Celebrating the Success of Our 3rd Annual Birth to Three Conference
Wow…what an incredible event! Our 3rd Annual Birth to Three Conference recently wrapped up, and it’s safe to say it was a huge success! With more than 400 passionate therapists joining us from across the country and beyond, this year’s conference truly highlighted the power of learning, connection, and collaboration within the birth to three community. This year we had therapists represented from 38 states, India, Pakistan and 5 different Canadian provinces.
Designed to bring together occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other early childhood professionals, the conference focused on advancing care and education for children from birth to age three. Over the course of two dynamic days, attendees experienced meaningful “aha” moments, gained actionable strategies, and left with practical tools they could apply in their work immediately. The variety and depth of sessions kept participants energized, engaged, and eager for more.
Connecting Beyond the Screen: Engagement in a Virtual Space
Although the conference was held virtually, the level of connection and interaction proved that meaningful networking doesn’t have to happen in person. Our event platform, Whova, served as a vibrant hub for communication and collaboration before, during, and after the conference.
Through Whova, attendees were able to:
- Network with like-minded therapists
- Suggest and join meetups
- Share resources and clinical insights
- Engage directly with speakers
- Participate in fun gamification activities for a chance to win exciting prizes
Throughout the two days, the platform was buzzing with conversation and excitement. Therapists connected across disciplines and time zones, fostering a true sense of community that extended far beyond the sessions themselves. Watching these connections form was one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference and a testament to the enthusiasm of the birth to three therapy community.
Gratitude for Our Partners and Sponsors
Events like this are only possible through collaboration, and we are deeply grateful to our Facility Partners who helped spread the word and supported their therapists in attending. Their commitment to professional growth and excellence in early intervention plays a critical role in advancing the field. A big thank you to:
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Sponsors, who generously donated products for prizes and giveaways throughout the conference. These companies create valuable tools that support OT, PT, and SLP practice, and our prize winners were thrilled to bring these resources back into their clinical work. A big thank you to:
- GOLD SPONSOR: Rifton
- EaZyHold
- Therapro
- ARK Therapeutic
A Stellar Speaker Lineup
With 13 diverse session topics spanning the birth to three continuum, therapists were able to personalize their learning experience while earning CEUs. Our exceptional speakers delivered inspiring, evidence-based presentations filled with practical strategies to support children and families.
Esteemed presenters such as Mr. Chazz, Mary Massery, Rachel Madel, Theresa May-Benson and Aymen Balikci, Anne Buckley Reen, Anais Villaluna and Dr. Andrew Chu, Amanda Hall, Kristin Fuller and Tara DeWolfe, among others, brought both depth and energy to their sessions. Their expertise, engaging presentation styles, and passion for early intervention left attendees motivated and eager to continue learning long after the conference ended.
Plus, we were thrilled to have Bethany Sloane of Go Baby Go join us for a special lunch session. Go Baby Go is a community-based outreach program that works with families, clinicians and industries to provide pediatric adaptive equipment to children with disabilities for mobility, participation, fun, and socialization. They support kids through innovative, cost-effective and inclusive solutions. Bethany was able to share the amazing work their doing as well as DIY ideas for creating your own tools and toys for your little ones.
A Heartfelt Thank You and Look Ahead
The ERI Birth to Three Conference 2026 was truly one for the books. From the enthusiasm of our attendees to the expertise of our speakers, the diversity of sessions, and the strong sense of connection throughout the event, we created an enriching environment focused on learning and collaboration.
The high levels of engagement and satisfaction reaffirm our mission to support therapists who serve our youngest learners and their families. We are incredibly proud of what this community continues to build together. 99% of therapists said they would return next year and 100% of therapists said they learned a new skill to bring back to practice.
And we’re already looking ahead! Mark your calendars for April 1 and 2, 2027 for next year’s virtual Birth to Three Conference.
Before beginning her therapy career, Heather Beauchesne was deeply immersed in the equestrian world—breeding, riding, training, and forming strong relationships with both horses and clients. Her work eventually brought her to a therapeutic horse center and offered exposure to the possibilities within a range of therapy disciplines to support the varied needs of young people and their families. It was there that her passion for working with children became clear.
Our international Clinical Excellence Award winner has been instrumental in supporting infant development and incorporating family-centered principles into the hospital setting for more than 25 years. Sanika Gawade played a foundational role in establishing and sustaining therapy services in the NICU at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, India – an achievement that required not only clinical expertise, but persistence, vision, and deep collaboration. Over her 20 years at this facility, she contributed to a cultural shift toward individualized, neuroprotective care for preterm and medically fragile infants. Her presence and leadership helped ensure that infants received support tailored to their cues, needs, and developmental trajectories.