This presentation will describe the foundations of creating a compassionate classroom and will provide you with simple interventions that you can use with individuals, in groups, or with a whole class. These easy-to-implement interventions draw on sensory awareness and create a connection between students that builds compassion in the classroom. Specifically, we will look at the concepts of felt safety, body sensing, connection, and self-compassion. We will discuss why these tools work and why creating a compassionate classroom is so important.
Presented by Amy Lewis and Heather Spann. Livestreamed and recorded during the STAR Institute Virtual Summit: Sensory Health in Schools November 2022
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.
Engagement Level: Introductory
Content Level: Intermediate
Length: 1 hour
Timeframe for access: Once you first choose to "Launch" this course, you will have 45 days to access the content as often as you like. Your 45-day window for access will not begin until you first click the "Launch" button.
Objectives:
- Identify what is a compassionate classroom and why it is important.
- Relate why the concepts of felt safety, body sensing, connection, and self-compassion are key to self-regulation and developing a compassionate classroom.
- Identify activities that encourage connection, felt safety and compassion.
Presenter Bio:
Amy Lewis, MSR, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist | Powerfully You
Amy Lewis is a mom, wife, and pediatric occupational therapist in Charleston, SC, USA. She is a reformed idealist, a lover of logic and left brain thinking, and a lifelong learner (who has learned to appreciate her right brain, as well). Amy has a particular interest in psychology, sensory integration, auditory interventions, relational neuroscience, and light touch body work. She recently completed a2 year mentorship in Tensegrity Medicine, an approach that treats the whole person from an integrated mind and body perspective, focused on the fascial system. Amy’s OT career began in the birth to three population, affording the opportunity to hone her focus on foundational skills like postural control and regulation. Early mentors and teachers of great influence include Patricia Oetter, Nancy Lawton-Shirley, Sheila Frick, and Julia and Pat Wilbarger. Certifications include SIPT, Therapeutic Listening, Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention, iLs, and Safe and Sound Protocol. Recent mentors of great influence include Kim Barthel and Tracy Stackhouse. When transitioning to work with older children and adults Amy maintained a focus on foundational skills and how they support regulatory capacity, while also bringing in her studies of mindfulness, and the practice of self compassion. Amy currently works at Powerfully You, teaching and supporting therapists, and lectures as Affiliate Faculty at The Medical University of South Carolina. Powerfully You is a culmination of 20 years working as an OT, combined with life experiences and learnings, and a passion for being with others on their journey in a way that comes alongside and offers information and tools.
Heather Spann, MSR, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist | Powerfully You
Heather Spann completed her Masters in Rehabilitation Sciences in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. She has practiced in pediatrics for over 20 years in a variety of settings including private practice, hospital practice, early intervention, residential youth programs, and schools. In her previous roles, Heather has served as a clinic administrator and in program development for a multidisciplinary pediatric outpatient rehabilitation center and as a community liaison in grant funding and residential care facilities. Throughout her career, her passion continues to be clinical practice with a specialty in sensory integration. Heather has completed extensive continuing education in sensory processing, feeding, and is SIPT certified. Her favorite career highlights include setting up a multidisciplinary developmental intervention and screening program in preschools funded through Duke Endowment and her current involvement in Powerfully You. Heather lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and 2 children. She owns a private practice serving birth to teen in the natural environment, clinic setting, and a charter school. She is passionate about learning and continuing to serve in her community as well. She also currently serves as an Affiliate Faculty for the Medical University of South Carolina. Heather credits the amazing children, families, and coworkers she has the honor of working and partnering with as some of her greatest teachers.
Disclosures:
Amy Lewis and Heather Spann received speaking fees from STAR Institute for this presentation. They have ownership interest in Powerfully You (mentioned in presentation) and have published materials referenced in this presentation for which they receive royalties.
Who should attend:
Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, child development specialists, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of Sensory Processing.
Instructional Methods:
PowerPoint lecture
Cancellation Policy:
Because this program is recorded and accessible at your convenience, cancellations are not typically accepted. Please contacteducation@sensoryheatlh.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Do you have a disability that would require special accommodations?
Please contact us ateducation@sensoryhealth.organd describe how we can help accommodate your needs.
Continuing Education Credits:
Course Completion Requirements:
Upon full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.