Category Archives: Inside Therapro

Stay connected with everything happening at Therapro—from product launches and company news to conference highlights, community involvement, and special events we attend or host.

17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference

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

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.”

Filomena’s Corner: Practical Insights for Therapists and Educators

Filomena’s Corner is a valuable feature of the Therapro Blog, curated by Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L. As a veteran occupational therapist, Filomena shares thoughtful therapy and education insights by reviewing Therapro’s Saturday Seminar Series and key industry conferences. Her blog posts provide practical takeaways and in-depth perspectives for therapists, educators, and caregivers who want to stay informed and inspired—even if they can’t attend the events in person.

Seminar Reviews That Translate to Practice

One of the core strengths of Filomena’s Corner lies in her detailed reviews of continuing education seminars. These posts cover a wide range of topics relevant to school-based and clinical therapy, including:

  • Fine motor skills
  • Visual motor integration
  • Handwriting development
  • Sensory processing strategies

Each review includes key learning points and reflections from attendees, offering a well-rounded, real-world view of how these concepts apply to therapeutic and educational settings. Filomena’s engaging style helps translate complex information into actionable strategies, making her blog a must-read for anyone seeking reliable therapy and education insights.

Bringing Conferences to You

Beyond seminar recaps, Filomena attends and reports on influential occupational therapy conferences. Her summaries highlight:

  • Cutting-edge practices and treatment tools
  • Trends shaping the future of occupational therapy
  • Noteworthy presentations and expert speakers
  • Professional networking and collaboration opportunities

These conference reviews give readers access to important developments in the field, all delivered through Filomena’s knowledgeable and relatable lens.​

 A Resource for Continuous Learning

Whether you’re an occupational therapist, educator, or caregiver, Filomena’s Corner serves as a valuable resource for staying informed about the latest developments in occupational therapy. Her engaging writing style and thorough analyses make complex topics accessible and applicable to everyday practice.

Explore Filomena’s Corner to enhance your understanding of occupational therapy and discover practical strategies to support individuals’ growth and development.

So far, Filomena has reviewed:

Stay tuned for more great updates from Filomena!