Episode description

Nathalie Aluisi, M.A., OTR/L, SWC is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 18 years of experience.  She specializes in the areas of sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorders, social/emotional regulation, executive functioning, social thinking, developmental delays, premature birth, social skills, fine motor/visual motor difficulties, and feeding/oral motor skills.  She has advanced training in Sensory Integration theory and practice, and is certified to administer the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test.   She has completed courses through AOMT and is an orofacial myofunctional therapist.  She has her advanced practice certification in Swallowing Assessment and Intervention (SWC).  Mrs. Aluisi is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.  She is certified in the Interactive Metronome and is trained in the Therapeutic Listening Program and iLs Integrative Listening System.  She completed the U.S. Department of Education traineeship for the USC School-based Occupational Therapy Training Project.  She has served on the advisory board for this School-Based Training Grant.  Mrs. Aluisi worked in various school settings running sensory-motor groups incorporating yoga, consulted with teachers and parents and provided individualized treatments, while working closely with professionals using Floor Time (DIR Model).  She has been in private practice in West LA, providing clinic based intervention, home and school based services, and consultation.  She is currently on the advisory board for the development of an Early Childhood Center.  She presents at schools and parent groups on topics relating to sensory integration and children’s motor skill development.  Nathalie works closely with parents, teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, physical therapist, and other professionals assisting children.  Nathalie received a B.A. in Kinesiology and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.A. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California.  She lives in West LA with her husband and three sons.

Host Joanna Port is Director at Crestwood Hills Preschool. She has a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University and a Masters in Social Work from USC.  For the past 25 years she has worked with families and children, as a therapist, an elementary school teacher, and as a parent consultant. Find out more at parenting portal.com