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Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Fairfield Connecticut Occupational Therapist

203-341-0178
943 Post Rd E Suite A
Westport, CT 06880
bbpedot@yahoo.com
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  • Meet Our Team
  • About OT
  • Evaluations & Services
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  • Testimonials
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Meet Our Team

Justine “Jellybean” Bedocs, OTR/L

Known lovingly by her patients as “Justine Jellybean” (a term of endearment given to her in childhood by her late father, Roger Prefontaine), Justine Bedocs was born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts. She earned her degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, and is a board-certified occupational therapist licensed by the Connecticut Department of Health Services.

Justine is a proud member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). She is certified in Therapeutic Listening®, Sensory Integration, and Developmental Therapy, with advanced training in handwriting programs and motor protocols.

With over two decades of experience, she has worked in private practice, schools, Birth-to-Three and home-based services, aquatic therapy, and transitional life skills programs. In 2005, she opened Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services, creating a space that feels like home for children and families. Beyond her professional life, Justine is a proud mother of two, and her love for family, patients, and community shines through in her work every day.

Kristen “Krissy” Campbell, OTR/L

Kristen “Krissy” Campbell has over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist. A graduate of Quinnipiac University in 1996, she has dedicated much of her career to working with children in pediatric settings, while also gaining valuable experience in rehabilitation and geriatric care.

She is committed to lifelong learning, attending the AOTA National Conference, the Annual Therapies in Schools Conference, and the Annual Pediatrics Symposium. Widely respected within the school system, Kristen is known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to supporting students’ success.

Outside of her professional life, Kristen is a proud mother of three girls and, as a fun fact, is also a twin. Her warmth and playful energy shine through in her work with children.

Dawn Sutfin, MS, OTR/L

Dawn Sutfin, MS, OTR/L has worked in a variety of pediatric settings, including Birth-to-Three programs, private clinics, preschools, and public schools. A graduate of the University of Hartford, she recently earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and brings over two decades of experience to her practice.

She has pursued extensive continuing education with a focus on sensory integration, autism, and developmental therapy, and she is certified in the Therapeutic Listening® program. Known for her dedication and compassion, Dawn partners closely with families and schools to help children succeed.

Beyond her professional work, Dawn is a proud mother of two college students, and her warmth and love of family inspire her work with children every day.

JULIA CHIAPPETTA, MS, OTR/L

Julia Chiappetta, MS, OTR/L has been practicing as an occupational therapist for the past eight years. She completed her fieldwork at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services, where Justine immediately recognized her special gift for connecting with children. Today, Julia works as both a school-based occupational therapist and a therapist at Building Blocks.
Julia earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University. Her experience also includes work in skilled nursing facilities and with injury populations, which has given her a broad perspective on therapy across the lifespan. Her greatest passion, however, remains pediatrics.
Known for her caring and compassionate nature, Julia builds strong relationships with children and families and is committed to ongoing growth through continuing education courses. She brings both skill and heart to every session, making her a valued member of the Building Blocks team.

Michelle DiDonato licensed pediatric occupational therapist serving children and families in Connecticut.

Michelle DiDonato, COTA/L

Michelle DiDonato, COTA/L is a certified occupational therapy assistant with a passion for helping young children thrive. She earned her degree magna cum laude from Goodwin University in 2022 and has specialized in early childhood intervention and home-based therapy. She also has training in primitive reflex integration, which supports foundational motor and sensory development.

With over 10 years of experience across therapeutic preschools, public schools, and private special education programs, Michelle brings deep knowledge and compassion to her work. She is known for her empathetic and joyful presence, building strong relationships with families and helping them carry strategies into everyday routines.

Michelle is also a proud mother of two young boys and a Connecticut resident. She is admired by families and colleagues alike for being loving, kind, and dedicated.

🌈 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL TOOLBOX FOR PARENTS, TEACHER 🌈 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL TOOLBOX FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS & THERAPISTS 🌈

Occupational therapy is personal to me. I truly love what I do, I love the children and families I work with, and I want to help as many people as I can. ❤️

After 25 years as an occupational therapist, I’ve learned there isn’t one strategy that works for every child or every moment. That’s why I created this Social-Emotional Handout & Toolbox for parents, teachers, therapists, caregivers, and anyone supporting children.

It’s filled with quick, practical tools you can reach for in the moment—recognizing body signals, emotional regulation, anxiety and worry, frustration and anger, transitions, flexible thinking, friendships, sensory strategies, movement, calming tools, and repairing after a hard moment.

My hope is that you save it, share it, and use it when a child needs a little extra support. Sometimes having the right tool at the right time can make all the difference. 💛

Please reach out anytime with questions, for additional resources, or if you’d like me to become part of your child’s team. Helping children, families, teachers, and fellow therapists is truly why I love what I do. 🌈

#PediatricOT #SocialEmotionalSkills #TeacherTools #TherapyTools #Explore
PRIMITIVE REFLEXES: NOW WITH VISUALS! ✨ My orig PRIMITIVE REFLEXES: NOW WITH VISUALS! ✨

My original Primitive Reflexes Parent Guide received so much attention and such wonderful feedback! 💛 One of the biggest requests was: “Can you show us pictures of the exercises?”

So here you go! 🌈

I created visual examples to go along with the home strategies so parents can more easily see what each movement should look like and feel more confident practicing them at home.

Primitive reflexes can play an important role in the foundations for movement, posture, coordination, balance, body awareness, attention, regulation, handwriting, motor planning, and everyday functional skills.

This guide covers:
🌟 Moro
🌟 ATNR
🌟 STNR
🌟 TLR
🌟 Spinal Galant
🌟 Palmar Grasp

You’ll also find simple home activities like cross-crawl, cat-cow, bird-dog, log rolls, starfish movements, animal walks, hand-strengthening activities, deep pressure, and breathing—now with pictures to provide a clear visual! 📸

The goal isn’t perfection. Keep the movements slow, playful, comfortable, and consistent. Even a short daily movement routine can be a great way to support foundational skills through play. 💪🌈

📚 For more information: Primitive Reflexes: Retained Reflexes and Integration Techniques by Justine Bedocs, OTR/L, available on Amazon.

💾 SAVE this guide to use at home and 📤 SHARE it with a parent, teacher, or therapist who may find the visuals helpful!

Primitive reflexes are only one piece of a child’s development. Individual concerns should always be evaluated by a qualified professional.

#PrimitiveReflexes #PediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #HomeProgram #explore
🧡 WHY BALANCE ACTIVITIES MATTER! Balance is SO 🧡 WHY BALANCE ACTIVITIES MATTER!

Balance is SO much more than just standing without falling! Balance activities help build the underlying skills kids need to move, learn, play, and feel confident in their bodies. 🌈

Working on balance helps develop:

✨ Core strength & stability
✨ Postural control
✨ Coordination
✨ Motor planning
✨ Body awareness & proprioception
✨ Vestibular processing
✨ Bilateral coordination
✨ Protective reactions
✨ Focus & attention
✨ Confidence with movement

And when balance improves, we often see improvements in everyday skills too—running, jumping, climbing, navigating playgrounds, sitting upright for learning, participating in sports, dressing, and moving safely through the environment.

Balance boards are one of my favorite OT tools because there are SO many ways to use them—rocking, wobbling, squatting, reaching, playing games, or even using them during tummy time!

💙 Better balance → stronger bodies → more confident kids!

#Balance #Explore #OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #MovePlayGrow
🧡 THE PEANUT BALL — SUCH A GREAT BANG FOR YOU 🧡 THE PEANUT BALL — SUCH A GREAT BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!

I truly love a peanut ball for home therapy. For around $20, there are so many ways to use it while working on important underlying skills through play.

Sit, bounce, stretch, do pizza squishes, work on puzzles, strengthen the core, build balance, improve body awareness, motor planning and so much more.

It’s simple, affordable, fun, and one of those therapy tools that can grow with your child. 🌈

One inexpensive tool. So many possibilities.

Always supervise and choose activities that are appropriate for your child.

#PediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #PeanutBall #ParentTips #Explore
12 weeks of growth, learning, laughter, and memori 12 weeks of growth, learning, laughter, and memories I’ll carry with me forever 🤍

I’m so grateful for my Level II fieldwork at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services and for everything this experience has taught me about pediatric OT and the therapist I hope to become.

A huge thank you to Justine for an amazing 12 weeks. Thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and for showing me what it means to truly love and care for every child you work with. I’m so lucky I got to learn from you! 🤍

And to all of the families who trusted me with your children, thank you for allowing me to be a small part of their growth and progress. I’ll always be grateful for the memories and connections I made. 🫶🏼

I shared a little more about my journey and fieldwork experience on the blog! Link in bio ✨

#PediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #OTStudent #ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴇᴘᴀɢᴇ 
@lexiberroa @justinecarol77 @building_blocks_stories
✨ PRIMITIVE REFLEXES: A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR PARENTS ✨ PRIMITIVE REFLEXES: A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR PARENTS ✨

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies are born with that support early development. As children grow, these reflexes should naturally fade as more controlled movement takes over. 🧠🌈

If they remain active, you may notice challenges with:

⭐ Balance & coordination
⭐ Posture & core strength
⭐ Crossing midline
⭐ Handwriting & fine motor skills
⭐ Body awareness
⭐ Attention & self-regulation

Common reflexes include Moro, ATNR, STNR, TLR, Spinal Galant, and Palmar Grasp.

🏠 AT-HOME SUPPORT IDEAS

Try simple daily movement play:

🌟 Cross-crawl
🌟 Cat-cow
🌟 Bear & crab walks
🌟 Starfish or snow angels
🌟 Bird-dog
🌟 Log rolls
🌟 Theraputty or clothespins
🌟 Deep pressure hugs & breathing

Just 10–12 minutes a day can support foundational development through movement and play.

The goal is to build strong foundations for play, learning, and independence 💪🌈

📚 Learn more in Primitive Reflexes: Retained Reflexes and Integration Techniques by Justine Bedocs, OTR/L (Amazon)

💾 Save & 📤 share with someone who may find this helpful

Primitive reflexes are only one part of development. Concerns should be evaluated by a qualified professional.

#PrimitiveReflexes #PediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #ParentTips
📚💙 “What Is OT? And What Will I Do There?”

Today I had the sweetest little reading buddy, Stella, help me share my children’s book about occupational therapy! 🥰 And she gave it TWO thumbs up! 👍👍

The main character is my son, Drew, who takes kids along with him to OT and shows them that therapy can be a place to play, learn, practice, grow, and build confidence.

Through Drew’s story, children learn about some of the many things we work on in OT:

✨ Fine & gross motor skills
✨ Visual-motor skills
✨ Dressing & daily living skills
✨ Feeding skills
✨ Sensory processing
✨ Body awareness & motor planning
✨ Executive functioning
✨ Interoception — understanding what our bodies are telling us
✨ Social-emotional skills
✨ Self-regulation & independence

My favorite message of all:

💙 OT is all about helping children become their best, most independent selves.

At OT, children learn:
I am strong. I am capable. And I am ready to do amazing things. 🌟

And according to Stella… it’s definitely a two-thumbs-up read! 👍👍📖

#OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #explore
What exactly is a sensory diet? 🤔 If you’ve What exactly is a sensory diet? 🤔

If you’ve ever heard the term but weren’t quite sure what it meant, this post is for you! A sensory diet is so much more than a list of activities, it’s a personalized approach to helping children feel regulated, confident, and ready to participate in everyday life.

This carousel covers the basics, but there’s so much more to learn!

✨ Head to our blog to read the full guide, where we cover:
• What a sensory diet is
• Who can benefit
• Signs your child may benefit from one
• What a sensory diet looks like in everyday life
• And examples of activities for all 8 sensory systems

🔗 Visit the link in our bio to read the full blog!

💙 Save this post for later and share it with someone who might find it helpful.

#OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #SensoryProcessing #ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴇᴘᴀɢᴇ #ParentEducation
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