Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR, (she/her) is the Director of Innovation and co-founder of DFX, and led the organization as executive director until July 2025. A leading pediatric occupational therapist with more than 35 years of experience, she is internationally recognized for her clinical expertise, research, and training in neurodevelopmental differences, especially Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and autism.

Tracy holds an OT degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Developmental Psychology/Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Denver. She has contributed to national consensus work through the Fragile X Clinical Research Consortium and is known for integrating neuroscience, sensory-affective-motor processing, and relationship-based intervention. She brings advanced, cross-disciplinary training in Ayres Sensory Integration, sensory modulation, DIR/Floortime®, TEACCH, the Early Start Denver Model, NDT, trauma-informed care, Polyvagal Theory, and a range of attachment- and regulation-focused modalities (including DDP, Theraplay, TBRI, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and mindful self-compassion). These specializations inform her comprehensive, neurobiologically grounded approach to assessment and intervention.

Tracy serves on the training faculty for the Polyvagal Institute, advises International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) and Unyte Health, and co-authored OT practice guidelines for the Safe and Sound Protocol and Rest & Restore Protocol. She is the originator of the SpIRiT Model and co-developer of the S.T.E.P.P.S.I. framework, both widely used in OT practice. Through DFX’s Learning Journeys platform and the Spirited Conversations podcast, she provides training, mentorship, and applied frameworks that advance best practices for neurodiverse and neurodevelopmental populations. She is an honorary member of the Polish Association Sensory Integration Therapists SI (PSTIS).

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