As Co-Executive Director of Sasco River Center as well as a registered occupational therapist, Melissa is dedicated to helping children improve self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem through the medium of play. She is known for captivating children with her magic while stimulating mind, body and soul.
Drawing from an extensive knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy, Melissa develops stimulating treatment programs that empower and teach children and their families to use therapeutic strategies in their daily lives. As a result, children build a strong foundation upon which to learn and grow.
A graduate of Columbia University where she earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, Melissa brings a variety of sensory techniques into her individualized sessions and groups. For example, she has extensive training and experience in the Tomatis method, using Integrated Listening System and Advanced Brain Technologies (ABT). As a faculty member of ABT, she trains—and consults to—other occupational therapists on a national level. Melissa also has completed many advanced sensory-integration courses and has been educated in MNRI and Reflex Integration Techniques, Visual Vestibular treatment techniques, Praxis and Motor Planning, Brain Gym, Oral Motor Therapy, Handwriting without Tears, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Neurodevelopmental techniques