On our first episode of the year, we speak with Tammy Balaban, an Occupational Therapist in NYC. She has over 15 years of experience working in various settings including schools, homes, and clinics both privately and through Early Intervention. Tammy is passionate about helping babies and their families. She’s been called a "toyologist" by parents, who love her creative approach to using a wide variety of toys in her therapy. Quick Call Outs from the Episode:As a NICU family, getting started in with therapy can be an additional emotional journey, especially since you are most likely still processingYour Early Intervention team really invests in your child and their overall progress, they are a great resource for you on your child’s journey!What is a “toyologist”? Tammy researches toys to understand how playing with them can therapeutically help a child and foster their development. =)Some toys we talked aboutFisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Piggy BankSneaky Snacky SquirrelZingoConnect with other parents, some groups we love:Hand to HolddearNICUmamaNICU Alumni Parent Support GroupBe encouraged, even if you don’t see immediate progress in your child as they begin Early Intervention, when you look back to what they were doing when they started and compare them to themselves, you will see them making gains.You can connect with Tammy through her email ([email protected]).Let's keep in touch! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, www.nicualumni.org. You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.

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