Meet Barb Crowley, MOT, OTR/L

At the time, I was navigating life as a new mom in a new city, working in a new role as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. When a colleague invited me to participate in an infant massage training, I eagerly said yes. While I knew the class would benefit my daughter’s health and development, I never imagined the profound impact it would have on my life. The early social interactions with my daughter and the moments of bonding during the massage were priceless, but the incredible support and connection I discovered with the instructor and other mothers was just as priceless to me. Those quiet, intentional moments with my daughter nurtured a connection that enhanced both her well-being and mine. Throughout my 25-year career as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, I grew increasingly aware of the challenges many children face with motor, visual, and sensory processing skills. Driven by my passion for providing therapy that would nurture the whole child, I began researching evidence-based strategies to support children in their earliest stages of development. I discovered two transformative practices: Infant Tummy Time and Infant Massage. Further research confirmed their significant role in fostering motor, visual, and sensory processing skills as essential building blocks for a child’s growth as well as their future health and wellbeing. To deepen my expertise, I earned certifications in Infant Massage through the International Association of Infant Massage and in the Tummy Time! Method. Today, I am deeply committed to sharing these and other life-changing  practices with parents and caregivers in my community. By equipping them with  tools and strategies, I strive to empower families to help their children thrive and achieve their fullest potential.