Pediatric Pioneers: A Medbridge Podcast

In this episode, neuro-audiology expert Dr. Sarah Wakefield, AuD , joins host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L , to uncover why children with normal peripheral hearing often face hidden battles with auditory processing and decreased sound tolerance conditions. Together, they explore how the brain interprets sound, shifting the narrative away from “bad behavior” to reveal how conditions like misophon...

In this episode, host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L , joins Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP , founder of the Social Thinking Methodology, to re-examine the foundations of pediatric social learning. Michelle challenges the traditional clinical focus on “eye contact,” advocating instead for “thinking with your eyes” to help clients move from simple observation to true perspective-taking. You’ll...

Join host Nicole Quint and certified CO-OP™ instructor Dr. Lara Collins Barros as they explore how the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP™) Approach can revolutionize school-based practice. You’ll discover how to shift from traditional fine motor drills to a top-down, evidence-based framework that empowers students to lead their own problem-solving through the Goal-Plan...

Join host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L , and guest Elizabeth Jones, MS, OTR/L , an expert in pediatric advocacy, as they explore a transformative paradigm shift in neurodiversity. You will learn how to move beyond individual “fixes” to design “fits” within school and community systems, treating parent input as vital clinical data. Liz shares how her dual perspective as a therapist and parent can...

Join host Nicole Quint and Dr. Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS , for an insightful exploration into how a “body-first“ lens can revolutionize your approach to executive function. Together, they dive into Dr. Koscinski’s Executive Function Express framework, illustrating how interoception and postural stability serve as the “tracks“ that allow a child’s cognitive “train“ to move forward. You w...

Elizabeth N. Legg, MOT, OTR/L —an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Kidz Connect Therapy—joins host Nicole Quint to explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of childhood development: feeding. Nicole and Liz unpack why picky eating is rarely just “picky” and dig into how sensory, emotional, and relational factors shape a child’s eating experience. You’...

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 p...

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 h...

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-occupati...

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...

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 afford...

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 promot...

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, resear...

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 be...

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 dis...

Dr. Amy Coopersmith , an esteemed expert in self-determination, joins Pediatric 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 go...

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 fa...

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 performan...

⁠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 rese...

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...

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 succes...

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 embr...