GOAL Faculty Abbey Brod Rosen, OT, is the owner and creator of Kids Thrive, a sensory-based pediatric occupational therapy office located on the upper east side of Manhattan. A graduate of Tufts University, Abbey has practiced Occupational Therapy for over 30 years. She began her career working with neurologically involved clients and worked at New York Hospital until 1994. She was an Adjunct Professor in the graduate program of the Occupational Therapy department at New York University for 16 years specializing in Perception and Cognition. Abbey has also given basic and advanced workshops on the continuing education level as well as to schools and other clinics. She has advanced training in Integrated Listening, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting without Tears and Sensory Processing Disorder and is certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment. Abbey enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, exploring her city, being with friends and doing yoga. Abbie Gregory, MS, OTR/L, is the Coordinator of Social Skills and Community Integration Department, and Supervisor in the Occupational Therapy Department at Pediatric Therapy Network, in Torrance, CA. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degree in occupational therapy from the University of New Hampshire. Her focus has been in pediatric intervention and sensory integration, with an emphasis in social skills and community integration. Abbie is certified in the administration and interpretation the Sensory Integration and Praxis tests (SIPT). She has received additional training in DIR/Floortime and Social Cognitive Therapy. Abbie also spent a summer working at the STAR (Sensory Therapies and Research) Center in Denver, CO and has completed the SPD Foundation s Level I Mentorship program. In her free time, Abbie enjoys staying healthy and social through exercise, playing at the beach, or being with friends. She is an avid reader. Abbie frequently travels to New Hampshire and Boston to visit friends and family.
Jamie Bailey, OTR/L is the Occupational Therapy Team Leader for Pediatrics Plus Therapy Services in Conway, Arkansas. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a BA. Jamie has 14 years of clinical experience with a focus on birth to 5 year development and a special interest in feeding therapy. She provides mentoring and teaching to the therapy and preschool staffs in a variety of areas, including feeding, evaluation process, and sensory processing. She has received training through S.O.S. Approach to Feeding- the Basic and Advanced courses. Jamie has completed the Level I Advanced Intensive Mentorship with STAR Center in Denver, Colorado with Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and Dr. Sarah Schoen. Jamie is also a busy mom, supporting her 5 children ages 3-14 in sports and dance. When on a break with my family, I enjoy reading, cooking and relaxing to music Jennifer Gober, MSOT, OTR/L, CTRS, C-SIPT, a practicing clinician of 11 years, is the director and owner of Kinetic Kids Inc., a therapy provider in the greater Miami, FL area. Kinetic Kids is comprised of a team of over 20 therapists of various disciplines that provide 1:1 and group therapy services to children with special needs in their homes, school based settings, as well as in several clinic locations. Jennifer has taught university courses at both Florida International University and Barry University in Miami, FL. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University in 2002, with an emphasis in pediatrics. Her advanced training includes SIPT certification and completion of the Level I intensive mentorship program at the SPD Foundation. Other certifications and specialized training include Integrated Listening Systems, Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting Without Tears, Sensory Integration and NDT. She has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to the profession. She is married and enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason and 3 year old son, Evan boating and traveling.
Jen Thomas, MS, OTR, a pediatric occupational therapist for 14 years in school based and clinic-based environments, is the co-owner and clinical supervisor of KidVentures Therapy Services. Among numerous other valuable programs, she established an intensive program at KidVentures based on training through the Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) Foundation. Jen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has expertise in providing sensory-based intervention to children with Sensory Processing Disorder and children on the Autism Spectrum, and provides workshops to educate parent groups and teachers about Sensory Processing Disorder and strategies to assist children and families impacted by the disorder. She has completed the Level 1 Intensive Mentorship through the SPD Foundation and is certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT), trained in Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), Therapeutic Listening, and Handwriting Without Tears. Jen is the mom to 2 great kids and in her free time enjoys running and paddle boarding on Town Lake in her hometown of Austin, Texas. Katherine Cremins MS, OTR/L, a CT licensed Occupational Therapist, is the co-administrator of Giant Steps School in Southport, CT, a private, therapeutically based program serving individuals with ASD and other neurological impairments. In her 13 years at the school and prior to her current role, she served as an OT and clinical coordinator. An OT for 16 years, she has worked with individuals of all ages in public and private schools, adult day programming, early intervention and home settings. She specializes in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorders. She received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac College in 1997, and her post-professional master s degree in OT from Quinnipiac University in 2010. She received certification in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) in 2002. She recently completed the Level One Advanced Intensive Mentorship in the diagnosis and treatment of SPD at the STAR Center through the SPD Foundation. Katie was honored to receive the Margaret L. Bauman, MD Award as Outstanding Therapist For Excellence in serving the autism community in 2011.
Lisa Mesecar, MA, OTR/L currently treats patients at Abilitations, a private clinic in Raleigh, NC. She earned her B.S. and M. A. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. As part of her Master s studies, Lisa had the opportunity to complete OT 610, Advanced Training in Sensory Integration Theory and Practice, a clinical course originally developed by Dr. Ayres. For over 15 years, Lisa has been providing occupational therapy for children with developmental challenges including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Genetic disorders, learning disabilities, attention disorders, coordination disorders, and Sensory Processing Disorder. She has worked in schools, hospitals and well known clinics around the country including STAR Center. In addition to providing therapy services, Lisa is also an experienced instructor and has provided continuing education courses and lectures on Sensory Processing Disorders for professionals and parents around the country. Lisa is trained in Neurodevelopmental Treatment as well as administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT). Lisa currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two boys. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and yoga. Robyn C. Chu, MOT, OTR/L is founder and director of Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services, located in El Dorado County, California. As the director, she has supported many families and mentored therapists across California. Mrs. Chu brings 10 years of diverse clinical experience, beginning her career at Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento, and later becoming the Lead Occupational Therapist for the El Dorado County Office of Education. She spent the last 6 years of her career dedicated to growing her family of 3 children and her private practice, which is now a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary sensory-based therapy practice nestled on 3.5 acres in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Mrs. Chu has taught workshops to parents, teachers, and therapists and has guest-lectured at universities. Mrs. Chu has also served as a Private Practice Consultant, supporting other growing therapy practices. Robyn assisted in the standardization of the Miller Functional and Participation Scales while she was pursuing her Master s Degree at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA, and has also helped to standardize the GOAL Assessment. She has advanced training in Sensory Integration Therapy and facilitated the Sensory Summer Camps at the STAR Center in Colorado. Mrs. Chu recently published a set of 10 Sensory Motor Activity E-Books to support families and therapists around the world. She also developed The Gardening Game: A Learn and Grow Kit for OT in order to encourage motor development and interpersonal relationships.
Susan Masie OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist and the Executive Director/Founder of Pediatric Therapies in Franklin, TN. She graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1983. After early experiences in adult acute care, in-patient and out-patient rehab, and home health, Susan has specialized in pediatrics for nearly 30 years. She has worked in schools and home care, eventually moving to private practice. She opened Pediatric Therapies in 2005 which has become one of the largest, most comprehensive therapy clinics for children in Tennessee. Susan has expertise in working with children with sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum and behavioral disorders. Other areas of clinical expertise include working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders, genetic disorders, learning disabilities, and sensory feeding challenges. Susan is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). She has completed advanced training in sensory processing disorders and sensory integration therapy, including Level I and Level II advanced mentorships at the STAR Center. She is certificated as a provider for The Listening Program and Therapeutic Listening and is trained in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to feeding. Susan lives in Brentwood, TN with her husband. She has 3 grown children and loves to spend time with family and friends. Vicki McQuiddy, MHS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at Cincinnati Children s Hospital Medical Center. Vicki graduated from Xavier University with her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy degree in 2003 and received her Master s in Health Sciences from the University of Indianapolis. She is currently a PhD candidate at Nova Southeastern University. During her 10 years in clinical practice, Vicki has worked with clients with a variety of diagnoses, such as autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, and down syndrome. She specializes in providing evaluation and treatment for children with sensory processing difficulties. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on research, standardized testing and self-management. Vicki completed a mentorship and research residency at the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation and is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). She enjoys running, spending time with family, reading, and vacationing.
Lisa Porter, MOT, OTR/L, graduated from Rockhurst University in 1994 with a Master s degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a fellow of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, traveling to Denver from Portland 2-3 times each year to mentor experienced therapists. Lisa is currently working on her PhD in Pediatric Science at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is dedicated to sharing what she learns and constantly striving to improve services at her pediatric therapy clinic, Sensory KIDS. Lisa specializes in sensory and relationship-based therapy, and has advanced training in Stanley Greenspan s DIR/Floortime model. She is trained in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT), the SOS Feeding Approach, and is an advanced Integrated Listening Systems practitioner. Lisa is passionate about building relationships with her clients and families, as well as treating children from a developmental frame of reference. She is thrilled to be creating a team that specializes in sensory challenges, and recognizes how they impact the function of children and families. She loves to be outdoors, travel, exercise, backpack, cross country ski, kayak, and of course drink wine and eat good food.