crystal NASUTI, ms otr/l

Clinical Director/ Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Crystal has experience practicing with the pediatric population in school-based, out-patient and home-based settings. She continues to better serve her clients by staying up-to-date on the latest research and continues to strive to never stop learning by attending multiple continuing educations courses to further add skills to her “OT Toolbox”.

Crystal has additional certifications in :

• Handwriting Without Tears, a sensory-motor based handwriting program for children from nursery school age and up!

• She also is an Advanced Mentored Clinician in Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by the Star Institute. This mentorship provided Crystal with a deeper knowledge about sensory processing difficulties, access to research supporting sensory integration interventions, reasoning model for evaluation of SPD and tools in order to use the “STAR PROCESS” in her own practice. Crystal is extremely passionate about sensory integration intervention process and continues to incorporate this theory into her daily sessions.

• Crystal is certified to administer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by the Integrated Listening Systems. The Safe and Sound Protocol is a 5-day intervention designed to reduced auditory sensitivities and reduced stress/anxiety while enhancing your child’s social engagement as well as resilience.( ILS, 2018).

• Crystal is a certified DIRFloortime Practitioner. The DIR Model is a comprehensive framework which enables clinicians, parents and educators to construct a program tailored to the child’s unique challenges and strengths.
  
  While the DIR model helps us understand and promote the positive development of all children, DIRFloortime is most commonly utilized with children with educational, social-emotional, mental health, and/or developmental challenges.
  
  DIRFloortime has become most widely known as an approach to support children with with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). You can read more about DIR: https://www.icdl.com/parents/abaordir (ICDL, 2020)

• Most Recent Research on DIR Floortime: CEA_January_2021.pdf (aota.org)
  

• Crystal completed The Masgutova Method®/MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) Dynamic and Postural Integration Certification in Fall 2021. This Method uses reflex patterns to awake the genetic sensory-motor memory to make it faster and easier for the nervous system to self-restore the impaired functions. This can include- movement of the body (inability to walk, poor function), functions of vision (poor eye tracking and ocular vestibular abilities), hearing (poor decoding of words affecting comprehension), focusing, memory recall, thinking processes, emotional and behavioral regulation and more. You can read more about the MNRI method here: Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute | FAQ (masgutovamethod.com)

• In 2023, Crystal completed The Foundations of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing - Feed the Peds Continuing education course. A comprehensive 12-week course to becoming a pediatric feeding therapist that focuses on early development. The course taught information on Normal Prenatal Development & Birth to 6 Months, 6 Months to 1 Year, 1-2 Years and Beyond, Assessment, Treatment, Tethered Oral Tissues, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, & Various Medical Complications (NICU, craniofacial disorders, neurological, cardiac and/or gastrointestinal issues, airway considerations), instrumental assessments and the IDDSI framework.
  

• Fun Fact : Crystal LOVES pickleball, Family game nights and is a Toddler boy mom :) !

Melissa is our office manager at Sensory Stars and will be the first smiling face you will see when you enter our doors! She is the point person who will handle all of your family’s needs during your time with us at Sensory Stars. She has a degree in business administration and is a former preschool teacher with CDA certification. Melissa has always loved working with children and looks forward to meeting you and your child! She prides herself in creating a safe and friendly environment for all.

Fun Facts: Melissa is a true crime junkie, loves to do crafts, loves Disney and her favorite color is pink !

Stephanie is a registered and New York State licensed pediatric occupational therapist who has her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Salus University. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Stephanie has experience in a variety of pediatric settings including outpatient, school-based, Early Intervention, and providing services virtually via teletherapy. She is experienced with working with children with a variety of diagnoses and delays to improve their fine motor skills, visual motor and visual perceptual skills, sensory processing, self-care skills, and more! Stephanie is a certified DIRFloortime Practitioner. The DIR Model is a comprehensive framework which enables clinicians, parents and educators to construct a program tailored to the child’s unique challenges and strengths.

Stephanie enjoys working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping children increase their independence in activities that are meaningful to them and their families. She prioritizes using evidence-based research to design treatment sessions that are both effective and meaningful to the children and families that she works with.

Fun Fact:Stephanie enjoys the beach, spending time with friends and family, and reading!

Cristina is a registered and New York State licensed occupational therapist who graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with her masters in Occupational Therapy. She also graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Cristina has experience in various settings including outpatient neurological rehabilitation, outpatient pediatrics and hand therapy. She has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome.

Cristina is excited to work with children at Sensory Stars as she is passionate about helping children increase their independence and learn new skills in a fun and interactive way. She implements a child-led approach and develops child centered intervention plans based on evidence-based practice to create effective and meaningful treatment sessions.

Fun Fact: Cristina loves all things Disney, the beach, travel and is a dog mom to her dog Bella Nutella.

Morissa is a registered and licensed Occupational therapist. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Dickinson College. She has experience in a variety of settings including school-based, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care. 

She has a passion for sensory integration and recently completed the AOTA Sensory Integration & Process Special Interest Section (SIPSIS) mentorship program. She is currently completing her certification in Ayres Sensory Integration through the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration (CLASI). 

Morissa prioritizes creating partnerships with families, as well as providing individualized, evidence-based interventions tailored to the interests, needs, and strengths of the child. 

Fun fact: Morissa loves going on hikes with her dog, husband, and tornado in the shape of a human toddler!

Rachel is a registered and licensed occupational therapist who has achieved a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from American International College as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout her occupational therapy career, Rachel has worked with pediatric and geriatric populations. Rachel has experience working with children with various developmental delays, deficits, and diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, and sensory processing deficits.  

Rachel’s expertise is providing client-centered interventions that promote fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, and gross motor development. Rachel also has experience improving one’s overall strength, balance, and coordination to allow for increased independence, safety, and ease with daily tasks, routines, and activities.

Rachel prioritizes developing and implementing interventions that not only build upon a child’s current skills but also incorporate the child’s preferred activities, tasks, and interests.

Fun Fact: Rachel loves snowboarding, going on runs and hikes, and spending time with friends and family.

Christine is a registered and New York State licensed occupational therapist who graduated from Long Island University with a masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She works as a pediatric occupational therapist in both school, home, and outpatient settings. She has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome.

Christine's experience working with children began when she was 15 years old, as a teacher's assistant at her childhood dance studio. Her career in education began as a teacher after earning her bachelor's degree from SUNY Cortland in Inclusive Special Education. Her desire to help children, both inside and outside of the classroom, reach their full potential led her to complete her masters in Occupational therapy from Long Island University.

Christine is excited to continue her work with children at Sensory Stars as she is passionate about helping children develop essential and foundational skills in order to increase their confidence and independence. A child-led and family centered approach guides her clinical decision making and intervention planning to maximize the benefits from therapeutic intervention.

Victoria is a pediatric speech- language pathologist certified by the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association and licensed by the state of New York.

She has experience in: evaluation and treatment of speech and language skills within multiple settings of different populations including: Nassau County CPSE/ CSE, NYC CPSE/CSE, home based care, developmental preschools and private clinics.

Victoria’s expertise include: fluency disorders, articulation & phonology disorders, literacy development and intervention, expressive & receptive language, auditory processing disorders, pediatric feeding and pragmatic language. Victoria is a certified DIRFloortime Practitioner. The DIR Model is a comprehensive framework which enables clinicians, parents and educators to construct a program tailored to the child’s unique challenges and strengths. Victoria is also PROMPT trained (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets).Victoria also completed The Foundations of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing - Feed the Peds Continuing education course. A comprehensive 12-week course to becoming a pediatric feeding therapist that focuses on early development. The course taught information on Normal Prenatal Development & Birth to 6 Months, 6 Months to 1 Year, 1-2 Years and Beyond, Assessment, Treatment, Tethered Oral Tissues, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, & Various Medical Complications (NICU, craniofacial disorders, neurological, cardiac and/or gastrointestinal issues, airway considerations), instrumental assessments and the IDDSI framework.

She is devoted and loves helping children by using her expertise and inter-professional collaboration.

Fun Facts: Victoria loves to take long walks with her dog Coco and enjoys going to the beach!

Kayla earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Adelphi University and completed her graduate studies at Long Island University. Throughout her academic and clinical experiences, she has worked in both school and office settings, providing therapy for a range of speech and language disorders. She is dedicated to collaborating with families and other professionals to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive. 

Kayla is thrilled to start her journey at Sensory Stars as a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow. Her passion for this field started when she started babysitting and working in different childcare settings (i.e., daycares, preschools, summer programs). 

Fun Fact: I love traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends!"

Aileen is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. Aileen received her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and her Master’s degree from Long Island University (LIU) Post.  She works full-time at a speech-pathology practice.

Aileen has experience working with: articulation and phonology disorders, fluency disorders, autism spectrum disorder, expressive/receptive language delays, social/pragmatic language disorders, motor planning disorders, apraxia, pediatric feeding, aphasia, orofacial myofunctional disorders, and augmentative and alternative (AAC) systems.

Aileen has training in PROMPT and Myofunctional therapy.

Fun fact: Aileen loves to travel and has been to 15 countries!

Jenna is a New York State licensed speech-language pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

She is a pediatric therapist with experience practicing in school-based, home-based and private practice settings. Jenna specializes in treating individuals with receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, oral facial muscle weakness, pragmatic language delays and feeding disorders. She is experienced in working with clients using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Jenna believes each and every client is unique and tailors her therapy sessions to best meet their needs. 

Jenna attends continuing education courses to expand her knowledge base and enhance her skills. She has completed professional training in PROMPT (PROMPTS For Reconstructing Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), Lively Letters, Langmore Foundation FEES Course and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Level I and Level II. 

Fun Fact: Jenna loves the beach, yoga and going to the gym.

Victoria is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in New York State and certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Adelphi University and a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Hofstra University. Victoria has extensive experience evaluating and treating articulation/phonology and receptive/expressive language disorders in both individual and group settings. Her diverse background includes working with early intervention, preschool, and school-age children across various environments such as in-home services, day care centers, school settings, office-based therapy, and tele-therapy. 

Victoria has successfully worked with a wide range of disabilities and is known for her collaborative approach with professionals and families to ensure the best outcomes. As a PROMPT trained clinician, she is committed to making therapy both effective and enjoyable, helping children achieve their communication goals.

Fun Fact: Victoria enjoys crafting, going on walks, and binge watching reality TV! 

Alyssa is a New York State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist  and certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Ithaca College and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Hofstra University.

Alyssa’s experience includes evaluating and treating articulation/phonology, fluency, social/pragmatic, and receptive/expressive language disorders in both individual and group settings. She has enjoyed working with a variety of age groups of early intervention, preschool, and school-age children. She has extensive experience working in different environments such as: in-home services, school settings, office-based therapy services, and tele-health therapy services. Alyssa has vast experience with a variety of populations including Autism, developmental delays, and apraxia.

Alyssa is dedicated to providing children and their families a safe and loving environment to grow and achieve their fullest potential. Alyssa utilizes a fun and enjoyable therapy approach to ensure children are engaged and motivated while practicing their skills. Alyssa believes that all children are unique and can reach their goals in their own individual way! 

Fun Fact: Alyssa is a foodie, loves the beach, Disney World, & exercising!

Michelle is a New York State licensed speech-language pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

She has experience in evaluation and treatment of speech and language skills within multiple settings of different populations including: Nassau County CPSE, specialized schools, public schools, home based care, developmental preschools and private clinics. 

Michelle specializes in treating individuals with receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders as well as pragmatic language delays.

She utilizes evidence based practices to create individualized treatment strategies to ensure that all students strive to achieve their fullest potential. 

Fun Fact: Michelle's favorite place to be is always the beach! She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends!

Tara is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the State of New York as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She also holds a permanent teaching certification in the area of Speech and Hearing Impairments. Tara received her Bachelor’s degree in Education for the Speech and Hearing Impaired from SUNY Fredonia, and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus.

Tara is a Speech Language Pathologist with experience practicing in school-based, home-based, clinical/office, as well as in rehabilitation/hospital settings. She is trained in PROMPT (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Therapy), and has extensive experience with Oral Motor dysfunction.

Tara enjoys working with children/adults of all ages. Her experience includes working with clients which entails; Receptive/Expressive Language, Articulation, Pragmatics, Appropriate Play, Aphasia, Dysphagia, Feeding Disorders, and Stuttering. She also has extensive knowledge with Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (AAC), working with clients who have Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

FUN FACT: Tara lives with her husband and three children. She enjoys being active in her community, serving in the past on her local PTA Board. She was also Co-Leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, and has even been Team Mom for her son’s football team.

Gina M. Catania is a dedicated Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience, certified by New York State and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John's University.

Currently working full-time for the NYC Department of Education, Gina has extensive experience in school-based, home-based, and private practice settings. She specializes in treating individuals with receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, and pragmatic language delays. Additionally, Gina is skilled in working with students using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and providing feeding therapy.

Committed to professional growth, Gina regularly participates in employer-sponsored in-service activities and continuing education programs to stay at the forefront of the latest research and clinical advancements in speech-language pathology.

When she’s not working, Gina enjoys spending time with her two teenage sons, on and off the baseball field, shopping, and reading. 

Beth is a New York State licensed physical therapist who received her B.S. and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from SUNY Stony Brook with extensive post graduate in-service and graduate coursework.

She has over 30 years experience working as a physical therapist with the pediatric population varying from newborns through high school in a variety of settings including public schools, specialized private schools, hospitals, private practice and home care.

Beth specializes in working with children with multiple disabilities, CP, ASD, head trauma and developmental delay. She is extremely passionate about advocating for the needs of the child and building a relationship with each child that she works with.

Fun Fact: She loves carousels and old houses!

Kaitlyn is a New York State licensed physical therapist. She obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. Kaitlyn has experience working with children in a multitude of settings, including the sensory gym, school/daycare setting and  home environment. 

Kaitlyn enjoys working with children with a variety of diagnoses and musculoskeletal conditions. She is passionate about helping children and their families achieve their goals. 

In addition to being a caring provider, Kaitlyn holds a strong belief in the importance of purposeful play. She has been published as an expert contributor in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine and on Motherly.com

Fun Fact: Kaitlyn is a mom of 3, who enjoys spending time with family and friends. 

Holly is a registered and New York State licensed physical therapist who received her doctoral degree from The University of Scranton. She has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, minor in Psychology, and concentration in Nutrition from The University of Scranton.

Holly has worked with the pediatric and geriatric populations in a variety of settings including Nassau and Suffolk County CPSE/CSE, home based care, school, and sensory gym. Holly enjoys working with the pediatric population, providing dynamic and engaging sessions to children with various abilities. She has experience working with children with multiple disabilities, genetic disorders, CP, ASD, and developmental delay. She strives to be an advocate for children and families and to keep up to date on the latest evidence-based research to apply to her sessions.

Fun Fact: Holly loves board games, baking, and spending time with her family and friends!"

Meghan is a licensed Physical Therapist and received her Doctorate Of Physical Therapy at Temple University. Meghan has experience working with children of all ages and previously worked at school for  children with autism and behavioral support, providing PT services for kids 3-21 years old. Meghan has experience working in the acute care setting, as well as outpatient orthopedics. Meghan believes in creating an individualized treatment plan for each child, focusing on engaging interventions that are meaningful to the child & caregiver. 

Meghan is passionate about using movement to help facilitate a child’s independence!

Fun fact: Meghan loves going hiking with her dog & enjoys traveling!