The Story of KickStart
The Founder’s Vision
KickStart is named after its founder, Tuanwen Wu (吳端文).
Ms. Wu is both a dedicated mother and an expert in sensory integration therapy. She graduated from the Department of Occupational Therapy at National Taiwan University and later pursued advanced studies in sensory integration theory and practice at the University of Southern California. She completed her clinical training at the Ayres Clinic, founded by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, a pioneer in sensory integration, and obtained certifications in Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT).
With over 50 years of rich clinical experience, Ms. Wu has helped countless families whose children struggle with sensory integration dysfunction. Her goal has always been to place the child at the center, helping families understand the crucial role sensory integration plays in a child’s development and the importance of early intervention with professional therapy.
Established in 2013
Our Mission
To open the door to a hopeful and
fulfilling life for parents and children
To inspire essential life skills in children for independent living
At KickStart, our occupational therapists are not only nationally certified professionals but also a team filled with love and patience for children. We encourage parental involvement in every session. After each session, therapists provide parents with practical at-home assignments to reinforce progress. Through effective communication and collaboration, we empower parents with knowledge and skills to support their child’s sensory development at home. We listen carefully to each parent’s concerns and explain treatment plans in an approachable, easy-to-understand way.
Our Team
Our Clinical Team
Led by the “Mother of Sensory Integration” – Tuanwen Wu
To shorten the treatment period for children, KickStart continuously enhances the professional knowledge and skills of our therapists. Ms. Wu maintains long-standing collaborations with leading international sensory integration organizations such as the STAR Center and the Pediatric Therapy Network. Every year, consultant Yun-Ju Chen returns from the U.S. to train our therapists.
Senior Head Therapist
Linda Liu
Senior Head Therapist
Cindy Wu
Head Therapist
Moses Lu
Head Therapist
Cathy Lai
Prospective Head Therapist
Tzu-Yun Chiu
Therapist
Teresa Yeh
Therapist
Mike Hou
Therapist
Tiffany Su
Therapist
Chia Chen
Therapist
Nova Liu
Therapist
Eva Hu
Therapist
Lilian Wu
Founder and CEO
Tuanwen Wu
Known in the industry as the “Mother of Sensory Integration,” Ms. Wu leads the clinical team personally, conducting thorough evaluations and tailored treatment plans for each child.
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The name KickStart symbolizes the beginning of a better future for children. Over the past 50 years, Ms. Wu has helped families from the U.S., Europe, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong overcome sensory integration challenges. In October 2013, she founded KickStart Sensory Integration Education Co., Ltd., formerly the Holistic Child Development Center. The company name pays tribute to Ms. Wu’s lifelong dedication. From a small startup to a respected institution, Ms. Wu remains child-centered and continues advocating for early intervention, helping more families recognize the importance and efficacy of sensory integration therapy.
Current Positions
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Founder, KickStart Occupational Therapy Clinic
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CEO, KickStart Sensory Integration Education Co., Ltd.
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Instructor and evaluator for early intervention professional training, Taipei and New Taipei Health, Social, and Education Departments, and Occupational Therapy Associations
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Specialist Committee Member for Early Intervention Indicators, Ministry of Health and Welfare
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Consultant to various child development centers and special education organizations
Education
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M.S. in Special Education, University of California
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Sensory Integration Certification, Ayres Clinic, USC
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B.S. in Occupational Therapy, National Taiwan University
Experience
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Therapist, NTU Hospital Child Psychiatry
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Director, Kang Tai Child Mental Health Center
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Occupational Therapist, California Children’s Services
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Adjunct Lecturer, National Taipei University of Education
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Director, Wu Tuanwen Early Intervention Center
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Director, Holistic Child Development Center
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Adjunct Lecturer, Chang Gung University
Awards
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2022: Outstanding Occupational Therapist Service Award (40 Years), OT Association, ROC
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2012: Distinguished Occupational Therapist Award, OT Association, ROC
Founder and CEO
Tuanwen Wu
Director
Jill Lee
Education
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B.S. in Occupational Therapy, Chang Gung University
Experience
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Director, KickStart Therapy Department
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Trainer and Curriculum Developer at KickStart
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Senior OT at KickStart
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Head OT, De Ci Clinic
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School-based SI OT, New Taipei elementary schools
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Parenting educator in Taipei and New Taipei
Specialties
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Children: developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, selective mutism, emotional/learning/behavioral disorders, visual perception, handwriting
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Infants: reflex and motor development
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Parenting support and education
Certifications
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National OT License
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MNRI Dynamic & Postural Reflex Integration Advanced Certification
Director
Jill Lee
Supervisor
Sheng-Hui Liao
Education
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M.A. in Biblical Theology, Wheaton College, Illinois
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M.S. in Rehabilitation Sciences (Early Intervention), SUNY Buffalo
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B.S. in Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University
Experience
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Former Head Therapist, KickStart
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Full-time OT, United Cerebral Palsy, Brooklyn, NYC
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Part-time OT, Eden Foundation Resource Center, Taipei
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Assistant for students with special needs, Yongping High School, New Taipei
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Part-time OT, Yi He Hospital, New Taipei
Specialties
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Children: developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, Tourette’s, selective mutism, emotional/sleep/learning/behavioral disorders, hearing loss, speech and perceptual issues, handwriting, articulation disorders
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Infants: reflex and motor development
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Parenting coaching and support
Certifications
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National OT License
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Certified Parent-Teacher Consultant and Life Coach, Adler Psychology Association of Taiwan
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iLs-Focus System Training
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Certified HWT (Handwriting Without Tears®) Specialist
Supervisor
Sheng-Hui Liao
Senior Head Therapist
Linda Liu
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Senior Head Therapist
Linda Liu
Senior Head Therapist
Cindy Wu
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Senior Head Therapist
Cindy Wu
Head Therapist
Moses Lu
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Head Therapist
Moses Lu
Head Therapist
Cathy Lai
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Head Therapist
Cathy Lai
Prospective Head Therapist
Tzu-Yun Chiu
Prospective Head Therapist
Tzu-Yun Chiu
Therapist
Teresa Yeh
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Therapist
Teresa Yeh
Therapist
Mike Hou
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Therapist
Mike Hou
Therapist
Tiffany Su
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Therapist
Tiffany Su
Therapist
Chia Chen
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Therapist
Chia Chen
Therapist
Nova Liu
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Therapist
Nova Liu
Therapist
Eva Hu
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Therapist
Eva Hu
Therapist
Lilian Wu
Therapist
Lilian Wu
Gratitude from Parents
The KickStart Environment
A Safe and Comfortable Space for Children
Paired with diverse learning materials, our space helps children fall in love with learning.
KickStart’s therapy programs are grounded in sensory integration principles and incorporate multiple evidence-based clinical treatment models from around the world. Our open and spacious environment, along with more than 100 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment and materials, provides the ideal setting for sensory activities. This setup enhances children’s motivation to learn and comprehensively boosts their developmental abilities.
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