Innovative Suit Therapy and Fitness, LLC

08/12/2025

✨ Regulate, then particpate ✨

The school day can be a lot for our kiddos — sitting still, listening, focusing, and navigating social interactions. When they get home, their brains and bodies often need time to reset.

💡 An after-school sensory break gives kids a chance to release energy, regulate emotions, and transition into the rest of their day.

Here are a few ideas:
🌀 Movement – trampoline jumps, bike ride, animal walks
🎨 Calming – coloring, playdough, weighted blanket time
🌳 Outdoor time – playground, chalk art, nature walk
🎶 Sensory input – music & dancing, fidget play, bubble popping

Think of it as a “reboot” for the nervous system — making homework, dinner, and bedtime go a whole lot smoother.

The attached visual is a great reminder: our sensory systems are the foundation for all higher learning and skills. When the base is strong/regulated, the skills above it — like focus, coordination, and academic learning — can thrive.

Every individual has their own sensory needs and preferences — it’s never one size fits all.💙💚

08/06/2025

Today we got to celebrate Ashlyn! We’re so sad to see her go, but so excited and proud of her as she heads to St. Augustine for OT school! Wishing her all the best as she starts this next chapter!

08/04/2025

✏️ Back-to-School Transitions 🎒

The shift from summer to the school year can bring big feelings — for both kids and parents! New routines, new classrooms, and new expectations can feel overwhelming.

Here are a few simple tips to ease the transition:

✅ Preview the Day
Talk through the schedule so kids know what to expect. Visuals or checklists can reduce anxiety, build independence, and set clear expectations to prevent frustration.

✅ Build in Buffer Time
Rushing increases stress. Whenever possible, create slow and supportive transitions—like extra time to get out the door—to help with emotional regulation.

✅ Use Transitional Objects
A small item from home or fidget can offer comfort and security during change.

✅ Practice Routines Early
Begin adjusting wake-up and bedtime routines in advance to prepare for the shift.

✅ Support After School Regulation
Before jumping into homework or tasks that require focus, allow time for movement, sensory input (like a weighted vest or fidget), or quiet space to help kids reset.

🌟 Remember: Transitions are a learned skill. Some children may need extra time, support, and patience as they adjust.

Good luck to all our kiddos and families as the new school year begins — we’re cheering you on!💙💚

07/28/2025

✏️ Hey Innovative Fam — Let’s Talk Pencil Grips! 🖐

There are several functional ways kids can hold a pencil, but the one pictured below is called the dynamic tripod grasp — a common and efficient grip that supports strong handwriting skills.

Don’t worry if that’s not the grip your kiddo is using! There are a variety of pencil grasps that can still be functional — and a wide range of pencil grips that can help support developing hands.

So, why do pencil grips matter?
The way a child holds their pencil impacts more than just how their writing looks. It can influence:

✅ Proper hand positioning
✅ Muscle fatigue and endurance
✅ Writing speed, control, and legibility
✅ Attention and frustration levels during tasks

For kiddos struggling with grip strength, coordination, or handwriting, using the right grip can make a world of difference. And remember — early support makes long-term success easier!

🖐 Tip: Strengthen small hand muscles through play to naturally support the development of a tripod grip!
Activities using tweezers, spray toys, or playing with play dough can help build the fine motor control needed for confident pencil grasp. ✏️💪

Have questions about pencil grasps or which tools might help? ✨ Talk to your OT — they can recommend the best supports for a smooth and confident transition back to school! 🎒

✨disclaimer: we do not own these images; they are from the OT toolbox. ✨

07/24/2025

📚✨ Back to school tip from your Innovative family! ✨📚

Help your child feel confident and supported this school year with our "About Me" one-pager — a simple but powerful tool to share with teachers, aides, and support staff! 💙

This easy-to-fill flyer includes:
✅ Important medical info & diagnoses
✅ Likes, struggles, and what helps
✅ Goals they're working on
✅ What doesn’t work — because that matters, too!

Perfect for kids in OT, PT, or speech therapy — or any student who may benefit from a little extra understanding at school. 🧠💪

📥 Let us know if you’d like a copy! We’d be happy to send one your way to fill out with your child’s information.

07/20/2025

Walmart has an inclusive line for back to school! This was found at Walmart supercenter on Hwy 190. Pencil grips, scanning tools, scissors, universal cuff, sensory stickers and sign language cards.

07/17/2025

Like it or not… back to school season is around the corner. Let’s kick it off with a smart start—starting with backpacks. “Pack it light, wear it right!”

The 3 Ps of Backpacks: Pick, Pack, Position 🎒

✅ PICK the Right Backpack
- Size: Should sit between shoulders and hips
- Straps: Wide, padded, and adjustable
- Back Padding: Especially at the low back and shoulder areas
- Chest and/or Hip Straps: For better support and weight distribution
- Compartments: Help balance items
- Fabric: Lightweight but durable

📦 PACK it Smart
- Keep it light: No more than 10% of your child’s body weight
- Distribute weight: Use those compartments! Place heavy items close to the back. Place lighter or sharp items farther from the back.

POSITION it Properly
- Always use both shoulder straps
- Use chest and hip straps if available
- Keep it snug: The backpack should rest evenly and close to the back
- Correct placement: the bag should sit between shoulders and hips.

RED FLAGS 🚩 🚩🚩
- Hard to put on or take off
- Red marks
- Tingling or numbness
- Complaints of pain
- Backpack feels heavy
- Changes in posture

🧠 Why it Matters
A poorly fitted or overloaded backpack can lead to:
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Fatigue and reduced endurance
- Difficulty focusing at school
- Long-term posture problems

07/16/2025

✨WE’RE HIRING✨

Hey y’all! We are looking to hire a new office manager/PT/OT tech. Let me know if you or anyone you know is interested! Call me at 985-792-7700 or email innovativesuittherapy@gmail.com for more information!

07/11/2025

Happy Birthday Shannon! We hope you have the best day!!

07/10/2025

We’re so excited to have Mrs. Bre join our IST family! Reach out if you need an OT referral! 💙🩵💚

Hey y’all!
I’m Breanna, the new OT here at Innovative! You can call me Bre or B if you’d like. I graduated with my bachelor’s from Southeastern in 2018 and my master’s in OT from LSU Shreveport in 2021. I completed my clinicals at a pediatric clinic in Covington and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. For the last few years, I worked full-time at North Oaks in Hammond, but then I found the opportunity here at Innovative and couldn’t help but join in on the fun!
A little more about me: I was raised in Folsom (where I still live), but my family is originally from the Westbank. My husband, Tyler, and I have a one-year-old son named Ty. In my free time, I love doing just about anything outdoors with my family—we love being out on the water and exploring new places.
I can’t wait to get to know everyone and help y’all maximize your independence and reach your goals!
Much love,
Mrs. Bre

07/10/2025

Hey y’all!
I’m Breanna, the new OT here at Innovative! You can call me Bre or B if you’d like. I graduated with my bachelor’s from Southeastern in 2018 and my master’s in OT from LSU Shreveport in 2021. I completed my clinicals at a pediatric clinic in Covington and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. For the last few years, I worked full-time at North Oaks in Hammond, but then I found the opportunity here at Innovative and couldn’t help but join in on the fun!
A little more about me: I was raised in Folsom (where I still live), but my family is originally from the Westbank. My husband, Tyler, and I have a one-year-old son named Ty. In my free time, I love doing just about anything outdoors with my family—we love being out on the water and exploring new places.
I can’t wait to get to know everyone and help y’all maximize your independence and reach your goals!
Much love,
Mrs. Bre

06/09/2025

We are collecting used and broken crayons for Mina’s Mission to help fund the We Rock the Spectrum Northshore facility!!!
Drop them off at our new location!! 🖍️ 🖍️
21489 Koop Drive STE 3
Mandeville, LA 70471