcomes, enhance health literacy, and reduce medical errors, along with actionable steps you can take to integrate these principles into your practice. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your partnerships with families...

Duration: 01:00:28

Pediatric Pioneers welcomes Melissa (Missy) Schaeffer, a board-certified pediatric occupational therapist with 20 years of experience in pediatrics across diverse clinical, educational, and academic settings. An expert in assistive technology integration, Missy shares her journey into the world of rehab and educational technology and the critical role it plays in enhancing occupational performance. Together with host Nicole Quint, we explore practical approaches for selecting, trialing, and implementing technology to support children at school and at home. Listen in for tangible examples, key federal and state resources, and more on how technology can effectively break down barriers to improve engagement and i...

Duration: 00:54:44

⁠Dr. Sarah Schoen⁠, director of research at the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, joins host ⁠Nicole Quint ⁠to explore the impact of sensory integration on therapy outcomes. With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Schoen shares insights into how sensory integration and processing impacts across the lifespan and across contexts. Listen in for practical strategies to integrate current research to effectively advocate for sensory interventions in diverse settings.

Learning Objectives

Interpret the evidence around sensory integration and sensory processingApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address concerns or challenges related to sensory integration and sensory...

Duration: 00:55:53

In this episode, Nicole Schwam, occupational therapist and expert in cardiac care for infants and toddlers, joins Nicole Quint to explore the critical role occupational therapists play in supporting children with congenital heart defects (CHD). Nicole shares her personal journey with a heart condition and how it has shaped her career, alongside valuable clinical insights for occupational therapy practitioners across settings. Together, we discuss the unique challenges these children face as well as the actionable strategies practitioners like you can use to maximize children’s development long-term while considering their medical complexities. Tune in to discover how to safely en...

Duration: 00:49:40

Dr. Susan Bazyk, an esteemed expert in occupational therapy’s role in addressing the mental health needs of children and youth, joins us to explore how therapists can play a pivotal role in promoting mental well-being within school settings. In this episode, she and host Nicole Quint highlight the unique contributions occupational therapy practitioners bring to school mental health through success stories from the field, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond traditional one-on-one interventions. Tune in to discover actionable insights on applying a tiered approach to mental health and how to advocate for OT’s full scope of prac...

Duration: 00:55:05

Dr. Wendy Stav, a leading authority in occupation-based practice, joins us to reveal how this transformative approach can be integrated into pediatric rehabilitation therapy effectively. In this episode, Wendy and host Nicole Quint dive into practical strategies, the latest research, and actionable tips to help clinicians like you harness the superpower of occupation. Tune in to discover how embracing occupation-based practice will help level up your patient care and elevate your outcomes across settings.

Learning Objectives

Interpret the evidence around occupation-based practice for pediatric practice Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably promote occupation-based...

Duration: 00:52:18