Remembering Michele Parkins: Beloved Therapist, Visionary Leader, and Advocate for Children

Remembering Michele Parkins: Beloved Therapist, Visionary Leader, and Advocate for Children

Denville, New Jersey – It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Michele Parkins, a devoted occupational therapist, visionary educator, and beloved mother, who died unexpectedly following a bicycle accident. Michele’s untimely death has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family, friends, clients, and the wider community that she served with unwavering dedication.

A Life Rooted in Compassion and Purpose

Michele devoted her life to helping children thrive. As the founder and driving force behind Great Kids Place, a center dedicated to supporting children with sensory processing differences, Michele created more than just a clinic—she created a sanctuary. Her approach blended innovation, heart, and evidence-based practice to help children and families navigate the world with greater connection and understanding.

She believed that every child had the capacity to flourish when met with empathy, support, and the right tools—and she spent her career building those tools, and teaching others how to use them with care and integrity.

Pioneering the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™

One of Michele’s most lasting contributions to the field of pediatric therapy was the development of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ (SEEM™), a groundbreaking framework that changed the way caregivers and clinicians understand and respond to children’s emotional and sensory needs.

SEEM™ highlights five Sensory Emotional Personality styles and emphasizes movement-based, sensory-informed play to foster regulation and connection. Michele’s model has helped countless therapists and families forge deeper, more responsive relationships with children—and its influence continues to grow.

Michele invested years of research and practical application into this model, collecting data, refining the framework, and training therapists through national organizations like Education Resources Inc. Her work was always infused with joy, warmth, and a deep respect for the children and families she served.

A Voice of Wisdom and Hope

Beyond the clinic and classroom, Michele reached thousands more through her podcast, “A Sensory Emotional Lens.” In each episode, she offered practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for families and professionals. Whether discussing summer transitions or the nuances of picky eating, she delivered her wisdom with grace, humor, and authenticity.

Through her voice, Michele championed infant and early childhood mental health, served on national boards, and helped shape strategies to better support young children’s emotional development.

Remembering Michele’s Spirit and Legacy

Michele was more than a professional powerhouse—she was a mentor, a guide, and a friend to so many. Her authenticity, kindness, and strength shone through in every interaction. She was a listener, a problem solver, and a source of hope for those navigating challenges. Her ability to empower others—parents, clinicians, and children alike—was nothing short of extraordinary.

She is survived by her children, who were her greatest joy, as well as her extended family and the vast community of colleagues, friends, and families she inspired. The grief of her sudden loss is matched only by the gratitude we feel for the time we shared with her.

Honoring Her Life and Work

Funeral arrangements are being handled by J.M. McBeath Funeral Home, and details of a memorial service will be shared in the coming days. In tribute to her life’s work, a scholarship fund will be established in Michele’s name to support continued education in sensory–emotional therapy—ensuring that her mission lives on in the hands and hearts of others.

Final Reflections

Though Michele Parkins’ journey on this earth ended far too soon, her influence is lasting and profound. Her legacy lives on in every child she empowered, every therapist she mentored, and every family she guided with compassion and care.

Her light will not dim—it will only expand through the lives she touched and the work that will continue in her name.

Rest peacefully, Michele.

Your love, wisdom, and legacy will continue to guide and uplift generations to come.

To learn more about Michele’s work, share a memory, or contribute to the scholarship fund, please visit the Great Kids Place website or her tribute page at J.M. McBeath Funeral Home.