Our Professionals
Our goal is to help children achieve THEIR goals.
In 2000, School Based Therapy Services and the Center for Children’s Therapy were established to meet the growing demand for highly skilled pediatric therapy services across New York City and New Jersey.
Since then, we have firmly established ourselves as leaders in the field. Our therapists are experts in their professions and are often invited to lecture at universities, hospitals, schools, and local community centers. Together, we create safe, nurturing, and productive environments in which children can reach their full potential.
Our interdisciplinary staff includes:
Occupational Therapists (OTs) • Physical Therapists (PTs) • Speech Therapists (SLPs)
School Psychologists • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) • Social Workers • Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultants (LDTCs)
Anna-Angela Lupinacci, EdD, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - Columbia University
Anna earned her Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Movement Sciences from Columbia University. During her doctural studies, she conducted original research examining the utility of specific breathing technigues on perceived stress, phyiological stress and motor performance. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Seton Hall University (1997) and a Master of Science degree from Columbia University (2000). She is currently a licensed, registered, and school-certified pediatric occupational therapist. Anna has extensive clinical experience and has treated infants, children, and adolescents with various diagnoses such as Autism, feeding difficulties, sensory processing disorders, attentional disorders, anxiety, developmental delays, and upper extremity orthopedic conditions.
She serves as the founder and CEO of a well-established staffing agency, School Based Therapy Services, or SBTS. Over the past two decades, SBTS has proudly grown to a staff of 40 knowledgeable and caring professionals providing occupational, physical, speech, and behavioral therapies, and child study team services to school districts throughout New Jersey. Anna and the clinical team members develop therapy programs and carry out treatment plans on a permanent basis. This outsourcing model allows school administrators to focus on education, while SBTS manages and delivers the highest quality services in a cost-effective manner.
At this point in her career, Anna is dedicated to expanding and sharing her knowledge base, advancing the field of occupational therapy, and advocating for children. She is frequently invited to give lectures at various schools, hospitals, universities, and parent support groups. In addition, she gladly serves as a clinical supervisor for graduate-level occupational therapy students fulfilling their Level 1 and Level 2 pediatric internships.
Anna has extensively studied world religions, is a registered Yoga instructor, and has a profound interest in the intersection of science and mindfulness-based practices. Currently, Anna is working toward an educational doctorate degree in movement sciences at Columbia University. She is conducting original research on the utility of specific breathing techniques on perceived stress, measured physiological stress, and motor performance.
Robert McMahon, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - Columbia University
Robert McMahon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kean University (1997) and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University (2000). He is a licensed, registered, and school-certified occupational therapist in both New York and New Jersey. Robert has extensive experience working in public and private school settings with children of all ages and diagnoses. He has worked as an assistive technology evaluator and has provided therapy for the Early Intervention Systems, as well as worked with adults in community hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and specialized medical centers. Along with Anna, Robert has served as an integral partner of School-Based Therapy Services; collaboratively creating programs with public and private schools, which promote mainstream education.
Recognizing a need for an electronic record system in school-based practice, Anna and Rob created School Based Therapy Assistant—a software solution designed specifically for the unique needs of professionals working in schools.
Allison Cronk, MS OT
Master of Science – Dominican College
Alison has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2015, with a diverse background in working with children of all ages and abilities. She most recently held the position of lead occupational therapist at a private practice in Glen Rock, NJ. Prior to this role, she spent 5 years at a private school catering to children with autism. Alison has also worked in early intervention, gaining valuable experience in treating a wide range of developmental challenges.
Alison's expertise includes addressing fine motor and gross motor delays, visual motor and perceptual difficulties, sensory integration disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental delays. She has pursued continuing education in various techniques such as Handwriting Without Tears, Brain Gym, sensory processing and regulation, sensory diets, The Alert Program, Zones of Regulation, and the DIR/Floortime Model. Alison has completed the Star Institute’s Professional Credential in Sensory Processing’s Level 1 Intensive Mentorship and is on track to achieve the Star Proficiency Certification.
In addition to her extensive experience, Alison holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Interpersonal Communications from William Paterson University. During her Master’s Degree studies, she worked as a Special Education Teacher, strengthening her dedication to supporting children with special needs.
Alison is committed to fostering self-confidence in each child she works with, enabling them to fully engage in childhood activities such as learning, playing, and socializing. She is deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge with the children and families under her care.
As a dedicated lifelong learner, Alison prioritizes continuing education to better serve her clients. She understands the uniqueness of each child and tailors her therapy to empower them to achieve their maximum potential. In her free time, Alison enjoys spending quality moments with her husband and two children
Carolyn V. Hough, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science – Bay Path College
Carolyn V. Hough, OTR/L received her BA in Psychology from Sweet Briar College. She earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path College. She has been a pediatric Occupational Therapist since 2013. She is certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), the State of New Jersey, and the State of New York. Working with various ages and disabilities within schools, home, outpatient, and aquatic settings. Carolyn has expertise in Autism, developmental delays, sensory processing difficulties, and other learning differences. She is knowledgeable about communicative and curriculum-based Assistive Technology. She has collaborated with teachers, paraprofessionals, and other therapists about attention and sensory systems. Her ongoing education includes courses in handwriting, executive functioning, sensory processing, interoception, pediatric yoga, brain gym, visual motor/perceptual skills, and more. She has obtained her certificate as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC) and has a passion for health and wellness. As a lifelong learner, she is in the process of becoming a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and continues her learning and passion working with this population. In her leisure, she enjoys cooking, yoga and breath work, gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Christina P. Fisher, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science – The Richard Stockton College
Christina P. Fisher graduated from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work, and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2007. During Christina’s graduate level of education, she participated in a research study that examined the Effectiveness of a Supported Education Program for Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities: The Bridge Program. During one of her School-Based OT fieldwork assignments, Christina participated in a new grant: “Water Survival and Basic Swimming” program for special education students from ages 5-17. Christina has a proficient level of experience in working with adults with neurological injuries such as brain injury and stroke. She was a Co-Facilitator of an inpatient rehab hospital’s Medication Management Group and Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) protocol with neurologic patients. She possesses strong leadership skills as she was one of the Team Leaders of an adult neurological inpatient gym, and successfully supervised Fieldwork Level II students. Christina has attended various continuing education courses pertaining to the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach (NDT), Examination and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders, Assistive Technology in School Based Setting, Yoga Therapy in the Classroom, and Handwriting Without Tears. Christina is National Board Certified in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and has her NJ Teacher’s Certificate. She also holds a certificate for Àrnadóttir OT-ADL Neurobehavioral Evaluation and Treatment (A-ONE), Treatment of Upper Extremity Dysfunction NESS H200, Modalities Intervention Part 1 Electrotherapy and Part 2.
Elisa Rotonda, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science – Columbia University
Elisa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Montclair State University (2009) and a Master of Science degree from Columbia University (2011). She is currently a licensed, registered, and school certified Occupational Therapist, practicing within the pediatric population. Elisa also has experience working in inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation with adults who have suffered traumatic/acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, and various orthopedic conditions. Elisa has worked on several research studies, including one in the area of mental practice/visualization, of which she presented to the Columbia University student body. She is also a co-author of Hard-Wired for Groups: Students and Clients in the Classroom and Clinic, which has been published by AOTA in the Mental Health Special Interest Section Quarterly.
Gavi Adam Gordon, OTD, OTR/L
Master of Education – John Hopkins University
Gavi received his M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. He began his career as a middle school teacher, where he spent years guiding students in maximizing their abilities and discovered a deep passion for helping young people navigate challenges in the classroom. That grounding in education, understanding how kids learn, where they struggle, and how to meet them where they are, continues to shape how Gavi approaches therapy today.
Prompted by the range of challenges he witnessed in his students, Gavi returned to school and earned his Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Yeshiva University's Katz School of Science and Health in 2023. He is a licensed and registered occupational therapist in the state of New Jersey.
Gavi's background as an educator gives him a unique lens on therapy: he sees himself not just as a clinician but as someone building on years of experience helping students grow in real school settings. He believes client-centered care is essential to positive outcomes, and that therapy works best as a true partnership. Gavi has a special interest in mental and occupational wellbeing.
When Gavi is not working, he is spending time with his wonderful children, enjoying playing and listening to music, or reading a good book.
James L. Sell, MA, LDT-C
Master of Arts, Montclair State University
James received his Master’s Degree from Montclair State University and is certified in the State of New Jersey as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C) and Teacher of the Handicapped (K-12). James recently retired from the Morris School District after devoting nearly 40 years to educating and case-managing students with special needs. James is CEO/Owner of Educational Resources of Morris, LLC a private practice specializing in educational assessments, test preparation, and advocacy support. In his leisure time, James enjoys spending time at Long Beach Island, listening to music, running, and motorcycle riding.
Joanna Kozlovsky, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - New York University
Joanna graduated from Yeshiva University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She is a licensed, registered, and school-certified occupational therapist in New York, New Jersey, and Louisiana. Joanna has worked with students ages 3-21 on the Autism spectrum. She has worked in schools in New York and New Jersey as well as provided treatment via teletherapy. Joanna has worked on skills addressing fine motor needs, sensory processing, visual motor, visual perceptual, and graphomotor, among others. She looks forward to continuing helping students build on their independence and success in the classroom environment.
Madison Parke, MSOT, OTR / L
Master of Science - Long Island University Brooklyn Campus
Madison earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from the University of Scranton (2018) and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Long Island University (2022). While in graduate school, Madison alongside colleagues completed and presented their now published Capstone Research Study at the AOTA Conference in 2022.
She is currently a license, registered, and school certified Occupational Therapist in the state of New Jersey. Madison has experience working in an outpatient setting with the pediatric population specifically ASD and ADHD assisting individuals with sensory integration strategies to aid in attention, play, and socialization. In addition, Madison has experience working in acute inpatient rehabilitation specifically with adults who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and orthopedic injuries. Madison chose occupational therapy as a career path because she is passionate about assisting individuals of all ages achieve outcomes to participate in meaningful everyday activities.
Kaitlyn Ryan, MS, BCBA
Master of Science - Purdue University
Kaitlyn holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fairleigh Dickenson University (2011) and a Master’s degree from Purdue University (2022). With 8 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, Kaitlyn began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician in 2017 and has since gained extensive experience in clinic, home, community, private and public-school settings, offering valuable insight into behavioral analysis and special education.
Kaitlyn has also trained in special education advocacy, working to ensure individuals with unique needs receive the support they deserve.
In addition to her professional work, Kaitlyn is deeply involved in her community. She runs a Cub Scout program, coaches baton twirling, serves as a judge at twirling competitions and serves on the USTA NJ council. She also serves as the secretary of a War Veterans Post Auxiliary, fundraising for veterans, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations.
Rachel Schwab CF- SLP
Master of Science - University of Cincinnati
Rachel earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology through University of
Cincinnati.
She has experience working with children from kindergarten through eighth grade with a variety of communication needs, including autism, language disorders, articulation,fluency, and AAC. Rachel has provided both individual and small-group therapy and has experience with standardized assessments, IEP development, and collaboration with teachers and other professionals. Her background as a classroom and academic support teacher gives her a strong understanding of how children learn and helps her connect therapy goals with classroom success.
Rachel believes in meeting each student where they are and creating therapy sessions that are
engaging and meaningful. She enjoys building strong relationships with her students and is
dedicated to helping each child become a more confident and successful communicator.
Samantha Khutoryansky, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - Salus University
Samantha Khutoryansky, MS, OTR/L, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Biology from the University at Albany and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Salus University. She is a licensed, registered, and school-certified occupational therapist in New Jersey with more than seven years of experience supporting individuals and their families in early intervention, school-based therapy, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and home care settings.
Samantha has worked with children who have a wide range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, sensory processing differences, developmental delays, and motor challenges. Through sensory-based strategies, therapeutic activities, and play-based interventions, she helps children build confidence and develop the skills they need to participate more fully in everyday activities.
Samantha is passionate about partnering with families to support each child’s growth, independence, and success at home, in school, and in the community.
Stefani Arias, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - Dominican College
Stefani earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Montclair State University (2011) and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dominican College (2017). With over eight years of experience as an occupational therapist, Stefani specializes in pediatrics, with seven years dedicated to supporting autistic and developmentally delayed children. Her professional journey began in a sensory clinic, where she gained extensive hands-on experience addressing sensory processing challenges and tailoring individualized treatment plans to meet each child’s unique needs.
Stefani is passionate about creating a positive, engaging, and supportive environment where children feel safe to learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential. She strives to ensure parents feel included, empowered, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Collaboration is at the heart of Stefani’s practice. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams—including educators, behaviorists, and speech and physical therapists—to ensure a holistic approach that prioritizes each child’s strengths and goals. Driven by patience and genuine care, Stefani approaches every child with empathy and dedication, celebrating their achievements—big and small—and fostering skills that support success at home, in school, and in the community.
Talia Forman, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - New York University
Talia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Biology from Yeshiva University (2009) and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University (2012). She is a licensed, registered, and school-certified occupational therapist in New York and New Jersey. Talia has spent the last 4 years working in a private school in New York City for children with Autism. She has worked with students across the spectrum focusing on their physical, visual perceptual, visual motor, graphomotor, attentional, and fine motor needs. She has collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to provide quality care and ensure that student’s needs are being met in and out of the classroom. Talia is dedicated to helping her students reach their full potential.
Tamar Friedman, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science, Touro College
Tamar Friedman graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Touro College. Tamar is currently a licensed, registered, and school-certified occupational therapist in New Jersey.
She has worked with students ages 3-18 to address their fine motor, gross motor, visual perceptual, visual motor, and self help skills. Tamar is dedicated to helping her students reach their fullest potential.
Taylor Whitaker-Lake, MA, CCC-SLP
Master of Arts - Kean University
Taylor is a New Jersey licensed and ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). She earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University.
With over four years of experience as a SLP and more than six years supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Taylor has worked with clients of all ages across a variety of settings. Her clinical expertise includes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), supporting individuals with cortical visual impairment (CVI), cognition, pragmatics, receptive and expressive language disorders, and literacy. She also addresses articulation and phonology as part of her comprehensive therapy approach.
Taylor’s therapy style emphasizes play-based learning, functional communication, and building strong relationships with clients and their families. She is passionate about advocacy and is dedicated to ensuring every client has access to their voice. She especially values working with and supporting the neurodiverse community.
Outside of work, Taylor enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with her two dogs.
Yafit Finkelstein, MS, OTR/L
Master of Science - Columbia University
Yafit earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary School Education from Levinsky College of Education (2005) and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University (2012). She is a licensed, registered, and school-certified occupational therapist. Yafit’s areas of expertise include Learning Disabilities, Developmental Delays, Sensory Integration, orthopedic conditions, mental health, etc. She is passionate about working with children and dedicated to helping her students reach their full potential. Yafit has two children and resides in Bergen County, NJ.