Great Lakes Congress 2025

Featured Speakers:

Curtis R. Baxstrom, MA, OD, FOVDR, FNORA, FAAO, FANO

Dr. Baxstrom received his O.D. degree from Pacific University and a MA degree in Reading from Seattle Pacific University. He opened a vision therapy/vision rehabilitation practice in Federal Way, Washington in 1992. In addition, he consults at two local Rehabilitation Hospitals providing Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation services. He is also an adjunct professor at Pacific University is the Director of the Vision Northwest Vision Therapy/Rehabilitation Residency sponsored by Pacific University. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association and the Academy of Neuro-Optometry and is Certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion by the American Institute of Balance.

Brenda Montecalvo, OD, FOVDR, FAAO, FCSO

Dr. Montecalvo is a passionate, sought-after international author and lecturer in the areas of strabismus and amblyopia, vision therapy, neuro-optometric rehabilitation and practice management. She is the author of Visual Secrets for School Success, co-author of the AOA Brain Injury Manual, and author of articles about NOR, OVT and practice management. Dr. Montecalvo runs the Vision Aces Academy, is President of the College of Syntonic Optometry and, is a member of the AOA InfantSEE Committee and the Vision Therapy Task Force. She is Past-President of the Ohio Optometric Association, Past-Chair of the AOA Vision Rehabilitation Section, Past-President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, Co-Chair of the John Streff Invitational Lens Symposium, and trustee of the Vision Leads Foundation.

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVD

Dr. Samantha Slotnick has a distinctive background, with undergraduate roots in behavioral psychology as well as physical chemistry and post-graduate training in behavioral optometry and vision science. She has conducted both functional and anatomical vision research. Her training in visual-motor development has expanded to incorporate the impact of vision on posture, balance and gait, via “Lens-based Postural Therapy.” Her current primary focus is her private behavioral optometry practice in Scarsdale, NY, “Mind-Body-World Optometry,” an integrative center for holistic eye and vision care, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. She also provides educational consulting for patients and professionals through video interface, as well as on-site. Dr. Slotnick is a graduate of SUNY College of Optometry where she also completed her Residency in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, along with advanced studies in Vision Science. She has attained Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

She is eagerly awaiting the release of her children’s book, But MOMMY, I can SEE!, supporting community education on the therapeutic use of lenses, and where to find optometrists around the globe. Academically, she has contributed numerous chapters on strabismus. Recent authorships include: “Strabismus: Challenging the Adaptation” in Applied Concepts in Vision Therapy, 2 nd Ed, along with contributions to the “Strabismus Therapy” chapter; she also co-authored “Strabismus: Development, Diagnostics and Rehabilitation” in the book, Visual Development, Diagnosis and Treatment of the Pediatric Patient, 2 nd Ed. Her innovative approach, with a patient-centered regard for the advantages of strabismic processing, have yielded the extended seminars, Tuning Binocularity: The Art of Facilitating Visual Biofeedback and Advanced Seminar in Strabismus: Reorganizing Space, Time and the Visual Process. Dr. Slotnick sits on the Peer Review Board of Vision Development and Rehabilitation, the quarterly publication of COVD. She also serves on the organizational board of the Midatlantic Optometric Congress, providing an annual educational program dedicated to vision therapy and vision development.

Jeff Getzell, OD, FCOVD, FCSO (Therapist only speaker)

Dr. Jeff Getzell earned his doctor of optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry,and has completed a great deal of postgraduate work. He has been invited to give talks,presentations, and in-services to groups both in the United States and abroad. Dr. Getzell is a member of numerous professional organizations, including both the American and Illinois Optometric Associations, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the Optometric Extension Program, and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.

Dr. Jeff Getzell has written articles for and been quoted in numerous professional and lay publications-including The IOA Journal, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Parent Magazine, Pioneer Press newspapers, TBI Challenge (e.g., the official publication of the Brain Injury Association) and Counseling Today Magazine (e.g., the official national publication for school counselors) which have been cited by other authors.