Lizzie Martinez, MA, DHom, MHom, CCH
I use homeopathy, and a functional medicine approach, to address the complete health of each child. Other modalities can include diet, life style changes, detoxification, supplements and herbs. Just as no two children are the same, no two treatment plans are ever the same. I do a comprehensive intake, reviewing family health history, pregnancy/birth history, onset of symptoms, presentation, individualizing characteristics of diagnosis and detailed assessment of behaviors (if any). Results from diagnostic tests are used, when needed, to assess issues such as; endocrine function, nutrient deficiencies, methylation, heavy metal toxicity, amongst others.
Having a child with special need led me down the path to become a homeopathic practitioner. My quest to find the best care for her, to ensure that I left no stone unturned to help her, to research all methods of complimentary and alternative medicine, has led me to create a practice like the one I wanted when my child was a baby: comprehensive, connected, results oriented.
Parenting a high needs child for over a decade, has given me a wealth of experiential practice from which to draw. I routinely counsel parents on topics such as setting boundaries, advocacy, behavioral intervention and management.
I am Board Certified in Homeopathic medicine, and have a Master’s degree in clinical level work. I am also a certified CEASE therapist, and use this approach when called for in a case.
Potential benefits of homeopathic and functional medicine approach can be: improved sleep, behavioral balance, (reduce/resolve tantrums, explosive behaviors, anxiety, oppositional/defiance), strengthened immune system, resolution of skin symptoms, improved digestion, improved cognition.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit my website.
Carole Keefe, DPM
While working in the traditional medical setting I observed how the main objective was to make the patient “feel better”.
What did feel better encompass? Primarily it was symptom relief or suppression. Did the treatment address the underlying problem? In most cases, no. I believe in the power of the individual to heal and transform beyond whatever is currently limiting them.
The Anat Baniel Method® is a science based approach of NeuroMovement® that focuses on the child’s brain and its remarkable ability to change and learn. Working with the child using the plasticity of the brain, the Nine Essentials and subtle hands-on connection to help children with special needs achieve their full potential. The Method has a 30 year history of excellent outcomes for children with ASD, cerebral palsy, brain damage, stroke, chromosomal abnormalities, ADD/ADHD and more.
For more information about me and the Anat Baniel Method please visit: www.carolekeefe.com
Melissa Light, LAc, MSOM
Melissa believes in and practices the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For over twenty-three centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness. The philosophy proposes a way of life based on living in accordance with the laws of nature. The goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to normalize the body’s energy in order to restore health and prevent disease, this holistic approach to health and wellness can greatly benefit children with special needs. Chinese medicine offer an effective, safe and gentle approach to pediatric healthcare.
Melissa B. Light is the chief practitioner and founder of Light Family Acupuncture, an acupuncture clinic located in the heart of Austin, Texas, since 2003. Melissa specializes in pregnancy, labor, and pediatric care. She has spent over a decade empowering women and children through education, counseling, nutrition, movement and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For over 13 years, Melissa has taught courses locally and across the country on nutrition and healthy weight maintenance, acupressure for birthing and labor, and pediatric Tui Na: acupressure specifically designed to meet the ever changing needs of children. She is also the creator and star of the Year of CHI Health and wellness web series.
Ms. Light holds her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the acclaimed AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, Texas, where she was honored for her research in treating Bi-Polar Disorder with Traditional Chinese Medicine. She was voted 2011 and 2012's Austin Mother-Friendly Birth Awards Best Acupuncturist.
She holds her acupuncture license with the State of Texas Board of Medical Examiners as well as national certifications in Asian Bodywork, Chinese Herbology, and Oriental Medicine.
Contact her for more information:
Margery Segal LPC, RSMT, IDME, PBAT
Every child needs a secure attachment. Every child needs to bond securely and strongly with their parents or caregivers. Often children with special needs have experienced an interruption in their bonding and attachment due to medical interventions, difficult births, and immune system challenges. They may have experienced NICU stays, extreme discomfort and isolation, or families may have spent countless hours in physical therapies due to medical, physical, or communication challenges. Often times, the parents have experienced extreme stress due to the nature of raising a child that includes the necessity of coping with life/death issues and worries about their children’s and family’s future.
I work with children and families in two ways. I offer Developmental Movement repatterning sessions for children that may have missed a developmental stage or movement opportunity. This provides a foundation to all learning and movement (fine and gross motor strength) in later life as well enhancing connection and self-empowerment!
Also, I offer sessions to bring back the joy and playfulness of bonding and secure attachment. I employ whole movement and play therapy games to repair the missed places of connection and regrow the delight of secure attachment and bonding. The results are improved eye contact, higher participation in decision making and learning opportunities, creative strategies for problem solving, expanded emotional intelligence, and many, many more hugs and giggles. Parents feel supported to re-fall in love with their children and notice their strengths, courage, innate intelligence and the unique gifts they offer the world.
Sessions are set up to include both parents and/or caregivers and the infant or child, when-ever possible.
Developmental Movement repatterning sessions are available or included as part of therapy to enhance movement and learning ability in children of all ages. Please refer to my website at wholemovementcenter.com for more info.
To learn more about Margery Segal LPC, RSMT, IDME, PPNT go to wholemovementcenter.com/about
Alyson Shirey
Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Professional Consultant
Alyson offers professional consultations to families to help guide them through the myriad of choices available. Consultations are approximately 2 hours in length and include an in-depth family interview, basic screening of selected areas (i.e. sensory processing, fine motor, visual motor etc.) and follow-up recommendations. Families leave with clear information (both procedural and financial) regarding intervention options for their child. They also have a partner for life along their journey.
As a pediatric Occupational Therapist of 23 years, and local Austin practitioner, Alyson has comprehensive knowledge of the many resources available in our city. In 2000, Alyson co-founded Little Tesoros Therapy Services; she sold the practice in 2014, to be home with her 2 children, one of whom needs additional support. She has specialized training in Neurodevelopmental Therapy, Sensory Integration/Processing, Feeding Therapy and Auditory Processing. Her commitment is that children and families are empowered and connected – regardless of the circumstances.
For more information, please email her: alyshirey@gmail.com