Working with an adaptive fitness group in Madison, Wisconsin inspired Emma‘s career as an occupational therapist. She loved finding ways to make exercise and movement accessible for everyone and met an amazing OT who led this program.
Emma believes child development is best supported with a team approach, with the family at the center, and makes parents a fundamental part of the therapeutic process. She bases her philosophy on the concept that all children have the capacity to thrive. Through a deeper understanding of the child, we can support success and independence in daily life.
Getting to know so many great kids/families and being constantly challenged in new ways are two things Emma loves about being an OT. It’s fun for her to work with parents to discover what works well for a child and where together, they can provide a loving ‘boost’ to support ease in relationships, movement, school, and daily life.
Emma enjoys working at the AZ+A playhouse and not a traditional clinic space. It feels most authentic that treatment, relationships, and development are nurtured in a playhouse instead of in an office setting. Each room has unique quirks, and it’s so fun to watch a child or family discover new nooks and crannies of the playhouse, which often spark new ideas.
In addition to working at AZ+A Chicago, Emma has experience with private practice and school settings in Rome and Naples, Italy. She has worked with kids with developmental differences in the home, school, and outpatient settings since 2010.
Barry Brazelton, Becky Bailey, and Dr. Mona Delahooke influence and inspire Emma, who in turn motivates and mentors many of our other therapists and students with her wisdom.
Outside of AZ+A, Emma enjoys yoga, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Education:
Rehabilitation Psychology, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Minor in Educational Policy
Master’s of Occupational Therapy, Rush University Medical Center
Certifications/Experience:
– Profectum – Level 2 Fellows Certificate in the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based Model; Master class: Symbolic Play; Supporting Relational Synchrony conference
– ICDL- DIR/floortime Basic; DIR/floortime Level 1; DIR/floortime Level 2
– STAR Institute for Sensory Processing- Advanced Intensive Mentorship Level 1; Foundations of Development
– Vital Links- therapeutic listening; building blocks for sensory integration
– BRMT (Blomberg rhythmic movement training)-Level 1
– Pediatrics motor development: Birth-3 years old