I am driven by a simple goal- to do my part in making a child’s world a better place. My decision making process is driven by passion and informed by evidenced based studies. I strive to provide sustainable solutions and make a positive impact.

About me

Hello, I am Bala Pillai , Founder of Playground to Learn LLC . Welcome to my page! I am passionate about making a positive difference in children who have challenges in their ability to focus, participate with peers in physical activities and/or struggle academically through non invasive evidence based methodologies / intervention.
Let me tell you a little about myself...

As a parent, I understand the overwhelm and feeling of helplessness that parents face when they see their child struggling and don’t know how to help them. My formal background is in pediatric physical therapy with a specialization in developmental neurology and disorders. Having worked with children in medical and educational environments for more than 25 years, I have learnt that I have a preference to help my clients with the symptoms that impact their functioning the most. These are their “invisible” disabilities/challenges (poor focus, impulse control, mal adaptive behavior, self regulation, visual and auditory processing skills, working memory) over their “visible” physical disabilities ( difficulty sitting unsupported, difficulty keeping up peers in school hallways while walking etc)  from a neurological disorder.

I was intrigued by children on the autism spectrum and a clear indicator that I needed to widen my knowledge base about the theory of how the brain learns. Working with children on the autism spectrum is a completely different ball game when compared to other developmental disabilities. It led to me go outside the field of physical therapy and gain insights from related fields like mental health, applied behavior analysis, education, neuro science, OT, speech therapy, play therapy, early developmental studies, developmental neurology, nutrition and fitness. I treat every child with a unique program.  This program is a combination of evidenced based programs which use movement science, breathing techniques, cognitive training, and prescriptive play within the framework of neuroplasticity principles to positively impact brain structure. The result- permanent changes in the brain which impacts academic and social skills along with behavior shaping. My customized program bears testimony in a child’s improved quality of life at home, school and in the community and parental testimonies.

I have a special interest in helping children who do not have a diagnosis but who struggle with academic and social skills along with children who have  a diagnosis of  ADHD, ADD, Learning Disability, Developmental Coordination Disorder ( DCD), Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder.

I love spending time with my family talking about nothing and everything, meditation, walking , dancing and meeting up with friends.

I graduated with a Bachelors in Physical Therapy from Bombay University (1982), an Advanced Masters in Developmental Disorders from New York University (1994), earned my Board Certification as a Pediatric Specialist in Physical Therapy (2004) and finally earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2014) from Northeastern University. I feel that as my understanding of how the brain operates evolves, my ability to prioritize my therapeutic approach to make meaningful changes to a child’s quality of life at home, school and in the community continues to evolve.

I served as a member of three committees through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)’s Section on Pediatrics: the Practice Committee’s Autism Task Force, and the School-Based Special Interest Group’s Subcommittees on Intervention for Students with Autism and Response to Intervention.

I am certified in Test Edge, Educational Kinesiology, and Kids Yoga, interventions that use breathing, visualizations, and movement to integrate both cerebral hemispheres. I am also a Bronze Certified Provider for a NASA inspired evidenced based neurocognitive program- Play Attention.

I am passionate about increasing awareness about the need to assess movement skills beyond walking and running. Advanced motor skills that involve agility, balance and coordination like skipping, playing hop scotch, tag, ball skills are linked to academic skills. These skills are usually an issue with kids struggling in school and impact their self esteem and ability to keep with their peers during recess and gym. I increase awareness by providing workshops on the role of physical activity on brain growth and behavior management. I increase awareness by providing half day, one day and two day workshops on topics related to neuroscience applications for parents, teachers, developmental professionals and school administrators in the US and internationally. I was also a guest speaker at the New Jersey Education Convention 2011 where I presented a one day workshop on “Learn How Motor Skills and Academics go Hand in Hand: A Hands-On Presentation.”

I love spending time with my family talking about nothing and everything, meditation, walking , dancing and meeting up with friends.

I have a special interest in helping children who do not have a diagnosis but who struggle with academic and social skills along with children who have a diagnosis of ADHD, ADD, Learning Disability, Developmental Coordination Disorder ( DCD), Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder.