About Somatic Pediatrics
A private practice dedicated to helping children from infancy through young adulthood to thrive with movement-based occupational therapy — Serving Ridgefield · Wilton · Redding · New Canaan · Westport · Danbury · South & North Salem · Lewisboro · Bedford · Katonah · Pound Ridge · and beyond
Susan Pfeffer, OTR/L
Founder & Occupational Therapist
Areas of Specialty
- Alexander Technique
- Sensory Processing
- Developmental Movement
- m.a.c. Pilates for Kids
- Infant & Early Childhood Development
- Emotional Regulation & Body Awareness
Credentials
- OTR/L in Occupational Therapy
- M.S.O.T. in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University
- M.F.A. in Theater: Contemporary Performance from Naropa University
- M.AmSAT in Alexander Technique from the American Center for the Alexander Technique
Every child deserves to feel at home in their own body.
I'm Susan Pfeffer, a pediatric occupational therapist who helps children discover their greatest potential. For over twenty years, I've had the privilege of walking alongside children and their families — from tiny infants finding their footing in the world to young adults stepping into independence.
The term, "somatics" was coined by philosophy professor and movement theorist, Thomas Hanna (from the Greek word meaning, "body"), in the 1970s and refers to movement practices that increase the connection between the body and mind, develop a range of kinesthetic vocabulary, and change habitual patterns.
My journey into pediatric OT began with a fascination for movement and how deeply it shapes the way children learn, feel, and connect. Over the years, that curiosity grew into a multi-disciplinary practice that weaves together the Alexander Technique, sensory integration, developmental movement principles, and m.a.c. Pilates for Kids. Each approach brings something distinct — and together, they offer children a truly whole-body path to growth.
What sets my practice apart is that I don't work from a one-size-fits-all playbook. Every child I meet is a whole person with their own story, their own sensory landscape, and their own pace. I take time to understand each child deeply before we begin, and I stay curious and responsive throughout our work together. Sessions are playful, purposeful, and always grounded in activities that promote progress.
I work with children in the community, and virtually — because I believe therapy should meet children where life actually happens. Whether your child is navigating sensory challenges, building motor skills, or simply needs a little extra support to flourish, I'd love to be part of their journey.
As an occupational therapist, Alexander Technique teacher, and movement educator, I have worked in schools, early intervention, outpatient clinics, and numerous other organizations to share unique and applicable movement-based principles. Today, I present Alexander Technique for young musicians at the Charles Ives Music Festival for the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra each summer, and provide occupational therapy services in sensory processing and fine/gross motor skills to children ages 7-18 at The Spire and Pinnacle schools. Over the years, my teaching has also taken me from conservatories and universities to theater, dance and music workshops and programs across the country and internationally— always carried by the same belief: that movement, understood deeply, can change how a person inhabits their whole life.
Mission
To provide individualized, compassionate occupational therapy that empowers children and families — meeting each child where they are and guiding them toward their fullest potential.
Philosophy
Movement is the foundation of learning. By integrating body awareness, sensory processing, and developmental principles, children build the skills they need to participate fully in life.
Credentials & Experience
With over twenty years of experience in movement-based therapies for children, our practice brings expertise in Alexander Technique, sensory integration, developmental movement, and m.a.c. Pilates for Kids.