Category Archives: Events & Conferences

Get comprehensive details about Therapro’s active participation in various industry events and conferences, including informative presentations, hands-on workshops, and trade shows that showcase innovative therapy products and provide valuable professional development opportunities for clinicians and educators.

Brain Gym®: Movement-Based Learning Readiness

Events & Conferences, Motor & Movement, Sensory, , ,

This past Saturday, Therapro was thrilled to host a dynamic and highly attended professional development seminar at our headquarters, with over 80 enthusiastic participants in attendance.

Pamela Formosa, MA, OTR/L, delivered an engaging and insightful presentation exploring the benefits of Brain Gym®, a movement-based learning readiness program that supports children with a variety of challenges including sensory integration difficulties, attention issues, emotional regulation concerns, and learning differences. Her session focused on how Brain Gym can empower students to “solve their own puzzles” by using movement as a tool for self-regulation and improved focus.

Brain Gym® is an internationally recognized program that uses intentional movement to enhance brain function and prepare the body and mind for learning. Rooted in neuroscience and developmental movement, this approach integrates physical activity with goal setting and self-awareness to create a holistic framework for academic and personal success.

Formosa guided attendees through a range of Brain Gym activities that are designed to activate both hemispheres of the brain, improve body coordination, and promote cognitive development. These exercises can be seamlessly incorporated into classrooms, therapy sessions, or home routines to support readiness for learning and overall engagement.

Why Movement Matters in Learning

Movement is a critical component of brain development, particularly in early childhood and for individuals with diverse learning needs. Programs like Brain Gym® help children access the neurological pathways required for attention, memory, and emotional regulation. When incorporated regularly, these movement-based learning readiness programs can make a meaningful difference in a child’s ability to process information and thrive in educational environments.

Check out this short clip from the workshop to see Brain Gym in action:

Explore More Movement-Based Resources

If you’re seeking more engaging and effective ways to support students’ sensory, motor, and cognitive development, be sure to explore Therapro’s Move to Learn collection. These resources offer therapists, educators, and parents a wide array of movement-based tools designed to enhance readiness for learning, support attention, and promote physical engagement in a fun and accessible way.

From balance and coordination tools to activities that target executive functioning and sensory regulation, our Move to Learn products align well with the principles of Brain Gym and other movement-based learning readiness programs.

17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference

Events & Conferences

Banner for the 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference
Therapro was proud to once again participate in the 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference held on Friday, October 25th, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

“The Great Beginnings Conference brings experts and professionals together to discuss research and explore implications for appropriate practice, policy and services for children birth to six years old and their families.”

Supporting Early Childhood Professionals

The 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference featured a wide variety of sessions aimed at empowering educators and therapists working with young children. With a strong focus on evidence-based strategies and inclusive practices, the workshops addressed areas such as behavior support, sensory integration, social-emotional development, and communication skills.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with presenters who offered practical tools and real-world insights to help them better support children across diverse learning environments. The event emphasized collaborative, child-centered approaches that align with current best practices in early childhood education and intervention.

Therapro’s Exhibit: Practical Tools for Young Learners

Therapro’s exhibit table was a highlight for many attendees. Our team showcased a curated selection of products designed to promote motor development, sensory processing, communication, and classroom participation. Popular items included:

Featured products include:

Attendees were enthusiastic about discovering new resources and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and explore products in person.

A Meaningful Day of Learning

The 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference continues to be a valuable event for early childhood professionals throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The conference not only offers practical knowledge but also fosters a sense of community among those dedicated to supporting the youngest learners.

Therapro is honored to be a part of this impactful day and looks forward to continuing to support professionals with effective tools, expert guidance, and innovative solutions for early intervention and education.

Barbara Smith Presents on Sensory Activities at Saturday Seminar

Events & Conferences

Barbara Smith at TheraproOn a snowy Saturday morning, January 24, 2014, a dedicated group of therapists, educators, and child specialists gathered at Therapro to attend a seminar by Barbara Smith, MS, OTR/L. Despite challenging weather conditions, attendees were eager to gain insights from Barbara Smith’s extensive experience in occupational therapy.​

Barbara Smith, known for her innovative approaches in occupational therapy, presented on the topic of early intervention and its critical role in preparing children for school. Drawing from her 30 years of experience across various settings—including early intervention programs, public schools, and day habilitation centers—she emphasized the importance of sensory integration and movement in developing hand skills.

During the seminar, Barbara discussed practical strategies for incorporating movement into therapy sessions to enhance fine motor skills. She highlighted techniques such as using weighted materials to improve body awareness and employing vertical surfaces to promote fine motor development. These methods, she explained, can be particularly effective for children with sensory processing disorders.

Attendees also learned about Barbara’s publications, including “The Recycling Occupational Therapist” and “From Rattles to Writing: A Parent’s Guide to Hand Skills.” These resources offer valuable guidance for therapists and parents alike in supporting children’s developmental needs.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to delve deeper into specific challenges they face in their practice. Barbara’s expertise and practical advice left attendees equipped with new tools and perspectives to enhance their therapeutic approaches.

Visit Barbara’s blog, The Recycling Occupational Therapist, to learn more about “Innovative Interventions to Treat Children on the Autism Spectrum.”