Our Staff

Michele Parkins, MS, OTR, was a deeply respected Occupational Therapist whose life’s work centered on supporting children and families navigating Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development.

A fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, Michele educated therapists across the country and around the world in the treatment of sensory processing differences. She was SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test) certified and contributed extensively to advancing the understanding of how sensory challenges affect emotional regulation, relationships, social skills, and mental health. Michele was a tireless advocate for children and families, committed to helping them and others recognize, understand, and address the profound impact sensory differences have on daily life. She passionately believed that difficulties in sensory processing inevitably affect emotional regulation, the ability to form and sustain relationships, social skills, and overall mental health.

Her dedication to continuous learning shaped her legacy. Michele pursued Advanced Certification in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health at Montclair State University and was certified in the Developmental Individual Differences Relationship-based (DIR) model. As a faculty member of the Profectum Foundation, she educated therapists worldwide on social-emotional development and the DIR model, further extending her influence to families and clinicians across the globe.

Michele also made significant contributions to the field through research and scholarship. She co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside pioneers Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR, and Sarah Schoen, PhD, OTR. She was co-authoring a chapter on the integration of DIR within Sensory Integration Therapy and developing articles on the relationship between sensation and emotion, as well as the intentional therapeutic use of play to support mental health and development in young children.

Over the last decade, as Founder and Director of Great Kids Place, Michele expanded this vision through groundbreaking research. Collecting data from hundreds of families, she studied the intricate connections between sensory processing, emotion, movement, action, and personality. In collaboration with experts in the field, Michele and her team analyzed and validated this data, leading to the creation of the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference. This model—now at the heart of Great Kids Place—is both the culmination of her research and a lasting reflection of her commitment to transforming care for children and families.

As a key opinion leader in the field, Michele taught and helped design certification courses in SPD/SI, training therapists around the world. She also played a central role in the standardization and development of the latest assessment for Sensory Processing Disorder, a groundbreaking tool set to become the gold standard for diagnosis and research.

Michele’s passion was not only professional but also deeply personal. As a mother of two children with sensory processing differences, she brought lived experience to her work, helping families better understand both the challenges and strengths that accompany SPD. She also provided consultation to schools, influencing systems of care and education.

Michele’s legacy lives on in the countless children, families, and therapists she inspired. Through her teaching, advocacy, and research, as well as her warmth and compassion, she left an indelible mark on the field and in the lives of those she so deeply cared for.

Kim co-founded Great Kids Place together with his wife, Michele, in 2015. He honors her legacy, operating as owner and business manager. He leads with a vision to support children’s development through playful, intentional, and evidence-informed approaches. With a background that bridges healthcare, business strategy, and innovation, Kim is committed to advancing Great Kids Place’s mission and impact.

Kim holds an MBA in Health Care & Life Sciences Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, equipping him with deep insight into both the clinical and operational sides of health and research‑oriented practices. Under his leadership, Great Kids Place continues to grow as a trusted resource for children and families with sensory processing disorder challenges.

Kim is passionate about applying his health care experience to the world of child development and pediatric health. He believes in combining science-backed frameworks with joyful, play‑based practices to support children’s sensory, motor, emotional, and social growth.

Outside of work, Kim values collaboration, continuous learning, and creating communities of support around families and therapists. His goal… to steward a caring, mission-driven platform that uplifts every child’s potential.

Dr. Janis Leinfuss is the Clinical Director of Occupational Therapy at Great Kids Place and Co-Director of the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference (SEEM). She is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute as well as a DIR provider with advanced certification from ICDL. She holds a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from Gannon University and has over 27 years of pediatric clinical practice, extensive graduate-level teaching and mentorship experience, and published scholarship in peer-reviewed journals on strengths-based, inclusive, and interprofessional practice. She presents professionally to local, national, and international audiences on pediatric topics. She is also co-creator of a regulation framework which was the basis for her doctoral research project.

Janis has been named a “Top Docs” in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 in New Jersey Family Magazine. She is a contributing author for NJOTA newsletters on topics related to sensory processing and ASD, serves as a proposal and award reviewer for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and has been interviewed for professional collaboration groups including “The Sensory Motor Classroom” on her approaches. Janis is a faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University serving as Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and Assistant Professor.

Laura holds a master’s degree in Clinical and School Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™ ), National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP).

In the Mental Health field, Laura is a steadfast advocate for developmentally appropriate interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of another person.

To help bridge the gap between behavioral and developmental methodologies, she continuously engages in professional development and has completed numerous trainings and certifications in a range of therapeutic practices, including, but not limited to:

Play-Based Therapies, Connected Parenting Models, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Nutrition and Mental Health, Autplay Therapy ®, DIR Floortime ® (CL2), Cosmic Kids Yoga, and Integrated Listening Systems’ Safe and Sound Protocol, and Focus System Intervention.

For over 20 years, Laura has provided support and services to individuals with social-emotional and
developmental needs in school and private settings. With Great Kids Place’s Sensory-Emotional
Engagement Model ™ as her foundation, she demonstrates advanced knowledge in the areas of
pediatric mental health, child development, neuroscience, neurodivergent populations (ADHD, Autism, gifted, highly sensitive, etc.), sensory processing differences, visual-spatial capacities, parent coaching, family support, attachment theories, developmental and behavioral assessments, social skills, DIR® Floortime™, and Crisis Prevention and Safety Care Interventions.

Laura’s experience has provided her with many opportunities to work alongside leading professionals
to train and coach educators, families, first responders, and medical personnel in developmental
methodologies, positive behavioral support systems, and individual differences. She is a Reflective
Supervision and Consultation Provider certified through the NJ Infant Mental Health Association,
aiming to support other professionals in their relationship-based work with children and families.

Catherine is an Occupational Therapist at Great Kids Place and a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training from the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute on the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She is also in the process of becoming a Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP).

Catherine received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University. While in school she knew pediatrics was her passion. During school, Catherine assisted in the creation of an occupational therapy program for the daycare on campus. The group consisted of enhancing sensory experiences through games to both improve motor control and allow the just right amount of input to help increase focus and performance during the fine motor components. She supported this “bottom up” foundational process to enhance the development of all of the children in the program.

Catherine trained with our Founder & Director, Michele, for a period of three months as part of her academic fieldwork. The families and staff alike knew she was a perfect addition to Great Kids and she was offered a position before she even completed her academic coursework! While in her fieldwork at GKP, Catherine developed a core piece of our home carry over program – play-based home activity curriculums focused on each sensory system.

Catherine also enjoys working with the special needs community outside of Great Kids. She has been a volunteer with Special Olympics for several years. Catherine is passionate about the use of play and movement to foster the development of social emotional and sensory motor development in children. She loves how play allows children to explore and test both their emotional and physical capabilities while engaging in something that brings joy and amusement.

Carrie has been practicing occupational therapy with children since 2000. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in psychology and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University.  She is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder and social emotional development, certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) and has earned the STAR ProCert Level 2 credential for the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Treatment and Research Institute.

Carrie has worked in both school settings and in private practice. She uses an approach that is informed by her knowledge in sensory processing, the importance of relationships and play (founded in her certification in social emotional development in the DIR model), mindfulness and yoga.

Carrie is certified in Interactive Metronome (IM), Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) and the DIR model to social emotional development. She has completed a 200-hour certification in yoga instruction, as well. She co-developed a unique handwriting program – Connect Experience Write® – with Michele that highlights the importance of affective engagement in learning as well as sensory integration using music and movement to teach letter formation and pre-writing skills.

Carrie lives with her husband, two sons and a dog. Both sons have sensory processing difficulties. Her knowledge on this personal level also informs her work as an occupational therapist.

Maggie is an occupational therapy practitioner at Great Kids Place and has been dedicated to serving the pediatric population since 2016. She earned an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastwick College and her Bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies from William Paterson University. She is also a certified Inclusive Recreation Specialist through the National Inclusion Project. She’s passionate about leading her treatment sessions through play and utilizing her therapeutic use of self, which aligns well with the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference used here at Great Kids Place.

Maggie’s experience goes far beyond treatment sessions. She has spent over 18 years of combined experience treating, collaborating, and coordinating school-based/pediatric itinerant-related services with therapists and school districts across northern New Jersey. Her treatment experience spans multiple settings, including public and private schools as well as home-based care. Maggie is skilled in working with children with diverse diagnoses, including developmental delays, physical and cognitive disabilities, behavioral challenges, sensory processing disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, epilepsy, and those with other medically fragile diagnoses, to name a few. She takes a collaborative, child-centered approach to therapy, creating a space where children, caregivers, and other team members feel empowered and confident in their abilities. 

Outside of work, Maggie enjoys spending time with her family, including her fiancé, two adult children, and her spunky silver lab. On warm summer days, you can find her lounging or kayaking on a lake, and in the winter, she loves relaxing under a cozy blanket with a coloring book. Maggie especially loves the beauty of spring and fall because they remind her that growth and change – while sometimes challenging – are always beautiful.

Katie is an Occupational Therapist at Great Kids Place and specializes in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders. She has advanced training in the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference and participates in ongoing early childhood mental health training alongside all therapists at GKP.

Katie has been practicing in Pediatric Occupational Therapy since earning her Associate’s degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Rutgers University in 2015. She earned her Bachelor’s in Family and Child Studies with a minor in American Sign Language from Montclair State University, and then obtained her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University. 

Katie has experience treating children from infancy through high school with a variety of needs, collaborating with members of the therapeutic team, conducting comprehensive evaluations, providing direct and consultative treatment, and working alongside caregivers and teachers to support carryover of learned skills.  Katie is enthusiastic and engaging, and she loves prioritizing fun when planning her sessions. Outside of work, Katie loves sailing, hiking, playing guitar, singing/music, traveling, playing volleyball, and being around friends and family.

Alexis is an occupational therapist at Great Kids Place who specializes in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders. She has advanced training in the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference and participates in ongoing professional development alongside all therapists at GKP.

Alexis received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bucknell University and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Kean University. During her doctoral studies, Alexis researched and developed a comprehensive parent-focused screen-time education program designed to help families balance screen time and use technology more intentionally to support children’s sensory, emotional, and developmental needs.

She has experience providing treatment in outpatient and school-based settings for children ages 3 to 13 with a wide range of diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, and developmental delays. Alexis has worked closely within interdisciplinary teams and emphasizes treating the whole child through strong caregiver collaboration and by getting to know each child’s individual interests.

Outside of work, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, watching sports, and being outdoors!

Tori is an occupational therapist at Great Kids Place and a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder.

Tori received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Public Health from Muhlenberg College and her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean University. She is certified in the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference and participates in ongoing training in early childhood mental health alongside all therapists at GKP.

Victoria has provided treatment in a variety of pediatric settings, including a specialized education program, a private outpatient clinic, early intervention, and a vocational program. She has worked with children ranging from 1 year to 22 years of age with a variety of diagnoses, including sensory processing disorders, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and developmental delays. Victoria has experience conducting evaluations, providing individual and group treatment sessions, and collaborating with caregivers and educators.

Tori is energetic, caring, and dedicated to supporting kids in reaching their greatest potential! When not at work, you can find her enjoying time with her family, friends, and her favorite four-legged creatures, Freya and Juno.

Geena is an Occupational Therapist at Great Kids Place and a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training from the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute on the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She participates in ongoing training in early childhood mental health alongside all therapists at GKP. Geena has experience supporting children with sensory motor differences, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and anxiety in the pre-K setting, where she has served as a one-to-one aide implementing treatment strategies and collaborating with families & teachers.

Geena graduated with her doctorate in occupational therapy from Kean University. As part of her education, she completed her clinical fieldwork experience here at Great Kids Place under the mentorship of Carrie Davis and quickly knew she had to join the team upon graduation! Geena is energetic, caring, and dedicated to supporting kids in reaching their greatest potential (and having fun!).

Geena is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and uses her knowledge and experience with movement, mindfulness, & breathwork in her practice. During her time off, Geena enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Mala.

Jenna joins us from a private school setting, where she played a significant role in the organization’s growth over the last 11 years. She is a dedicated professional with a history of complex administrative support, marketing expertise, fundraising ability, and non-profit experience.

Jenna is specifically skilled in the areas of branding, social media marketing, website development, learning management platforms, course building and organization, community outreach, networking, conference and event coordination, and bringing people together for the greater good. She is also experienced in project management, fundraising, grant writing, and effectively communicating the value and impact of programs and initiatives to inspire philanthropic and community support.

With experience in various roles, Jenna brings a vast set of skills, insights, and a passion to contribute to the organization’s growth and impact. Her multifaceted background reflects a deep commitment to driving positive change and achieving strategic goals.

Building relationships and forging meaningful connections to reach further, provide opportunities, and create meaningful change is at the heart of all she does. Jenna is a steadfast advocate for programs that make an impact and for individuals with differences, professionally and personally, as a parent to a child with sensory processing differences.

Kaitie is an occupational therapist at Great Kids Place and specializes in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders. She has advanced training in the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference and participates in ongoing training in early childhood mental health alongside all therapists at GKP.

Kaitie received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. During her studies, she developed a passion for working with children and families, as well as a deeper understanding of how sensory processing affects daily life.

She has experience providing treatment in an outpatient setting for children ages 2 to 12 with various diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, and developmental delays. Kaitie understands the importance of collaborating with all members of a child’s team, including family members, healthcare professionals, and educators, to help each child grow effectively.

Kaitie is patient, joyful, and passionate about making therapy fun while supporting children in reaching their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

As a clinical leader within the practice, Denise is committed to mentoring fellow therapists and ensuring that every family receives exceptional care. She has been consistently named one of New Jersey Family’s Favorite Kids’ Docs/Healthcare Professionals. Denise Maraziti is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder and is certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute. She has a long history of training in sensory integration, having received her Master of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California in 1997, home to Sensory Integration Therapy. During her time at USC, Denise developed a passion for sensory integration through her exposure to the Ayres Clinic. Jean Ayres was the founder of the sensory integration approach and ‘discovered’ Sensory Processing Disorder and its impact on learning, daily life skills, and social-emotional development. Denise has over 29 years of experience working with children with sensory processing disorders across a variety of settings, including private practice, public/private schools, early intervention, aquatic settings, summer camp, and outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation.

Denise has completed specialized training in sensory processing disorders through the STAR Institute and completed the STAR Proficiency Level I course. She is certified in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to feeding and The Listening Program (TLP). Denise has received training in DIR through the Profectum Foundation and is eager to complete additional DIR courses. She also has advanced training in various sensory-based treatment interventions, including Therapeutic Listening (Levels I and II), Zones of Regulation, MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration), Brain Gym, NDT, yoga and mindfulness, Handwriting Without Tears, oral-motor, respiration, and the vestibular-visual-auditory triad.

Denise is especially passionate about “The Triad” and has done additional training and education in this area. The successful integration of vestibular, auditory, and visual sensory input, referred to as “The Triad,” is necessary to create a strong sensory base of support to foster the development of sensory-motor, perceptual-motor, and cognitive skills. The vestibular system activates postural muscles, which assist in developing stability and motor coordination. When the vestibular system activates postural muscles, it provides a stable foundation for the eyes to focus on a target while the body is moving through space. The vestibular and auditory systems work together to process sounds used in the development of speech, language, and communication. The vestibular and auditory systems also impact the development of rhythm and timing required for the development of balance, bilateral coordination, ocular motor, and visual-perceptual skills. A strong sensory foundation impacts emotional development and self-regulation—it enables us to be emotionally engaged and responsive to people and the world around us. Denise uses “The Triad” during therapy to create a strong sensory foundation that supports the social and emotional aspects of play and learning. This, in turn, helps children develop meaningful relationships.

Dedicated to interdisciplinary care and believing that every child benefits from a unified team, Denise frequently collaborates with developmental optometrists to implement specialized vision-vestibular techniques for children with ocular and movement limitations. Denise utilizes her personal and professional experience to assist children whose visual and vestibular challenges interfere with the development of physical, emotional, and academic skills. Furthermore, she partners closely with speech-language pathologists to seamlessly support oral-motor and language skill acquisition and collaborates with physical therapists to address neuromuscular and congenital conditions, including torticollis and gross motor delays, ensuring comprehensive support for every patient.

While she supports children of all ages, Denise holds a special dedication to early intervention for infants and toddlers. By focusing on these critical early years, she empowers families to build the strong foundational skills their little ones need to joyfully engage with the world and confidently reach their fullest potential.

Dr. AnnMarie Murphy is an occupational therapist and certified infant massage instructor with advanced training in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing and integration disorder. AnnMarie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, as well as a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. 

Over the last seven years, AnnMarie was mentored by the founder of Great Kids Place, Michele Parkins. During her time at Great Kids, AnnMarie co-developed the adolescent and adult program, Great Kids at Heart, as well as a program for children and adults who are over-responsive, titled Sensations As Fun Experiments (SAFE). To support Michele’s model, within and outside of Great Kids Place, AnnMarie has had the honor and privilege of presenting the Sensory-motor Engagement Model locally and nationally alongside Michele. Over the last five years, AnnMarie has served as a member of the Great Kids Place research team, which aims to research the efficacy, validity, and reliability of SEEM under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah Schoen. AnnMarie also teaches continuing education courses for therapy providers through Education Resources, Inc.

Outside of Great Kids Place, AnnMarie is an Assistant Professor of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at Fairleigh University, where she conducts research, advises research students, teaches neuroscience, pediatrics, interprofessional engagement, and healthcare management. Prior to working at Fairleigh, AnnMarie taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University and was an Adjunct for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. During her time at both Temple University and Rocky Mountain, AnnMarie co-developed curriculum, and advised student research projects. Research topics included sensory processing, long-covid, lupus/chronic pain, accessibility to inclusive playgrounds, aging in place, and the lived experience.

In addition to working as a clinician and in academia, AnnMarie holds several voluntary positions. AnnMarie is the chair of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, is the Secretary for the New Jersey Association for Infant Mental Health board, a reviewer for the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy and is on the Scientific and Grant Review committee for the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. AnnMarie was nominated and inducted into the National Academies of Practice for Occupational Therapy in 2026.

Amanda is a passionate occupational therapist with about twenty years of experience working with the pediatric population. She is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute. Amanda also serves as faculty for the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute where she educates therapists from around the country on the relationship between regulation, relationship and sensation in the treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, particularly in the school setting.  

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy and her advanced Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management. She specializes in the treatment of children with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders; developing sensory-based supports for individuals with varied sensory, behavioral, and social emotional needs. She also has vast experience treating individuals with many other physical and cognitive disabilities.

She has practiced in a wide-range of settings including public school, private school, private practice, and Early Intervention. Within these therapeutic settings, Amanda has placed an emphasis on treating the whole child and highlighting the importance of collaboration as part of a team with the family at the fore front. Amanda has advanced training in a variety of sensory-based treatment interventions including Listening with the Whole Body, the Alert Program, myofascial release, and oral motor/respiratory stimulation. She is also co-creator of a sensory regulation framework for individuals with self-regulation challenges, on which a research study is currently being conducted at a private school for children with autism.

Erin has been a practicing occupational therapist for over 20 years. Erin has certification in Sensory Integration from the University of Southern California. She has also done additional training in social emotional development. She began her journey with a degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University. As a believer in lifelong learning, she continued to pursue knowledge that would help her as a clinician provide the most current evidence-based interventions. She received her Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University with dual specialty areas in Mind, Brain, and Teaching as well as Autism Studies.

Erin is an accomplished practitioner who has also expanded into presenting at international, national, and state level conferences. She has diversified further into the world of higher education as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University. Erin uses her ability to connect and create meaningful relationships to foster the development of skill sets in her clients, students, and professional colleagues.

In collaboration with two other highly skilled therapists, Erin is a co-founder of a sensory regulation framework designed to breakdown the complexities of sensory modulation into easily understood phases of learning. This research-based intervention adds to Erin’s toolbox of strategies to use with individuals who need support in the area of sensory processing.
Throughout her career she has complied expertise through additional trainings in oral motor and respiration, posture and praxis, listening programs, interactive metronome, handwriting, and play-based intervention. Through a client-centered approach, Erin seeks to build the confidence of the children and families she works with as they learn to develop their own strengths and capabilities.

Kristin is an occupational therapist at Great Kids Place and a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training from the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute on the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder.  Kristin has also completed the infant toddler pyramid model training which focuses on evidence-based practices for promoting social and emotional development.  Along with this specialized training, Kristin is a mom of 2 young children, one of whom has sensory processing differences, and draws on her personal experience to inform her practice.  She is particularly passionate about the impact of SPD on family relationships, daily routines and social-emotional engagement.  

Kristin received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University with a minor in psychology.  She began her career working with adults with neurological conditions in acute rehab and inpatient hospital settings.  More recently, she has been working in early intervention with families who are living with developmental delays, physical disabilities, autism, behavioral challenges and sensory processing differences. 

Elizabeth is an occupational therapist at Great Kids Place. She is a specialist in Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and social-emotional development. Liz has advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment And Research (STAR) Institute, developed by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR. She is DIR/Floortime certified in social-emotional development through the Profectum Foundation. Liz is Interactive Metronome certified and trained in the use of Listening Programs including the Safe and Sound Protocol. She is also trained in NDT (Neurodevelopmental Treatment) using guided or facilitated movements as a treatment strategy to ensure efficient motor control and correlation of input from the tactile, vestibular and somatosensory receptors within the body.

Liz has experience working in the New Jersey public school system with students living with developmental delays, behavioral challenges, physical disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. She designed a sensory and occupational therapy treatment room for a school district. Liz also has experience working with adult orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation populations at the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation and JDT Medical Rehabilitation Center. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Liz worked with children on the autism spectrum as a special education teacher’s assistant in the DIR/Floortime based inclusion preschool at the Ben Samuels Children’s Center at Montclair State University.

She is a graduate of Kean University where she earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and graduated with honors. Liz obtained her Bachelor of Music from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford where she majored in vocal performance and has a strong background in theater and opera. Her time spent as a performer contributes to the creativity in her practice and therapeutic use of self.

Liz met Michele when her research group from Kean University helped conduct the pilot study for Connect Experience Write® (CEW), which Michele co-developed. The Kean research group sought to discover the efficacy of CEW, a handwriting program involving music and movement, with children who are non-writers. The research suggested that the CEW program improved the participants’ handwriting ability. Liz’s research group presented their data via poster presentation at the state and national levels for the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Sydney is an occupational therapist at Great Kids Place and specializes in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders. She has advanced training in the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference and participates in ongoing training in early childhood mental health alongside all therapists at GKP.

Sydney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Stockton University, with minors in Holistic Health and Disability Studies, where she also played collegiate soccer. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean University.

As part of her education, Sydney completed her clinical fieldwork experience at Great Kids Place under the mentorship of Carrie Davis. After graduation, her passion for pediatrics and commitment to Michele’s vision brought her back to GKP to join the team.

Through her work at Great Kids Place, Sydney provides play-based, relationship-focused occupational therapy that supports each child’s sensory, emotional, social, and developmental growth. She enjoys partnering with children and families to build confidence, strengthen self-regulation skills, foster meaningful engagement in everyday activities, and create opportunities for success across environments.

In addition to her work at GKP, Sydney has experience providing occupational therapy services in school-based settings to students from Pre-K through high school and is currently a full-time district employee. Her experiences across both clinic and school settings allow her to take a holistic approach to helping children thrive in the environments that matter most to them.

Sydney is compassionate, energetic, and dedicated to helping children and families reach their fullest potential while having fun along the way. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, going to the gym, thrift shopping, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with her dog, Doug.