Founders

Chris Bogart, PhD

Chris Bogart, PhD

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Dr. Chris Bogart is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping children, teens, young adults, and their families better understand and navigate emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. As co-founder of Sasco River Center, he is known for his warm, collaborative style and his ability to translate complex clinical insights into practical, real-world strategies that families can actually use. Dr. Bogart specializes in working with adolescents and young adults coping with ADHD, anxiety and depression, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a family systems perspective to create meaningful, lasting change. He partners closely with parents and schools, helping to build clarity, confidence, and a path forward for each child and family he works with.

Co-founder of Sasco River Center and former founder of Southfield Center for Development—one of Connecticut’s first multidisciplinary child development centers. Former Director of Psychology at Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center and staff psychologist at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Comprehensive psychoeducational and ADHD evaluations; therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults; specialized expertise in ADHD, executive functions, anxiety and depression using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) integrated with a family systems approach.

  • Masters of Science and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, American University
  • Undergraduate degree, Georgetown University

Dr. Bogart works closely with parents, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that insights from therapy and evaluations translate into meaningful support at home and in school. He serves as a consultant to public school districts, such as Westport, Darien, and Wilton; and independent day schools including New Canaan Country School, Seven Acres Montessori, and The Children’s School.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Bogart regularly presents parent workshops and community talks on topics such as anxiety, executive functioning, ADHD, and child development. He also leads highly regarded professional development workshops for educators, helping teachers better understand and support the students in their classrooms.

Dr. Bogart is deeply committed to social justice and community engagement. He has been actively involved with several local nonprofit organizations, contributing his time and expertise to support children, families, and broader community well-being.

Chris is an unapologetic Philadelphia Eagles fan and was proudly in attendance when the Birds won their first Super Bowl.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Melissa Kahn, MS, OTR/L

Melissa Kahn, MS, OTR/L

Co-Founder

Melissa Kahn is an occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and designer of sensory-informed therapeutic environments. She is recognized for building and scaling pediatric therapy programs grounded in sensory integration, play-based intervention, and family-centered care.

With over 22 years of experience in pediatric and behavioral health, she integrates clinical expertise with operational leadership to create impactful therapeutic systems and environments.

  • Co-Founder and former Co-Executive Director of Sasco River Center
  • Founder of Sensory Kids, a pediatric occupational therapy practice focused on sensory integration
  • Extensive experience scaling systems across intake, service delivery, staff training, and family communication
  • Advisor to pediatric and behavioral health organizations

  • Sensory integration and play-based therapy
  • Nervous system regulation and mind-body integration
  • Emotional resilience and self-awareness development
  • Feeding and oral-motor interventions
  • Praxis, motor planning, and reflex integration

  • MS in Occupational Therapy, Columbia University
  • Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
  • Advanced training: STAR Institute, Tomatis Methods, MNRI, Craniosacral Therapy, Brain Gym

Collaborates with families and educators to integrate therapy strategies into everyday environments and routines.

  • Provides caregiver education and support
  • Consults with schools
  • Mentors occupational therapy students

Focused on helping children develop confidence, resilience, and self-awareness through accessible, family-centered care
models.

Melissa designed all occupational therapy spaces at Sasco River Center.