ABOUT AMY
I started Pathways Treatment Center in 2004 with a vision to build a practice of care, respect, and real solutions for families affected by neurological difficulties. I feel a strong, personal bond with each of the families I work with. I am honored to celebrate their accomplishments and brainstorm solutions to their issues with them. This work is my life’s calling and purpose.
Methodologies & Training I Use…
Masgutova NeuroSensory Motor Integration (MNRI) *Core Specialist & Instructor
RDI (Relationship Development Intervention)
PROMPT
SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol)
iLs (Integrated Listening Systems)
Hanen Program
Lindamood-Bell (Visualizing and Verbalizing)
State and Nationally Certified Speech and Language Pathologist (ASHA)
My Story
I have years of experience working with both children and adults impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Genetic Disorders, as well as anxiety, impulsivity and sensory processing issues.
I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and attended Purdue University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. I then moved to the DC area to attend the University of Maryland, and earned a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. My internships in the school system and the Kennedy-Krieger Institute exposed me to autism and started my journey into the field of neurological disabilities.
My career as a Speech-Language Pathologist led me into the public school system, where I worked with many children with a wide range of difficulty, from Speech and Language delays to autism. I eventually transitioned into starting a private practice working with children with autism in their homes. During this time, I was both exhilarated and curious about my work. I felt that I was helping children with autism learn to talk, but not addressing the core issues.
It was that curiosity that drove me to continue my study of autism. I attended many seminars and conferences. I spent hundreds of hours on the Internet and reading books. After moving my family to North Carolina, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Steven Gutstein, the founder of RDI™, speak at a conference. I remember the gratitude I felt hearing him articulate the difficulties that people with autism experience daily. And I remember the relief I felt when he began mapping a way to address difficulties with dynamic communication and thinking directly. I earned my first Certification in RDI™ in 2004, and since then I have been recertified five times.
My work within RDI sparked a desire to know more about the deeper issues around anxiety, sensory processing and focus and attention issues. I learned that those issues are associated with the subcortical areas of the brain, which led to further curiosity into how to therapeutically address those brain structures. Then, I found the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) method, which addresses the non-conscious functions of the brainstem via repatterning of retained/pathological primitive reflexes. The MNRI helps with concentration and focus, sensory processing, fight/flight responses and anxiety as well as many other issues. While studying to become a Core Specialist in the MNRI Method, I began to truly appreciate the body-brain connection and its importance for basic abilities such as feeling safe in one’s body and processing the information that is typically processed subconsciously. I have been a Core Specialist in MNRI Method since 2016 and also serve as an Instructor in the methodology. My work in MNRI has opened many possibilities for children and adults with many different types of neurological issues.
MY APPROACH
Bodies and brains are connected.
It seems simple, but in fact is quite complex. Our brains receive all information through our bodies and develop based on the information received. When we think about the information we receive, our minds form. Babies are born with certain reflexive movements that serve as survival and protective mechanisms. These non-intentional movements are called primitive reflexes. As the baby grows, these reflexive movements become intgrated into the brain and serve as the basis for higher cortical functioning, like thinking, self control and emotional regulation. When the reflexes do not integrate properly, difficulties with regulation, cognition, movement, attention and sensory processing occur.
At Pathways Treatment Center, I use the Masgutova Neuro-Sensory Motor Reflex Integration (MNRI) Program to aid in integration of retained, interrupted and un-integrated primitive reflexes.
The MNRI Program is highly specialized and recognized world-wide as a highly effective way to integrate these important brainstem issues. The MNRI Program is applicable to many different types of issues, including, autism, cebral palsy, adhd, anxiety, trauma, learning disabilities and head injuries. More information is available at www.masgutovamethod.com
I offer MNRI as a direct therapy service and parent educational program.
Please contact Amy Cameron at 919-387-1818 for more information.
Contact
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
I look forward to meeting you!
919-387-1818