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Joyful Sensory Parenting Retreat

April 24-25, 2026

In-Person Event

at First United Methodist Church*

in Gainesville, Florida

Parenting is one of the most meaningful journeys we’ll ever take—but it’s not easy. And when sensory, behavioral, or developmental challenges are in the mix, it can feel like you're constantly navigating without a map.

We see you. We understand. And we believe there is hope.

You have everything you need already within you. But every guide needs a compass—and that's what Joyful Sensory Parenting is all about.

Join us for a powerful two day, day time retreat designed to encourage, equip, and empower you as a parent. Together, we'll explore the deep connection between joy, sensory processing, and develop parenting practices that truly work for you and your child.

*This is not a religious event. All faiths and nonfaiths are welcome!

"Go!!! Your life will improve and so will your parenting!"

-Joyful Sensory Parenting Conference Attendee

Attend the Conference And Answer These Questions

Why Joy?

Joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a life-giving force.

Research shows that joyful people live more resilient, connected, and fulfilling lives. When joy becomes the foundation of your parenting, everything begins to shift.

Joy doesn’t just “happen.” It takes intention. It takes awareness. And it takes support.

This conference will help you:

Discover your joy values and shape your parenting around them
Gain clarity and confidence in your decisions
Cultivate a joyful family culture that lasts—through the highs and the lows.

Why Sensory?

Every one of us is a sensory being. We process the world through our senses—and our children do too.

When sensory processing is disrupted or misunderstood, it can impact everything: emotions, behavior, communication, even relationships.

At this conference, you’ll:

Learn how sensory processing affects your child’s behavior and responses
Gain insight into your own sensory profile and how it influences your parenting
Understand how to better respond—not react—when challenges arise

Knowing sensory is the key to knowing your child more deeply… and to knowing yourself more compassionately.

Why Parenting?

Parenting isn’t just a role—it’s a daily practice. It’s the way we respond to our children’s needs based on what we believe about them… and about ourselves.

Yet most of us were never taught how to be the parents we truly want to be.

We’re expected to know it all. But perfection is impossible—and unnecessary.

This conference will guide you to:

Explore your parenting style and how it serves (or sabotages) your intentions
Connect your parenting practices to your joy and values
Grow into the parent—and person—you want to be, with grace and purpose

Because joyful parenting leads to healthy families, and healthy families create thriving communities.

"The information you will learn here is very valuable."

- J.G., Conference Attendee

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take the time for this retreat?

Because your child matters. Because you matter — and so does the way you feel as a parent.

Whether you’re parenting a child with sensory needs or simply navigating the beautiful, demanding journey that parenting is, you give so much of yourself every single day. This retreat is a rare and intentional space carved out just for you — to rest, reconnect, and rediscover yourself beyond the caregiving role.

In one meaningful day, you’ll find genuine restoration for a body and mind that rarely get to pause, reconnect with who you truly are, and walk away with an empowering approach to parenting rooted in your own values — not in exhaustion or endless reaction. You don’t have to keep running on empty. You deserve to feel grounded, clear, and joyful in your parenting, and this retreat is here to help you find exactly that.

What do I get out of this retreat?

You’ll walk away with real, lasting wisdom for your parenting journey through the Joyful Sensory Parenting process. This isn’t about memorizing rules or scripts — it’s about gaining the clarity and confidence to identify your own values and build a parenting approach that flows from who you are, rather than from the exhaustion of constantly reacting to the endless demands of the day. When you parent from your values, you parent with more ease, intention, and joy.

I’ve never done yoga before. I’m worried it will be too hard. Should I do the yoga sessions?

We warmly invite and encourage you to join us! Our yoga sessions are held in a welcoming, accepting, and truly judgment-free space designed for exactly where you are right now. All sessions are trauma-informed and beginner-level, and every breath, movement, and pose is simply an invitation — you are always free to receive any part of it and gently set aside any part that doesn’t feel right for you.

Every sequence and posture has been carefully designed to be accessible and completely doable for people who have never stepped onto a yoga mat before. The heart of these sessions is learning to connect with and listen to your own body. The poses, sequences, and cues — both demonstrated and spoken — are thoughtfully crafted to help you tune in to what you’re feeling and what your body is asking for in that moment.

You can do all of it, some of it, or none of it. Even simply lying on your mat and breathing through your very first yoga session is genuinely beneficial to your body, mind, heart, and spirit. There is no wrong way to be here.

I’ve done a lot of yoga. I’m worried it will be too easy. Should I still come?

Absolutely, yes! We trust you completely to know what you need and how to elevate your practice to whatever level feels right for you in any given moment. Your presence and experience will also be a beautiful gift to those around you — whether by inspiring someone newer to the practice or simply offering another model of what yoga can look like. But most importantly, this is your time. Come as you are and make it your own!

Do I have to do the yoga?

Not at all! Every aspect of the retreat is invitational. We only ever ask that you do what feels good and right for you. Your comfort and wellbeing always come first.

What kind of yoga will we be doing?

We offer two styles of yoga during the retreat:

Yin Yoga – A slow, gentle, and deeply restorative practice where poses are held for longer periods to encourage relaxation and release tension held deep in the body’s connective tissues. It’s a beautiful invitation to slow down, breathe, and simply be.
Hatha Yoga – A foundational, accessible style of yoga that blends gentle movement and breath to build body awareness, find balance, and settle into a quiet sense of calm. Welcoming for all levels.

What should I wear?

Wear whatever you feel most comfortable moving and sitting in. Movements include gentle floorwork such as stretching, reaching, and lying down, as well as optional gentle inversions if that feels good to you. If you tend to run cool in air-conditioned spaces, a light sweater or a cozy blanket is a wonderful idea.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the day! For the optional yoga, you’re welcome to bring any of the following:

Your own yoga mat (if you prefer)
Blocks, a bolster, or a strap
A meditation cushion
A blanket
A water bottle

If you’re unsure, don’t worry — just bring yourself. We’ll take care of the rest.

How do I register?

Registration is easy! You can sign up online using the links on this page, register in person at Lamp Post, or call us at (352) 331-9448. We’d love to save your spot!

Are there accommodations for the retreat?

To keep this retreat as accessible and affordable as possible for all parents, overnight accommodations are not provided. However, there is a hotel and a few bed and breakfasts nearby the retreat in downtown Gainesville.

How do I prepare and make the most of the retreat?

Once you’re registered, we’ll send you some optional worksheets to gently get you started — there’s no pressure to complete them ahead of time, but many participants find them a helpful way to ease into the experience. We’ll also share some introductory yoga practices so you can become familiar with the movements before the day arrives. Think of it as a warm welcome before the retreat even begins!

Retreat Agenda

In-Person at First UMC, Gainesville

Friday, April 24

1:00 Check In. Welcome and Calming Breath Practice

1:30 Joy: Why start with Joy? The power and potential of Joy for transformation and a life worth living.

2:30 Joy Workshop

3:00 Break

3:30 Fear: Mechanisms of fear and how they influence behavior.

4:30 It MATTERs: Learning the Model of Attunement Through Transformation and Enhancement of Relationships

5:00 Dinner and Discussions (Dinner is Provided)

6:00 Reflect, Review, Q and A

6:30 Restorative Yin Yoga with Franny

Saturday, April 25

8:00 Wake Up Beginner Yoga: Sun Salutation with Elise

9:00 Breakfast (Provided)

9:30 Sensory Systems: Understand your own sensory patterns to better understand your child's behavior and needs for a healthy and responsive parenting approach.

10:30 Sensory Experiences

11:00 Break

11:30 Parenting Styles: Explore the four basic styles from research.

12:00 Lunch (Provided)

1:30 Expert Panel Q and A

2:30 Workshop: Explore and embody your joyful parenting leadership put your parenting plan into process.

3:30 Break

4:00 Integrating Movement: Moon Salutation with Elise

5:00 Sending Forth: Leave grounded, inspired, and ready to parent with purpose and peace.

"The information is practical and encouraging."

- B., Conference Attendee

This Conference Is For You If…

You feel overwhelmed by your child’s behavior or sensory needs
You want to parent with more joy, less stress
You’re looking for guidance, not judgment
You long to feel confident and connected as a parent
You believe in building a life and family full of intention and love

You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone.

Join us on April 24-25, 2026

and take the first step toward joyful, connected parenting.

Let’s create a new path—one grounded in understanding, supported by community, and led by joy.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today.

👉 Register Now!

$325 Early Bird Price (Sign up before 3/31/26)

$375 Regular Price (After 4/1/26)

"This conference was greatly helpful to me."

- Joyful Sensory Parenting Conference Attendee

Retreat Location

First United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall)

419 NE 1st Street

Gainesville, Florida 32601

Meet Your Instructor

Elise Caton, MOT, OTR/L

Sensory Integration Certified Occupational Therapist | Founder of The Lamp Post Therapy Center | Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor | Spiritual Health Advocate

Hi! I’m Elise Caton, and I’m honored to walk alongside you at the Joyful Sensory Parenting Conference.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked as a sensory integration certified occupational therapist, helping children, parents, and adults understand themselves and their loved ones through the powerful lens of sensory integration. I earned my Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida in 2003, and in 2009, I founded The Lamp Post Therapy Center in Gainesville, FL—a place born from both necessity and passion.

When I began, there were no sensory integration clinics near me. So, I built one. What started as a solo practice quickly grew beyond capacity in just six months. Today, Lamp Post is a thriving hub of sensory support and therapeutic excellence, serving clients from all over Florida who seek true, individualized, sensory-informed care.

In addition to my work as an OT, I’m a trauma-informed yoga instructor and a Certified Candidate for Ordination as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. I am currently enrolled at Emory University, completing a second Master's degree at Candler School of Theology with a focus on Spirituality and Health. My own journey of healing—through yoga, faith, and meditation—has shaped how I show up in my work. I believe in the integration of the whole person—body, heart, mind, and spirit, and that healing is both possible and sacred.

I’m also a mom to two teenagers, a wife who partners with my husband at Lamp Post, and an animal-lover with a full house of pets including a dog, cat, parakeets, fish, and a leopard gecko.

Most recently, I launched Sensory Mentor, a mentoring program for therapists looking to deepen their understanding and application of sensory integration in their professional practice. Because every person is a sensory being, I believe a sensory-informed perspective can enhance any therapeutic work.

Throughout my career, I’ve supported individuals with a wide range of diagnoses—from the most common to the incredibly rare—because sensory processing is universal. It touches every part of who we are.

Whether you're a parent navigating daily challenges, or someone simply trying to find more joy in the journey, I’m so glad to be on this path with you. Together, we’ll learn, grow, and reclaim the joy in parenting.

Let’s begin together.

Elise's Certifications

Ayres Sensory Integration, 2021

Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration
EASI Certificate # 1258

Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, 2021

Pointe of Grace Yoga Institute
TI-CYT 200

Advanced Mentored Clinician In SPD, 2013

Greenwood Village, CO
Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation
Certificate # 1422

Comprehensive Program in Sensory Integration (SIPT Certified), 2006

Birmingham, Alabama
University of Southern California Department of Occupational Science and Therapy and Western Psychological Services, California
SIPT Certificate #2397
Sensory Integration Perspective, Specialized Techniques for Measuring Sensory Integration, From Interpretation to Intervention, Sensory Integration Intervention

CORE Myofascial Therapist, 2006

Gainesville, Florida
CORE Institute School of Massage; Tallahassee, FL
Connective Tissue and Myofascial Therapy, Body Reading Analysis, Integrative Exercises

Some of Elise's Coursework and Trainings

Ayres Sensory Integration Certification - Sensory Integration Theory, Comprehensive Assessment, Clinical Reasoning, Evidence Based Intervention Fidelity and Hands On (180 Hours) , 2021

Exploring Auditory Defensiveness: A Comprehensive Approach to Assessment & Treatment, 2019

Entreleadership Leader’s Summit, 2018

Building a Story Brand, 2017

Empowered to Connect Conference: Providing Hope and Healing to Children & Families, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Nova Southeastern University 1st Annual Research Colloquium, 2015

iLS Distance Practitioner Training Course, 2014

The Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) Approach to Feeding, 2013

Core Connections: Understanding the Core’s Developmental Roots, 2013

Refining Praxis Intervention for Children with SPD Treatment Intensive, 2013

Handwriting Without Tears, 2013

Stress-Related Disorders with Ted Dumas, Ph.D., 2012

Florida Occupational Therapy Association Conference: Vestibular System in Occupations, Bullying, Handwriting Screening, Motor Learning Principles and OT, Visual and Motor Skills, 2012

Clinical Assessment and Practical Interventions for Praxis: From Ideation to Execution, 2012

2nd Annual International Therapeutic Listening Mentorship Symposium and Case Presentations, 2012

EntreLeadership, 2012

4th Annual Autism Symposium: Current Medical Evidence and Interventions Regarding Autism, 2012

Food for Thought: How Nutrients Affect Mental Health and the Brain, 2012

From Primitive Reflexes to Occupational Performance, 2012

Treatment of the Head and Neck: A Foundation for Oral Motor Function, Sensory Motor Processing, and Motor Development, 2011

Beyond Listening with the Whole Body: Unlocking the Toolbox, 2011 (Invitation Only)

Sensory Defensiveness: A Comprehensive Treatment Approach, 2011

Building Blocks for Sensory Integration: The Sensory-Motor Foundations for Attention & Learning, 2011

Advanced Therapeutic Listening, 2011

Vision and Learning: An Insight Into Development, 2010

Building Blocks for Sensory Integration, 2010

Compatible Assessment & Treatment Techniques for Sensory Integration & Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), 2009

Therapeutic Listening: Listening With The Whole Body, 2008

Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment and Treatment, 2007

Modulation and Posture: CNS Mysteries and Treatment Possibilities, 2006

Nutrition Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2005

Sensory Integration for Early Intervention, 2005

The Whole Child: The S.A.N.E. System of Pediatric Assessment and Treatment, 2005

Sensory Defensiveness: A Comprehensive Treatment Approach, 2004

Elise's Mentorships

Sarah Schoen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation/Star Center; Greenwood Village, CO

2016 Research Mentorship Training: Single Subject Design

Stephanie Capshaw, PhD, OTR/L - Facilitator

Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, 2015

Community of Learning and Case Presentation

Lucy Miller, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Star Center; Denver, CO

2013 Advanced Intensive Mentorship: Diagnosis & Treatment of SPD

Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA

OTA Watertown - The Koomar Center; Watertown, MA 2013

Refining Praxis Intervention for Children with SPD Treatment Intensive

Rick Carassco, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Beckman & Associates; Orlando, FL 2015

Sensory Integration assessment and treatment.

Elise's Fieldwork Experiences in OT School

Oregon State Hospital

Salem, OR 2003 Level II

In-Patient Adolescent Ward

Florida School for the Deaf and Blind

St. Augustine, FL 2003 Level II

Residential School-Based Services for Deaf and Blind Students

United Cerebral Palsy

Tampa, FL 2003 Specialty

Daycare and Pediatric Outpatient Services

What is the Joyful Sensory Parenting Path?

We are on a journey—the most important one of our lives—raising children into healthy, happy, and well-functioning adults. It is a journey that does not come with a map or manual, and more often is made more difficult as most of us may not have had the best role models for parenting. Even if we had the best of parents, times have changed, and our particular child's needs are different. How do we do this?

Every journey is unique for every parent, but there is a common path. Joyful Sensory Parenting is here to guide you at every stage. Where are you in your parenting journey?

A Light In The Dark

This is a very vulnerable place to be. Maybe you are a new parent or are coming to realize that your child is struggling and you don't know what to do or where to go for help. No one seems to understand. Maybe someone has mentioned something about sensory but what does that even mean? I need to figure this out before my light or my child's light is snuffed out.

Lighting A Path

Maybe you've found some help and have started down the path, but everything is still so new and confusing. It is hard to know where this thing is heading and when will things get better? What can I do to help my child? Where do I start making some changes? Is there really light at the end of the tunnel?

Illumination

Things are beginning to click! Therapy seems to be making a difference and we are less on edge. I feel like I am getting out of survival mode. I want to move from just getting by and begin putting things into place so we can thrive. How do I create a home life where we nurture skills for living and cultivate joy for everyone in my family?

Luminous

I've always known my child, but now I understand much more fully what the sensory needs are and how to meet them. My child is growing and changing, so sometimes it feels like a set back but really we have come so far. My challenge now seems to be that the rest of the world doesn't get it. How do I communicate what I know about my child needs and connect it to the bigger world? We want to participate in places outside our home like school, sports, clubs, places of worship, and the community in general.

Luminary

Looking back, it has been quite a road. So many experiences, trials, and joys. I would not trade it for the world! I am concerned about the world for my child, though. I've had to fight so hard to get needs met. Others often ask me for advice and how to handle situations. I am still advocating for my child. I realize this will be lifelong. Maybe I can advocate for other kids and parents, too?

Did you find yourself in one (or more) of these stages of the Joyful Sensory Parenting journey? We know it is not easy, but we are here to help. Get started today and join us at the Joyful Sensory Parenting Conference.

I learned a lot about myself. Please do another conference so my husband can attend.

- Joyful Sensory Parenting Conference Attendee

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