Middle Georgia State University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) students recently had the opportunity to learn from leaders in infant neurological health during their on-campus laboratory component in Cochran.
Dr. Nathalie Maitre, MD, PhD, who leads Emory University’s Baby Brain Optimization Project (BBOP), visited campus with colleague Dr. Larken Marra, PhD, to provide specialized training for MSOT pediatrics students. BBOP is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Public Health to expand education and clinical experiences for allied therapy students statewide, increasing knowledge and hands-on experience in working with high-risk infants.
The visit builds on prior involvement with the initiative. Last fall, pediatric occupational therapy professor Dr. Emily Riggs and an MSOT student preparing to enter early intervention practice in Middle Georgia were sponsored to attend the 2025 Early Cerebral Palsy Health Summit in Atlanta.
During their session at MGA, Drs. Maitre and Marra trained students on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), a standardized assessment used with infants ages 3 months to 2 years. The HINE is an important tool for identifying early signs of cerebral palsy and guiding timely intervention during critical developmental periods.
Next month, students will apply what they learned through a practical experience with the “Social Butterflies Playgroup” at the High-Risk Infant Clinic in Macon.
