What people are saying about my presentation style

“Out of all of the childcare training I've done, you are one of the most knowledgeable. I've had several training sessions where the trainer doesn't always seem to know their topic too well beyond the basic level or beyond what they are required to teach us. You seem to know a lot of the topic, more than what is actually required of you to teach us. I really appreciate that and enjoyed your training.”

“The instructor spoke clearly, used visuals, and broke things down into smaller steps, which really helped since I learn best with simple, direct information.”

“Elana was highly engaging and provided clear, example-based answers to questions.”

“Elana's expertise was clear. The space created allowed me to feel confident. I have never shared so much in a class before.”

“The presenter was super knowledgeable and interactive and explained everything super well. The presentation was also very nice — pretty, well written, well formatted.”

“I loved how she would give examples such as drawing on paper and hand movements, and also how she was willing to answer any questions that we had.”

“Elana supported my visual learning style with engaging slides, her calming tone of voice and depth of knowledge.”

“The passion and experience of the trainer. They seemed to really understand the subject on a deep and personal level, which brings with it a desire to share.”

“Her perspective as a neurodivergent person allowed me to see things in a new way.”

Offerings

Colourful illustrations of children playing

Understanding and Joining Autistic Play

Do you have children who may be autistic or have other developmental/behavioral diagnoses in your life? Unsure about how to play and connect with them? In this 2-hour session, you will learn a fresh paradigm for engaging respectfully and joyfully with young neurodivergent children.

From infancy through childhood, children's primary occupation is play. While holding the space for yourself and the child, you will learn the value of shifting the locus of control to the child as they are the ‘driver’ of their own learning and interests.

Ideally, all children's play serves as a safe ‘practice laboratory’ for supporting skills in all areas: motor development, social communication, cognition, and early executive function. These areas will be naturally addressed within the foundation of interconnection between yourself and the child. Play is the innate language of every child, and you will become a more adept and confident play partner alongside the child.

The course content is informed by ideas from occupational therapy, attachment theory, neurodiversity-affirming movements, trauma-sensitive mindfulness, infant-toddler mental health, DIR/Floortime, and more. It includes a brief PowerPoint presentation, role-play and experiential practice, and group discussion.

Learning objectives

  • Become more present and grounded within yourself as a safe and attuned adult with the child.
  • Equip yourself with grounding techniques to be able to orient to the child.
  • Adopt a new paradigm and frame of reference for interaction and play with neurodivergent children.
  • Utilize tools such as patterns, narration, and roles to build rapport and a gateway into the inner world of the child.
  • Equip yourself with a neurodivergent-affirming framework to best support the young children in your life, in a way that prioritizes their mental and emotional well-being for years to come.
Flyer: Sensory Processing for Children age 0 to 5, a workshop for parents and caregivers

Understanding Sensory Processing: A Workshop for Parents and Caregivers

Join us for an interactive workshop that will demystify the buzz around all things “sensory.” Learn about the 8 sensory systems that are developing rapidly as your child grows. You will leave with a fresh paradigm to deepen your understanding of your child's skills, behaviors, and emotions.

This workshop is available on demand — feel free to request one for your group or yourself.

Many hands of different skin tones resting together on the trunk of a large tree

Parent / Caregiver Education + Support Group

Be held in community with others who love their neurodivergent child.

We will begin with a share of what is ‘on top’ for us, as we navigate the complexities of tending to the kids in our lives. No formal diagnosis required; if this group speaks to you as a parent or caregiver of a child, you are welcome.

Elana will offer some insights into sensory processing and modulation, and there will be room for discussion and sharing for those who desire.

This group will be facilitated in a gentle, compassionate manner, making space for celebration and the heartache alike. We hold space for different styles of parenting and relating.

Group tenets

  • Neurodivergent brains and ways of being are equally as valid as neurotypical.
  • Participation in this group can look many ways — nobody has to speak, sit still, or orient their body in any particular direction.
  • When we come together around a common experience, both sharing and listening are gifts.
  • This group aims to be a safer space to hold and engage with the many ways that rearing a neurodivergent child in a world created for neurotypicals is hard, surprising, and many other ways.
Concentric ripples spreading across still grey water

Clinical Supervision and Mentorship

Maintain safe practice with an attuned mentor by your side.

I offer clinical supervision for OTs, adventure therapists, and play therapists worldwide. Whether you are newer to pediatric practice, needing some unbiased support, or grappling with clinical questions, we can tailor our engagement to your needs. Sessions are available in person in Nelson, NZ and remotely worldwide.

Feel free to reach out for a nonjudgmental and skillful mentorship that centers your well-being as a practitioner, and a human.