Speech Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Dr. Eva Lassey PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Kristi, M. Ed
Public Educator
Dr. Eva Lassey PT, DPT
Dr. Eva has a doctorate in physical therapy and has always had an interest in researching ways of supporting children and people of all capacities to thrive in our world. Sensory disorders affect the way individuals process information, which can greatly impact their daily lives. As a specialist in the human body, general function, and movement, Dr. Eva is trained to identify and treat sensory processing difficulties that can manifest in various ways such as hypersensitivity to certain stimuli or even difficulty with motor coordination. She has extensive knowledge and experience in working with individuals of all ages who may have various motor and sensory disorders, ranging from children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), people diagnosed with cerebral palsy or intellectual disability, people suffering from neuromuscular and balance disorders, problems after strokes and traumatic brain injuries, or even adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Eva’s passion for helping individuals with motor and sensory disorders began during her graduate studies in physical therapy, where she was introduced to the concept of sensory integration and its impact on motor development and function. She was fascinated by the complex interactions between sensory input, nervous system processing, and motor output. Her goal is for people of all ages to thrive, despite any contributing factors that may increase difficulty functioning in our world today.
Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS
Dr. Yana is a highly skilled and experienced Doctor of Dental Surgery who utilizes a holistic approach to patient care. Sensory-seeking behaviors start in infancy and Dr. Yana believes that allowing children to explore their world in a safe way using sensory techniques, tools, and strategies can not only improve exploration of our world but also facilitate improved oral development, hygiene, and care. Dr. Yana believes that because each child is unique, it is important to take into account each child’s specific sensory needs and behaviors. She believes that starting good oral hygiene habits and swallowing patterns at a young age, especially for sensory-seeking children, can set the children up for a lifetime of good dental and physical health. Another reason sensory-seeking children often don’t receive necessary dental care is due to the difficulty of staying in a dental chair for an extended period of time. Dr. Yana understands the importance of creating a comfortable and safe environment for all her patients, especially those with sensory processing difficulties. She utilizes behavior management techniques and sensory-friendly approaches to dental care, allowing her to provide the best possible care for individuals with sensory disorders. She also collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists to ensure comprehensive care for her patients with sensory disorders. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Yana is actively seeking out the latest research and education related to sensory integration and dental care.
Kristi, M. Ed
Kristi Fox has been in Education for over 15 years in the elementary and middle school classrooms. One of her primary goals is to bridge the gap between home and school experiences for students with sensory needs. She believes in a collaborative approach involving the team of educators, parents, therapists and specialists to create a seamless and supportive environment for the child to learn and grow. She continually strives to bring an atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing their sensory needs, ultimately promoting a positive and enriching learning experience. Continuing to develop and implement sensory-aware educational programs ensures that all students have equal access to a quality education through sensory-friendly strategies and tools. Kristi integrates sensory-friendly strategies into the classroom and regularly partners with parents of students with neurodivergent needs including ADHD, Autism, Selective Mutism, Anxiety to ensure their educational journey is supportive and inclusive.
When most people think about the senses, the traditional five often come to mind: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) often flies under the radar, yet it plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex condition that manifests in various ways, depending on how individuals process sensory information.
