About Our Presenters

Patricia Obrzut, MS, OTR/L

Patricia Obrzut is the Executive Director of Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor, a private, non-profit day care and five-day residential agency serving children who are visually impaired with multiple disabilities, ages 1-12.  She is the foremost expert on Active Learning in North America, educating parents, professionals and therapists on establishing enriched learning environments for individuals with such disabilities as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delay and visual impairments.  Ms. Obrzut holds a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy and held the position of Assistant Director at Penrickton Center since 1994. She began as the Occupational Therapist, Registered in 1987, and has been an integral part of Penrickton Center’s remarkable growth.  Penrickton Center is now in its 72nd year of serving children and families worldwide.

Ms. Obrzut is a founding member of the educational website activelearningspace.org, collaborating with Texas School for the Blind and Perkins School for the Blind to provide active learning information and professional development.  In addition, she is in demand to present in-person and virtually throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Venezuela.

Kirstyn Martino, BS, CTRS


Kirstyn Martino is the Active Learning Specialist at Penrickton Center for Blind Children, a private, non-profit agency serving children who are visually impaired with multiple disabilities ages 1-12. Located in Taylor, Michigan, Penrickton Center offers residential, daycare, and consultations at no charge to families. Ms. Martino uses her experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to advance the developing conversations about the Active Learning approach, striving for every child to become an active participant in their environment.