Profectum

05/29/2026

In celebration of Speech-Language-Hearing Month, guest host Sherri Cawn sits down with longtime colleague and friend Cindy Harrison for a thoughtful conversation about communication, relationships, and the evolution of developmental practice. Together, they reflect on decades of experience as speech-language pathologists, early pioneers in the DIR Model movement, and advocates for relationship-based care.

Cindy shares her perspective as both a clinician and parent of an autistic son, speaking candidly about what communication truly means beyond words — the ability to express hopes, fears, identity, and connection. The conversation explores the importance of family-centered practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, emotional development, and assuming competence in every child.
Sherri and Cindy also reflect on how the field has changed over the years, the role of mentorship and lifelong learning, and the importance of creating systems of care where families feel seen, safe, and supported.

This warm and deeply personal episode is a reminder that communication always happens within the context of relationships and that staying curious and connected remains at the heart of meaningful practice.

Listen here:
https://www.profectum.org/podcast

05/21/2026

Introduction to the DIR Model
with Rosemary White, OTR/L
June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2026
8-10 pm eastern time

Learn more and register:
https://www.profectum.org/course/introduction-dir-grp2

05/18/2026

Presenters:

Denise Matsuyama Lai, MA, CCLS, CIMI Chase Child Life, Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA

Mary Ann O'Connell, Ph.D, CCC-SLP, Infant and Early Childhood Development with emphasis in Mental Health and Neurodiversity/Speech-Language Pathologist/Profectum Academy Faculty

The DIR framework offers powerful tools for understanding and supporting children through individualized, relationship‑based care. This session explores how DIR aligns with child life practice and strengthens developmental support across settings.

Reserve your spot and register for the webinar: https://education.childlife.org/products/child-life-and-dir

05/15/2026

The first cohort of the Introduction to the DIR Model begins this Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who registered. We’re honored to be part of the beginning of your DIR learning journey and look forward to learning and growing together! ❤️

05/12/2026

Introduction to the DIR Model

May 17 & May 31, 2026
1-5 pm eastern time
Michele Ricamato, MA, CCC-SLP

Jun 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2026
8-10 pm eastern time
Rosemary White, OTR/L

https://www.profectum.org/course/dir-foundations

05/07/2026

Thank you BaseNYC!!!

05/07/2026

If you want to deepen your understanding of the DIR Model - but haven’t found the right place to start - this is it.

Learn more: https://www.profectum.org/course/introduction-dir-grp1

05/05/2026

DIR-informed practitioners know that we never take behavior at face value.
We look for regulation, meaning, and the “why” underneath what we’re seeing.

And still, there are moments when that lens may not quite get you all the way there - when a child’s signals feel harder to read, or your usual pathways to connection don’t quite land.

Sometimes you’re left thinking: what am I missing?

On May 14 at 12 pm eastern, Lori Desautels invites us into that space, extending our understanding and giving us new tools for greater impact.

Join us to learn more about the moments that matter most:
- when regulation is fragile or inconsistent
- when behavior feels layered or contradictory
- when our own nervous systems are part of the equation

Sign up for free:
https://profectum.fillout.com/t/k6FjPuux1Lus

-regulation

04/30/2026

In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month and Autism Acceptance Month, host Kassie Allison welcomes fellow occupational therapist Kate Bailey for a practical and engaging conversation about recognizing and supporting Individual Differences—and how those differences shape behavior, learning, and participation.

Kate explains how differences in sensory processing, motor planning, and visual-spatial skills influence how children move through their day—how they play, learn, interact, and respond to everyday demands.

Kate and Kassie discuss how challenging behaviors are often meaningful signals of underlying differences, sharing ways to look beneath the surface to better understand what a child may be experiencing.

With individual differences in mind, they also take a closer look at transitions, specifically transitioning from one space to another.

Kassie and Kate offer practical strategies to support children through these moments with greater success, less distress, and increased safety. This episode encourages listeners to stay curious about behavior, recognize the impact of individual differences, and use thoughtful, responsive strategies to support children in ways that build confidence, competence, and connection.

Listen here:
https://www.profectum.org/podcast

04/29/2026

Explore how the developing nervous system shapes behavior, especially under stress, adversity, and trauma.

Dr. DeSautels will examine the shift from traditional discipline toward nervous system-aligned, relational practices. Grounded in applied educational neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory, this lecture explores the neurobiological roots of student behavior and teaches us how to respond with compassion and regulation.

Thursday May 14 2026
12-1:30 pm eastern time

FREE

https://profectum.fillout.com/t/k6FjPuux1Lus