A woman and a young child smiling together outdoors, with the woman holding a stuffed unicorn toy.

MEET THE FOUNDER OF BRIGHT SPARKS

Hi, I’m Jen!

I’m an occupational therapist, human-centered program designer, former teacher, and mom of two.

I believe early childhood learning should be messy, magical, and feel exactly like play when it’s done right.

For years, I’ve helped young children build resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation through hands-on play. As a mom, I also know what it feels like to want your child to thrive without dimming the spark that makes them who they are.

Bright Sparks began with my son.

My son is bold, curious, and happiest when he is free to move, explore, and follow his own ideas.

I wanted a program where science and sensory play could come together without losing the freedom, wonder, and chaotic curiosity that comes with being little.

So I built it.

Bright Sparks is a place where toddlers can test, spill, build, and discover. All while parents find connection, coffee, and reassurance that the hard edges are often where growth is happening.

A woman in medical scrubs talking to a young boy outdoors during daytime, with trees and a fence in the background.
A woman in medical scrubs talking to a young boy outdoors during daytime, with trees and a fence in the background.

FEATURED WORK

What conditions help people discover what they’re capable of?

That question runs through Jen’s work in occupational therapy, education, research, and experience design.

Her human-centered design work focuses on creating environments where people can participate, explore, and grow through the right mix of safety, autonomy, regulation, and challenge.

Bright Sparks is one place that work comes to life through sensory-rich, child-led science and engineering experiences.

PUBLICATIONS

Sensory-Rich, Community-Based Occupational Therapy Play With Toddlers and Caregivers


Jen Godin · OT Practice, American Occupational Therapy Association · Volume 31, Issue 7 · July 2026 · pp. 31–35

RESEARCH

OT-Informed STEAM Play Model Supporting Sensory Integration and Co-Regulation in Early Childhood: The Bright Sparks Play Lab


San José State University research led by Principal Investigator Winifred A. Schultz-Krohn
Research Poster · ZERO TO THREE 2026 LEARN Conference · October 28, 2026

PRESENTATIONS

STEAM and EI: Role of Occupational Therapy


Session Presentation · Occupational Therapy Association of California 2026 Annual Conference & Innovation Expo · November 6, 2026

OT in the Wild: Toddlers Before the Referral


Session Presentation · Occupational Therapy Association of California 2026 Annual Conference & Innovation Expo · November 6, 2026

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & RECOGNITION

First 5 Santa Clara County, Family, Friend & Neighbor Initiative


Bright Sparks Play Lab’s free toddler science events and take home sensory science experiences are supported through First 5 Santa Clara County’s Family, Friend, and Neighbor Quality Improvement initiative.

The work focuses on expanding access to high-quality early learning through science and engineering, sensory-rich play, and occupational therapy-informed program design.

Community grant recipient · Featured in First 5 communications · Invited to speak with the First 5 Santa Clara County Commission

Curiosity leads to wonder.

Joy makes persistence possible.

Discovery builds on what is known.

Capability changes what is possible.

Experience a Toddler Powered Science Lab
Interested in Building Something Together?

jen@brightsparksplaylab.com

📞650-396-9385

Child wearing a gray t-shirt with blue text that reads 'Bright Sparks Play Lab' and a small logo of a smiling face with a rainbow above it, standing near a sensory science treasure hunt with toys to pour, sort, measure and colorful objects, outdoors.