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  Georgia Metcalfe Memorial (PDF)

2010 Speaker

Karen M. Moore, OTR/L

Karen Moore is an occupational therapist, a graduate of Worcester State College, who worked in mental health at Worcester State Hospital and on the Acute Adult Psychiatric Unit at UMASS Medical Center.

Her career long commitment to the study and use of sensory modalities for treatment in psychiatric care culminated in the writing of her book The Sensory Connection Program: Activities for Mental Health Treatment (2005). She developed a sensory-based treatment group which is a popular group for patients with cognitive and language difficulties which continues to run daily at UMASS. She led a clinical research project on the efficacy of using the Wilbarger Protocol, an intensive sensory treatment program, with patients with psychiatric diagnoses along with sensory defensiveness, PTSD, and self-injurious behaviors (Moore & Henry, 2002).

Over the years Karen has presented on sensory related treatment to hospitals, behavioral units, community programs, college programs, nursing homes, and numerous occupational therapy conferences including MAOT, NHOTA, and OTAC. She lectures on the use of sensory related treatment strategies throughout the country and provides consultation on the development of sensory rooms and program groups.

Ms. Moore has provided training programs on the use of sensory modalities to state and private mental health facilities as part of their Crisis Intervention and Restraint and Seclusion Reduction Initiatives. Recent trainings include a Sensory Modulation Workshop for Chauncy Hall Adolescent Treatment Facility in Westborough, MA, a two day training for Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute, a presentation at the Annual Worcester Institute on Loss and Trauma, multidisciplinary Sensory Modulation Training and consultation for NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation, and training on Sensory Approaches to Treatment for the Northampton VA.

Ms. Moore has recently published The Sensory Connection Program: Self-Regulation Workbook which includes the development of an Individualized Crisis Intervention Plan. 

Moore, K. & Henry A. (2002).  Treatment of adult psychiatric patients using the Wilbarger Protocol.  Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 18 (1), 43-63.

Moore, K. (2005). The sensory connection program: Sensory activities for mental health treatment. Framingham, MA: Therapro  

Moore, K. (2008). The sensory connection program: Self-regulation Workbook. Franconia, NH: The Sensory Connection Program.