Practice sprouts

Emily Reynolds wants to help children grow to their full potential.

That’s why she recently opened her specialized practice, ReSprout Therapy, at John Jay Center for Learning.

Reynolds’ drug-free therapy for neuro-development differs from traditional practices.

She identifies underdeveloped parts of the central nervous system, which gives insight into a child’s neurological development. Her doors opened in January for children and teens with developmental, learning, behavioral, sensory, coordination and emotional deficits.

“We take the brain back through (those early stages),” she explained. “So it will kind of fill in these gaps and the brain, it just starts to kick in, and these areas start to improve.”

She looks at early brain development –– specifically the brain stem –– to understand from where an issue may have started. Her practice name, ReSprout Therapy, originated from the nature of her work.

“I figured it’s unique, and it kind of lightly describes the level of the brain I’m working at,” she explained.

Once parents complete the initial questionnaire and phone consultation, Reynolds begins searching for the root of the problem by reviewing the child’s prenatal and birth history. Potential complications in the past along with deficits and difficulties, she said, can help lead to the cause.

Human brains follow a specific formation sequence before birth. Reynolds identifies where developmental issues may have occurred and starts working the brain forward in a normal progression. Issues can begin as far back as six to eight weeks after conception, she explained. After identifying the underdeveloped area, she creates customized brain exercises for the patient.

Improvements made are expected to last a lifetime, she said. Reynolds tells parents they should expect to see improvements in balance, coordination and eye movements. She noted that it is not a “cookie cutter” program for each child.

“It’s a slow program, and not everybody has that amazing response right away,” she admitted. Depending on the child and situation, they may see more improvements.

Reynolds, an occupational therapist for Jay School Corporation, has a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a certification from The Dyslexia Institute of Indiana Inc. In 2020, she completed a one-year post graduate program with The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) of the United Kingdom.

Regular check-ins are about every eight weeks.

In between appointments, it’s up to the parents to make sure their child is doing the daily exercises, she said, although she stays in contact with parents, as needed.

Reynolds emphasized the support her family gave as she navigated schooling and starting her business. Her sister, Jenna Smith, helped to launch her website at resprouttherapy.com.

“Just hearing her talk, there’s a lot of kids that it can completely change their lives,” Smith said, adding that Reynolds’ practice can help children on special medication. “That –– as a parent –– that can be a game changer right there.”

Reynolds is currently accepting new patients. Those interested can call (812) 480-0654 or email [email protected] for more information. There is also a screening questionnaire link on her website under the “Get Started” tab.