Meet Dr. Brita DeStefano

We recently connected with Dr. Brita DeStefano and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Brita, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my professional purpose through my own personal experience in motherhood. I have been a pediatric physical therapist for over 13 years, yet it wasn’t until I had my own children that my entire outlook on my career changed. I now specialize in working specifically with infants throughout their first year of life from birth to their first steps. I recognized how overwhelming that stage is for new (and even experienced!) parents but also how important it is to recognize and intervene early when an infant is struggling with their development. By combining my professional expertise with my personal insights as a mother of two children who each struggled in their own way with oral ties and feeding, I am able to provide a unique and empathetic approach to supporting families. This purpose-driven approach not only enhances the care I provide but also fuels my commitment to helping every child and family thrive through that critical first year of life.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the founder of an infant physical therapy practice, Progress Through Play, which specializes in supporting babies and their families through crucial developmental stages. My personal journey into motherhood profoundly reshaped my professional focus and passion. At Progress Through Play we are dedicated to improving breast and bottle feeding, addressing torticollis and head flattening, alleviating tummy time struggles, and assisting with developmental milestones. We believe that babies deserve to feel good in their bodies so they can breathe, eat, sleep, and play better! These early months are both exciting and challenging for parents and our goal is to provide the support and intervention necessary to ensure every baby can thrive.

What I find most special about our work is witnessing the tangible progress and joy in both the infants and their parents. Every baby we work with is unique and we tailor our approach to meet their specific needs. The impact of early intervention is truly remarkable and being a part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling.

Progress Through Play is constantly evolving to better serve our community. I have hired a second physical therapist to expand our reach so we now offer services at two different clinic locations (South Denver and North Denver) as well as home visits in the metro area. We also offer virtual services to families outside of our treatment area. We also host free support groups for families of infants with oral ties and often hold community events such as tummy time classes or development Q&As.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey as both a physical therapist and business owner, I would say the 3 most impactful qualities or skills would be empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to continuously learning and growing.

1. Empathy – Understanding the concerns and emotions of parents and infants is crucial in providing effective support. My own experience as a mother deepened my empathy, allowing me to connect with families on a personal level.

2. Adaptability – Every baby is unique, and their needs can change rapidly. Being adaptable allows me to tailor my approach to each individual case, ensuring the best outcomes.

3. Commitment to Continuous Learning – The field of pediatric physical therapy is constantly evolving with new research and techniques. Staying informed and continuously expanding my knowledge has been vital.

For anyone starting their journey, I advise immersing yourself in the experiences of those you aim to help, remaining flexible in your approach, and committing to lifelong learning. These qualities will not only enhance your skills but also ensure you provide the highest level of care and support to those you serve.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is a family that is proactive and engaged in their infant’s development. Families who understand the importance of addressing developmental concerns early on are more likely to see significant progress. These clients are often informed about potential issues and are eager to seek help as soon as they notice something isn’t quite right. Parents who are open to learning and are dedicated to implementing the strategies and exercises we recommend tend to see the best outcomes. They actively participate in their child’s therapy, both during sessions and at home. Effective communication is key to successful therapy. Ideal clients are those who keep an open line of communication with me, sharing their observations, concerns, and feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that we can tailor the therapy to the child’s evolving needs. Progress can take time, and having patience is crucial. Clients who understand that consistent effort and persistence are required for long-term results are more likely to stick with the program and see the benefits. A supportive home environment where the family is united in their efforts to help the infant thrive is ideal. When everyone involved is on the same page and working together, the child’s development can progress more smoothly.

Ultimately, my ideal clients are those who are dedicated to their child’s well-being and are willing to actively engage in the therapy process. This collaboration and commitment are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes for their baby.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Teresa Opel Photography

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