Cristen Sassi

Cristen started her career as a pediatric occupational therapist and has over 20 years of
experience in her field working with the neurodivergent population. She has worked in a
variety of settings in her OT career such as early intervention (EI), home based therapeutic
services (HBTS), Head Start/Early Head Start, non-profit organizations, and preschools. It
wasn’t until she completed her first consulting job that she realized she could bring her
developmental relationship-based approach, sensory integration, and clinical knowledge into
schools to support the understanding of students with developmental differences. This sparked
a passion in Cristen, in being able to educate others on the profound impact that a student’s
developmental profile has on their behavior, learning and success in being a part of their school
community just like everyone else! Cristen began this educational consulting journey 15 years
ago and continues to learn and grow her knowledge and skills as a professional. It is a joy to
leave an educator with the developmental lens and tools to support a student from a strength-
based approach and see the success of both the educator and student.

Cristen consults, coaches, and provides engaging professional development in Rhode Island
and nationally. She also manages a small caseload in an outpatient pediatric clinic in Rhode
Island, working with children and families with a focus on the DIR/Floortime® model, sensory
integration, and social emotional learning.

Cristen has training and certifications in (SIPT)Sensory Integration Praxis Test Certification
(USC/WPS Sensory Integration Certification #3561), Level 1 TEACCH, Level 1 DIR/Floortime
Certification, Certified Conscious Discipline Instructor, Responsive Classroom (Elementary),
Sensory Enhanced Yoga® for Self-Regulation and Trauma Healing Certification.