Educational & Clinical Background: Dr. Benson received a B.S. in Occupational Therapy and an M.S. in Motor Development from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her doctoral degree from Duquesne University in the School of Education. Her research focus is on school based practice, sensory processing disorders and occupation. She is interested in the integration of occupation in pediatric practice and the occupational performance of children with sensory processing disorders. Dr. Benson is one of the original founders of the -Good Beginnings Clinic- located on campus as a part of the Duquesne University Speech Language Hearing Clinic. She consults with families and schools offering support for including children with disabilities into an educational environment. She continues a part time practice through the clinic, using it as a training tool for students interested in a career in pediatrics. She has extensive clinical experience in the area of pediatrics, working with a variety of disabilities including autism/PDD, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and developmental disabilities. She also has advanced training in the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach, certification to administer the Sensory Integration & Praxis Test, and is a certified infant massage instructor.