Ms. Tolin has been studying the DIR/Floortime^® model of intervention for over 10 years and has integrated this developmental-relationship based treatment approach when working with children and their families. Ms. Tolin invites parents to attend each session in a private room with their child where their privacy and specific goals can be maximized. While in a session, parents are encouraged to participate in an ongoing dialogue or coaching from Ms. Tolin. In this way, parents are better equipped with strategies and tools to provide opportunities for their child to reach his/her goals when outside of this context. She has delivered many presentations to pediatricians, schools and other organizations.

Ms. Tolin has extensive experience using the “Handwriting Without Tears” program. Ms. Tolin is trained in the Therapeutic Listening Program She is proficient in American Sign Language and French.

Ms. Tolin continues to maintain an active clinical practice in Encino where she mentors other clinicians and carries a full caseload. Ms. Tolin’s experience treating children from 5 months to 15 years of age makes her a skilled clinician and presenter. She views her clients as unique, respecting their individual differences and working together with families to facilitate each child’s success, empowerment, independence, and fulfillment to the greatest degree possible.

Ms. Tolin has lived in several other states and countries. While in Tokyo, Japan, she worked at Tokyo International Learning Community, a small school for English-speaking children foreign to Japan with disabilities. While there, she implemented a “Tactile Art” class for students with tactile defensiveness. She also organized and directed their yearly Sports Day event. In addition, while in Japan she provided developmental screenings and fine motor groups at the American School in Japan Nursery-Kindergarten. Ms. Tolin has also had a pediatric Occupational Therapy practice on the Upper West Side of New York City for several years.

Perhaps her most important qualification is that of being a mom. No other training has taught her more about development, connection, growth, and love than her experience as a parent.

Presentations/lectures:

April 8, 2015: Presentation: “Handwriting Tips and Sensory Strategies to Address Self-Regulation in the Classroom” given at Laurence independent school to lower school staff (including Kindergarten teachers, First Grade Teachers, director of lower school, Co-Founder/Curriculum Supervisor, Founding Director , and Learning Specialist/Coordinator).

Presented multidisciplinary seminar “The Impact of Sensory Systems on Learning Disabilities” presented by The Learning Disabilities Association of California at the Southern California College of Optometry.

“Educational and Sensory Strategies for Optimizing Students’ Passion for Learning and Growth.” Presented with neuropsychologist Jonnie Biesman, Psy.D. ABPdN at Viewpoint Independent School.

Guest instructor for Developmental play group at Topanga Library. Presented developmental milestones and fielded questions from parents.

Presented case study “Occupational Therapy through a Floortime^®/DIR lens” at Child and Adolescent Assessment/Intervention Consortium. Attendees were other professionals in pediatrics (psychology, psychiatry, social work, special needs law, audiology, educational therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, optometry and other school administrators/educators).

Gave lecture “Occupational Therapy and Autism” to staff at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.

Two-day seminar: “Sensorimotor, perceptual, and cognitive development in children: Optometric and Occupational Therapy Perspectives” presented with Selwyn super D. Optom., Ph.D

Vision and Blindness: Difficulties and Compensation Strategies

“Fine motor skills in the classroom” presented to all staff in New York City preschool.

Ms. Tolin harbors a wealth of knowledge regarding schools in the Los Angeles area. Her clients often benefit from in-depth conversations about the many schools where she has had clients, has lectured, knows the directors and/or staff, and has toured. For a detailed list regarding the knowledge base of Ms. Tolin, please see this list.