Sensory Detective Part 2: A Closer Inspection with Jennifer Ruckner and Beth Cooper

Guests: Jennifer Ruckner, MS CCC-SLP, and Beth Cooper, MOT, OTR/L

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In this episode, Michelle is joined once again by Jennifer Ruckner, MS CCC-SLP, and Beth Cooper, MOT, OTR/L, for “Sensory Detective Part 2: A Closer Inspection”. In “Part 1” (#3660), Jen and Beth went into detail on the roles and responsibilities of SLPs and OTs with respect to “sensory” and how they can collaborate, and they were just getting started. In “Part 2”, they share why it is so critical to empower caregivers in their child’s sensory journey and how to teach clinicians to do so, starting with the initial evaluation. Jen and Beth then transition to a series of case studies to highlight the impact of the “medical domain” of pediatric feeding disorder on the child’s sensory systems and wrap up with recommendations on when/why taking a break from therapy can be beneficial. Remember, everyone has a role in “sensory,” and we hope that this episode continues to grow your passion for it.

About the Guest(s):

Jennifer Ruckner MS, CCC-SLP received her Bachelor's of Science Degree and a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University. She has been a speech-language pathologist since 1990 working in a variety of settings including Early Intervention, school districts, and private practice. Jennifer piloted a preschool expressive language program for Stafford County Schools. Jennifer specializes in Social/Pragmatic Language, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Expressive Language Disorder, and Feeding Disorders, and is Beckman Oral Motor Certified. She provides services through Telepractice and at home. In 2008, she and partner Patti Minicucci created Tots To Teens Therapy Services to provide speech and language resources in an interdisciplinary approach to the families of Northern Virginia. Jennifer is a Community Ambassador for Feeding Matters, a non-profit, parent-founded organization.

Sharibeth (Beth) Cooper MS, OTR/L received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2004. She has experience working in various settings, including home-based early intervention, teletherapy, school systems, outpatient clinics, and as part of a diagnostic team for a center for autism. She is certified in the Handwriting Without Tears® program, M.O.V.E® program, and Therapeutic Listening®. She has completed advanced continuing education in MORE, Floortime/DIR, Kinesiotaping, The Ready Approach for Self Regulation®, The Alert Program®, TEACCH®, TalkTools, neurodevelopmental techniques, and assistive technology. She has been a presenter at state conferences, parent workshops, universities, daycares, and school programs. Beth also serves as the Clinical Director at Tots to Teens Therapy Services. In her spare time, Beth enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and four children.

YouTube Episode Link: https://youtu.be/VrDBJufQpzo

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