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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
  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • About OT
  • Evaluations & Services
  • Books
  • 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.

Congratulations to our sweet Vivian Schmidt on her Congratulations to our sweet Vivian Schmidt on her high school graduation from Staples High! 💜

It is so hard to believe it’s time to say goodbye as you head off to Texas Christian University.

Over the past few years, you’ve become such a special part of the Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services family. Through your volunteering and internship, you’ve touched the lives of so many children with your kindness, patience, compassion, and joyful spirit.

You are every smile you’ve shared, every child you’ve encouraged, every laugh you’ve sparked, and every connection you’ve made. Those moments will stay with all of us forever.

We all love you, we’re so proud of you, and we know you’re going to accomplish incredible things. Keep chasing your dreams, and maybe one day you’ll come back as an occupational therapist and work alongside us. We’d love that more than you know.

Good luck at TCU, Vivian. Go shine your light, we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish! 💜🐸

#BuildingBlocksPediatricOTServices #TexasChristianUniversity #StaplesHighSchool #WestportCT #FutureOT
Welcome to Building Blocks Pediatric OT! ✨ Take Welcome to Building Blocks Pediatric OT! ✨ Take a peek inside our clinic and explore the spaces where children learn, play, and grow every day. From our fine motor room to our sensory gym, every area is thoughtfully designed to support development through meaningful, engaging therapy experiences. 💙
We’re proud to share our space with Speech & Feeding Kids, giving families access to both pediatric occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services in one convenient location.
📍 943 Post Rd E #A, Westport, CT 06880
We’d love to welcome your family to our clinic! 💙
#occupationaltherapy #pediatricot #westport #ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴇᴘᴀɢᴇ  @building_blocks_stories @speechandfeedingkids @justinecarol77 @drake079
Recognizing feelings is only the first step. Knowi Recognizing feelings is only the first step. Knowing what to do next is where true self regulation begins.

There are many wonderful programs that help children identify emotions and body signals, including the Zones of Regulation®, The Alert Program® (“How Does Your Engine Run?”), The Mood Meter®, The Incredible 5 Point Scale®, The Superflex® Curriculum, and The Color Monster®. These programs teach children to recognize how they feel through interoception, our ability to notice internal body sensations like a racing heart, tense muscles, butterflies in the stomach, or low energy.

But once a child recognizes how they feel…

Then what?

This is often the missing piece.

I created this quick visual guide to bridge the gap between recognizing body signals and choosing sensory strategies that help children regulate.

A child in the Red Zone may benefit from deep breathing, deep pressure, a quiet space, or asking for help. A child in the Yellow Zone may need movement, heavy work, or calming sensory input before becoming overwhelmed. A child in the Blue Zone may need alerting activities to wake up the brain and body.

Most importantly, every nervous system is unique.

What helps one child feel calm may make another child more alert. What energizes one child may overwhelm another. Self regulation is not about finding one strategy that works for everyone. It is about helping each child discover their own sensory toolbox through trial, observation, and practice.

This guide gives parents, teachers, therapists, and students a simple way to:
• Recognize body signals
• Connect feelings with sensory needs
• Choose regulation strategies
• Build independence and self awareness
• Develop lifelong self regulation skills

The goal isn’t just identifying emotions. It’s empowering children to understand their own nervous system and know what helps them return to a calm, regulated, and ready-to-learn state.

#Interoception #SensoryIntegration #explorepage #BuildingBlocksPediatricOccupationalTherapyServices #occupationaltherapy
Recognizing feelings is only the first step. Knowi Recognizing feelings is only the first step. Knowing what to do next is where true self regulation begins.

There are many wonderful programs that help children identify emotions and body signals, including the Zones of Regulation®, The Alert Program® (“How Does Your Engine Run?”), The Mood Meter®, The Incredible 5 Point Scale®, The Superflex® Curriculum, and The Color Monster®. These programs teach children to recognize how they feel through interoception, our ability to notice internal body sensations like a racing heart, tense muscles, butterflies in the stomach, or low energy.

But once a child recognizes how they feel…

Then what?

This is often the missing piece.

I created this quick visual guide to bridge the gap between recognizing body signals and choosing sensory strategies that help children regulate.

A child in the Red Zone may benefit from deep breathing, deep pressure, a quiet space, or asking for help. A child in the Yellow Zone may need movement, heavy work, or calming sensory input before becoming overwhelmed. A child in the Blue Zone may need alerting activities to wake up the brain and body.

Most importantly, every nervous system is unique.

What helps one child feel calm may make another child more alert. What energizes one child may overwhelm another. Self regulation is not about finding one strategy that works for everyone. It is about helping each child discover their own sensory toolbox through trial, observation, and practice.

This guide gives parents, teachers, therapists, and students a simple way to:
• Recognize body signals
• Connect feelings with sensory needs
• Choose regulation strategies
• Build independence and self awareness
• Develop lifelong self regulation skills

The goal isn’t just identifying emotions. It’s empowering children to understand their own nervous system and know what helps them return to a calm, regulated, and ready-to-learn state.

#Interoception #SensoryIntegration #explorepage #BuildingBlocksPediatricOccupationalTherapyServices #OccupationalTherapy
Wondering what happens during an occupational ther Wondering what happens during an occupational therapy session? 
What Is OT and What Will I Do There? was written to help take the mystery out of pediatric occupational therapy. Whether your child is preparing for their very first OT visit or you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist looking for a simple way to explain what OT is, this book makes it easy to understand.
Children will discover that OT is so much more than play. Every swing, obstacle course, craft, game, and activity has a purpose, helping build the skills needed for everyday life, including fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, emotional regulation, visual motor integration, and confidence.
My goal is to help children feel excited about therapy and help families understand the “why” behind everything we do. ❤️
Have you ever wondered what OT is all about?
#OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #ChildDevelopment #SensoryIntegration #explorepage
The Wilbarger Deep Pressure & Proprioceptive Techn The Wilbarger Deep Pressure & Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)
Also known as the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol

The Wilbarger Protocol is a sensory-based OT intervention that provides deep pressure and proprioceptive input to help organize the nervous system, improve body awareness, and reduce tactile defensiveness.

Who may benefit?
• Tactile defensiveness
• Clothing or grooming sensitivities
• Emotional dysregulation
• Attention and transition difficulties
• Sensory seeking or avoiding behaviors
• Some children with sensory processing differences, ADHD, autism, or developmental delays

Brushing
🖐️ Firm, even pressure
• Brush proximal to distal
• No back-and-forth brushing
• Long, smooth strokes
• Keep the brush flat against the skin
• Brush arms, hands, back, legs, and feet only
🚫 Never brush the face, chest, stomach, or groin

Joint Compressions
🤲 Immediately follow brushing
• Support the limb
• Keep joints neutral
• Compress gently through the joint
• Never twist, pull, or force a joint

Benefits
✅ Better regulation
✅ Improved attention
✅ Increased body awareness
✅ Reduced tactile defensiveness
✅ Greater participation in daily activities

DPPT should only be taught and supervised by a trained occupational therapist and is individualized for every child.

💙 Helping children feel regulated, confident, and successful.

#OccupationalTherapy #explorepage  #SensoryProcessing #Brushing #WilbargerProtocol
It may look like a simple puzzle, but this activit It may look like a simple puzzle, but this activity is doing so much more!

Lying on a peanut ball helps build core and shoulder strength, postural control, and visual motor skills, all through play.

Want to learn why the peanut ball is one of our favorite OT tools? Read our latest blog. Link in bio!

#PediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #explorepages #ChildDevelopment #PlayBasedLearning
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often tal As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often talk about going deeper than just “take a deep breath.” Deep breathing is more than a simple instruction—it’s a powerful tool that helps children connect with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and calm their nervous systems.
One of my favorite ways to teach this is with a breathing ball. It’s simple, colorful, and engaging, giving children a visual and hands-on way to understand what’s happening inside their bodies.
As you slowly open the ball, encourage your child to take a slow, deep breath in through their nose, imagining their lungs filling up just like the ball expands. This helps them become aware of how their body feels when they breathe in.
Then, as you slowly close the ball, have them gently blow all the air out through their mouth until their “chipmunk cheeks” are completely empty. Encourage them to keep blowing until every last bit of air is out. This full exhale is just as important as the inhale—it helps release tension and signals the body to relax.
Repeat this several times. The movement of the ball helps children pace their breathing and stay focused, making it much easier than simply telling them to “take a deep breath.” Over time, this builds body awareness, supports self-regulation, and helps children learn how to calm themselves when they feel overwhelmed.
This is an easy strategy to use at home, in the classroom, before homework, before bed, or anytime a child is feeling anxious, frustrated, or needs a reset.
Sometimes the simplest tools can make the biggest difference. 💙
#ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴇᴘᴀɢᴇ  #SelfRegulation #DeepBreathing #Sensory #Interoception
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