Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L
Executive Director (she/her)
Courses: Mentorship 1 & 2, ProCert 1&2, Praxis
Virginia is a well-travelled speaker, coach and educator on topics including sensory integration, DIR/Floortime, child development and infant mental health. She has conducted trainings in Kenya, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the USA and leads workshops at international conferences.
Virginia is a founder and former Clinical Director of SPOT (Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy) Interdisciplinary Children's Therapy Center in Hong Kong, where she led a large and widely respected inter-disciplinary team.
Virginia obtained her BSc in Occupational Therapy in Oxford England (2002) and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee (2018). Virginia obtained her PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development (with an emphasis on mental health) from Fielding Graduate University in 2021.
Virginia is a DIR/Floortime Training Leader and Expert and clinical consultant for the Interdisciplinary Council for Development and Learning (ICDL). Her extensive pediatric experience includes supporting autistic children and their families, as well as children with Sensory Processing Disorder, infant mental health issues, from adopted families and those who have experienced developmental trauma.
Presenter Disclosures:
- Presenter receives a fee from STAR Institute for presentations of courses.
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Cintia C. Cortez, MS,OT
Instructor (she/her)
Courses: Foundations, Mentorship 1, STAR ProCert 1
Cintia C. Cortez Penso is the founder and current director of 7Sentidos Grupo de Integración Sensorial (7Senses Sensory Integration Group), a private practice based in Mexico City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Universidad Iberoamericana and a Master's in Occupational Therapy from Instituto de Terapia Ocupacional.
She has advanced training in sensory integration and processing (SIPT training, STAR ProCert Level 2, “MAGO” Model, and Willbarger Protocol beyond others). Cintia is also trained in Integrated Listening Systems (ILs), feeding therapy (SOS), DIR /Floortime (ICDL), and has obtained several certifications on a variety of other models and techniques related to child development.
Throughout her career she has gained experience working in hospitals, schools, and private clinics. She is involved in research and enjoys teaching a variety of courses.
As a person with Sensory Processing Disorder challenges herself, she is passionate about helping others understand sensory processing and its link with emotional regulation, relationships, social skills, and learning. Her goal is to promote more evidence-based practice in Latin America.
Presenter Disclosures:
- Presenter receives a fee from STAR Institute for presentations of courses.
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Anna Knox, OTR/L, CEIS
Instructor (she/her)
Courses: Foundations, Mentorship 1, STAR ProCert 1
Anna Knox is a pediatric occupational therapist based in Massachusetts as well as a member of the adjunct faculty of Salem State University’s OT program. She completed her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Salem State University, where she conducted her graduate research on barriers and supports to co-leisure of young children and their caregivers. Anna has been working closely with children and families for over 10 years with specialty training and certifications in Sensory Processing & Integration, Pediatric Pelvic Dysfunction, Trauma-responsive practices, Early Intervention, Listening Therapies, and DIR/Floortime. She has worked with a diverse pediatric population from birth through age 21 and their families in the home, school, community, and clinic setting. Anna is guided by her professional values to provide affirming client and family-centered care to support her clients in developing joyful engagement throughout all areas of life. She is a proud life-long learner who loves to share in clinical conversation and knowledge sharing to support caregivers, students, and professionals. In her leisure time, Anna loves playing pickleball, skiing, and spending time with her dog Jasper.
Presenter Disclosures:
- Presenter receives a fee from STAR Institute for presentations of courses.
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Tara Rossow, OT
Instructor (she/her)
Australia
Courses: Foundations
Tara is an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist who has worked in Paediatrics since her graduation from James Cook University in 2012. She has considerable experience working with children who present with diverse neuro-developmental, mental health and complex needs and abilities.
Tara is passionate about helping children and families to achieve their individuals goals and aims to do this through empowering families. Her therapy motto is "It's not hard to make it easy" and Tara strives support families to develop their own skills set that enables to meet their individual child's and family needs.
Tara has worked across both Australia and the United Kingdom in a wide range of roles from private practice, national and state health services, secure mental health hospitals and within schools and community.
Since her return to Australia in 2023 with her family, she is working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme as a provider in the community and in schools in North Queensland.
Presenter Disclosures:
- Presenter receives a fee from STAR Institute for presentations of courses.
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.