National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)

You’re already leading — whether you have the title or not.

I shared a bit of my own story in this week’s article, and how Launch came to be from years of learning, mentorship, and a lot of figuring it out along the way.

If you’ve been thinking about developing your leadership skills, this might be your nudge.

Read more here.

https://neonataltherapists.org/leadership

Leadership Doesn’t Start With A Title - National Association of Neonatal Therapists Sue from NANT shares a bit of her own story in this week’s article, and how Launch came to be from years of learning, mentorship, and a lot of figuring it out along the way.

🇺🇸 Today, we pause and remember. 🇺🇸

We honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedom.

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes.”
Maya Angelou

Their lives, their stories, and the families who carry them forward matter deeply. We don’t take that lightly.

Great things happen when people grow together 🌱

Because learning and connecting is always better united than alone.

🗓️ Enrollment closes Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Learn more & join: https://igniteneonatalmentoringprogram.com/

How often do you think about what your hands are really saying in the NICU?

May’s featured course, When Our Hands Touch Our Babies, Everything Changes with Catherine R. Smith, PhD, DPT, PCS, CNT, takes a closer look at that. The small adjustments. The timing. The why behind what we do.

It’s the kind of learning that makes you pause mid-session and think, okay…this is different.

If you're ready to be more intentional in how you support neuromotor development and infant regulation, this course is worth your time.

Take a look and enroll when you're ready: https://neonataltherapists.com/courses/when-our-hands-touch-our-babies-everything-changes/

📣 NANT Member Benefit: 24/7 Peer Support

💡 Struggling with a complex case? We've got you. NANT gives you the chance to "phone a friend."

One of the most powerful aspects of NANT Membership is access to a private, online community of highly skilled neonatal therapists—ready to guide, support, and encourage you any time of day.

With confidentiality at the core, neonatal OTs, PTs, and SLPs (including many world-class therapists) are here to share resources, offer insight, and point you in the right direction.

In addition to real-time peer support, NANT Membership includes:

🔹 37+ CE hours included
🔹 Discounts on 24+ additional CE hours
🔹 Conference registration savings

The NANT Community is designed to help you thrive all year long.

📲 Learn more & join: https://neonataltherapists.com/membership/

🦘 Happy Kangaroo Care Day! 🦘

Today, we celebrate the power of touch not just for stable babies, but for our smallest and most vulnerable micro preemies.

A recent study by Patra, et al. (2026) demonstrated that Kangaroo Care is safe and feasible for micro preemies under 750 g on High Frequency Jet Ventilation, with stable heart rates and temperatures throughout. The study also found improvements in oxygen saturation and reduced oxygen needs after holding, pointing to the value of a consistent, team based approach.

Tips for the Neonatal Team:

🤝 Use a Standardized Transfer Method
“The Power of Four”
Have four skilled NICU professionals involved. This can include nursing x2, respiratory therapy, neonatology, neonatal therapy, and others. This helps keep the ventilator circuit intact, maintain baseline PEEP, and ensure the endotracheal tube stays secure.

🎥 Build Confidence Through Practice
Use simulations and protocol videos to build comfort with complex equipment during skin to skin transitions. Practice together as a team. And keep communication front and center.

Let’s keep closing the gap between “too small” and “just right” when it comes to developmental care.

📖 Read the full open access study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020310

👋 Team Spotlight: Meet Allison Freccero, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CNT, SWC, NTMTC

NANT Role: Peer Review Team, Abstract Reviewer

Current Project:
Allison is collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to standardize pre-feeding support for infants on respiratory support, with a focus on babies with BPD. Her efforts are improving care plans and outcomes for some of the most complex cases.

Thank you, Allison, for helping us do this work. Always better together.

🤩 A surprising number of therapists are already functioning as leaders long before anyone gives them the title. 🤩

They’re mentoring peers, leading projects, developing programs, and creating change — often with little to no leadership training.

That’s why we created Launch.

Launch is a 6-month leadership experience for therapists who want practical tools, honest conversations, and support for the real challenges of leading. You’re not just joining the 2026 cohort — you’re becoming part of a special leadership community.

Our first cohort sold out during NANT 16, so we opened a second one. Only 7 spots remain.

2026 will also be Chrysty Sturdivant’s final year co-leading the program, making this cohort especially meaningful.

Apply today: https://launchleadershipprogram.com/

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Alaina Nickerl, our incredible NANT 16 Student Ambassador 🌟

Alaina brought energy, warmth, and student leadership to the NANT 16 experience—helping attendees feel welcome, connected, and supported from the very start.

She went above and beyond to foster connections and ensure students felt included and informed about key events. Her thoughtful communication ahead of the conference helped create a welcoming environment and gave students the confidence to engage and connect with experienced clinicians in the field.

Alaina, you were a bright light at NANT 16. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our student community—we are so grateful!