WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE BELIEVE

Holly and Gwenn became involved with BraveBeginnings while working as Early Intervention (Birth-3) providers and quickly recognized how unique the program was in addressing behavior and skill development in a playful, caring environment that was also supportive of parents. Gwenn and Holly believe using a strengths and play based approach to support sensory differences and to facilitate the development of social emotional and motor skills in children during their daily routines is critical. They believe that families should be included in treatment programming and that the relationship a child forms with their caregivers is foundational to learning, communicating and growing. Holly and Gwenn are supported by Peg Willman. Peg is a Special Educator and co-founder of BraveBeginnings, Inc. Peg earned her Master of Education in 2004 from Colorado State University and a certificate of Sign Language interpretation from Union County College. After teaching multiply disabled preschoolers for five years Peg co-founded BraveBeginnings in 2006. As an experienced educator, Peg designed an effective two-hour language rich program for toddlers diagnosed with a myriad of developmental delays for children ages 18 months-4 years of age. Peg believes that every child deserves the chance to reach their potential in a sensory rich, nurturing environment. The BraveBeginnings program is designed to address all areas of development, specializing in socialization, play skills, self-regulation, and executive function.

Gwenn DeCicco

Child Development Specialist & DIRFloortime Provider

Gwenn DeCicco is a Child Development Specialist & DIRFloortime Provider. Gwenn studied Child Development and Family Relations at the University of Arizona where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She then earned her Montessori certification at Marymount Manhattan College and was a lead Montessori teacher for five years. Gwenn attended Georgian Court University earning her Teacher of the Disabled certification. Gwenn then started her Early Intervention journey which has spanned 26 plus years. Working as a Child Development Specialist in Early Intervention led her to Brave Beginnings and ultimately DIRFloortime. Gwenn completed the DIRFloortime coursework, July 2023 and has joined the Brave Beginnings/DIRFloortime team. She brings a robust background to us with her broad knowledge of child development and strong foundation in DIRFloortime practice.

Holly Hansen

Occupational Therapist & DIRFloortime Provider

Holly is a pediatric occupational therapist who has worked in a variety of settings including pediatric inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, public and private schools, pediatric homecare and Early Intervention. In addition to her work at Brave Beginnings, Holly provides private occupational therapy services for toddlers and preschool aged children using a DIR/Floortime model.

Holly graduated from Elizabethtown College with a degree in Occupational Therapy and throughout her career has pursued continuing education in Sensory Integration, sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory based interventions and infant mental health. She is a certified Advanced Practitioner in the use of the DIR Floortime model and is endorsed as an Infant Family Specialist through the NJ Association for Infant Mental Health (NJ-AIMH).