Clinical Director & Owner
Director of Clinical Services and Founder of The Sensory Studio, Dr. Michele DeSimone CCC-SLP, built the practice based on clinical foundations of teamwork with professional collaboration and mentorship in mind. Dr. DeSimone has worked with children and their families for over 20 years. Michele holds a Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. She obtained a Master’s Degree from New York University in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. Michele holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is an active member of The Special Interest Groups in Speech-Language Pathology for Language Learning & Education, Neurogenic Communication Disorders, Craniofacial & Velopharyngeal Disorders, Issues in Higher Education, Administration & Supervision, Swallowing Disorders, School-Based Issues, and Global Issues in Communication Sciences & Related Disorders. The New York State Office licenses Dr. DeSimone for the Professions and she holds a Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities certificate from The New York State Education Department, as well as a Speech-Language Pathology Certificate from The New York State Department of Health. Michele has extensive training in the treatment of pediatric motor speech disorders (including PROMPT and Kaufman Protocol Training), Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (including Oral Tethered Ties), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Peer Socialization Skills, and Early Childhood Language Development. Michele is very happily married and resides in Staten Island with her husband, ten-year-old son, and 3-Year-old daughter. She enjoys traveling for work and pleasure, practicing yoga, and cooking for her family.
Director of Operations
Jaimie received her Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology in May 2017. She then attended St. John’s University in Queens, receiving her Master of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders in May 2019. Jaimie holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the New York State Office for the Professions and The State of New Jersey. In addition, Jaimie holds a Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities certificate from The New York State Education Department. During her graduate studies, Jaimie experienced working with both children and adults in various settings, including a District 31 public school, a skilled nursing facility, and inpatient and outpatient settings within Northwell Health Medical Center. She also volunteered for Loving Spoonful’s’ ensuring the safety of elderly adults during feeding. Additionally, Jaimie has participated in research on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at the graduate level. Jaimie had been an integral member of The Sensory Studio team since December 2015 as Practice Manager. Since graduating from St. John’s University with her Master’s degree, Jaimie has become a valued member of our clinical team as a Speech Language Pathologist. Currently, as Director of Operations, Jaimie works closely overseeing all departments. Jaimie has developed her clinical skills working with children and adults with receptive and expressive language impairments, articulation and phonology disorders, oro-myofunctional disorders, language learning disabilities, developmental delays, voice disorders, and autism. Jaimie has completed extensive training in assessing and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders through IOMI. Jaimie is motivated to continue advancing her clinical skills within this field. In her free time, Jaimie enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and riding quads.
Parent Coordinator
Regina graduated from Brooklyn College in June of 2015, where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Business Management and Finance. After graduating, she was accepted into the Disney College Program and was able to be a part of Disney’s unique culture and diverse community. While being in the program, she was able to create magical moments for children and families!
When she moved back to NYC, Regina pursued her love for cooking and graduated with a diploma in Culinary Arts and received a leadership award at the Institute of Culinary Education in 2019. She then launched her first food business called “Oohlam” in 2021. While working at The Sensory Studio, Regina hopes to continue helping children and their families achieve their goals and milestones.
Parent Coordinator
Speech Language Pathologist & Clinical Mentorship Advisor
Emily received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 2017 and her Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019 from St. John’s University. Since graduating, Emily has been working for The Sensory Studio, servicing early childhood, pre-school and school-aged children in both school and outpatient settings while continuing to grow within her field. Emily holds a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language disabilities certification, is Level I PROMPT trained, is completing course-work in Gestalt Language Processing, and has completed workshops in clinical supervision for graduate clinicians.
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologist
Samantha attended Seton Hall University for both of her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She received her Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education in May 2021 and her Master’s in Speech Language Pathology in May 2023. Throughout her graduate clinical experience, she has had the opportunity to work with both pediatric and adult populations in a variety of settings, such as school settings, outpatient rehab, and inpatient acute rehab. She has a passion for working with the pediatric population and is a certified Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) in New York. She has experience working with children with autism, AAC, Expressive/Receptive delays, and a variety of communication disorders.
Speech Language Pathologist
Emily Hannah Levkovich received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis on Childhood Development from Hunter College in 2017. She then went on to receive her Master of Sciences in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University in 2020. While completing her education, Emily worked in Community Habilitation for four years with young adults on the Autism Spectrum, focusing on socialization and life skills training to increase their independence.
Emily is currently licensed as a Speech-Language Pathologist in New York and New Jersey, and she holds both a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities certificate by the NYDOE, and a Certificate of Clinical Competence by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. During her graduate clinical rotations, Emily gained experience working with Autistic students at the Eden II School, incorporating teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic with the pediatric population at ABLE Acres in Arizona, and addressing aphasia, TBI, and dysphagia with the adult population at a skilled nursing facility. She has since gone on to work with the pediatric population in home-based and clinical settings, treating children who present with a variety of diagnoses, including receptive and expressive language delays, pragmatic language disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, phonological and articulation disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, oral-motor delays, and feeding disorders.
Emily believes in incorporating play into treatment and following each child’s lead to create a motivating, individualized treatment plan that emphasizes strengths and natural interests, and she is passionate about implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods to provide unrestricted access to communication to all. She is currently learning more about Gestalt Language Processing in order to better support her Autistic clients. When she’s not working, you can find her traveling to new locations, baking up some treats, reading a book on her endless wishlist, or untangling yarn for her next project. She is learning amigurumi, the style of crocheting stuffed animals, and can’t wait to see what her clients think of them!
Speech Language Pathologist
Maggie Barakat is originally from Arizona where she graduated with a Masters in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University in 2023. She had a series of impactful internships that allowed her to work with various populations and address diverse communication needs. These experiences covered a wide spectrum, including voice, language, cognitive communication, articulation, and augmentative and alternative communication. She is passionate about pursing her career as a Speech Language Pathologist and making a positive impact in peoples lives. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys exploring New York and hanging out with family and friends.
Maggie looks forward to collaborating with the team at Sensory Studio!
Samantha received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Iona University in 2023, and received her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2025, from the same institution. She holds a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification. While attending Iona University, she obtained an Interdisciplinary Advanced Certificate in Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Their Families (IACD.)
Through her graduate experience, Samantha gained experience treating clients of different ages in various settings, including private clinics and schools. She has experience in treating speech sound disorders, language delays/disorders, cognitive disabilities, hearing loss, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Samantha has an intermediate understanding of Spanish and American Sign Language.
She is passionate about collaborating with families and empowering children to communicate effectively and confidently. Samantha began her journey at The Sensory Studio this year as a Clinical Fellow, and she is looking forward to being apart of the team and making a difference.
Casey attended Misericordia University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences in 2023 and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology in 2024. During her graduate clinical experience, she worked with both pediatric and adult populations across school and outpatient settings. Casey holds dual licensure in New York and New Jersey and holds a Pennsylvania Educational Specialist Certificate in School Speech-Language Pathology (PK–12). She also holds her Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) initial certification in New York and a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Casey has experience providing speech and language services to children and adults with receptive and expressive language impairments, as well as articulation and phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Speech Language Pathologist
Francesca received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Marymount Manhattan College and her Master of Science degree also in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is licensed in both New York and New Jersey and holds a Certificate in Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Further, she also has her Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) Certification. During her graduate studies, Francesca worked with both pediatric and adult populations, in a variety of settings including a District 75 public school, private practice, and a skilled nursing facility. She is experienced in working with clients with a variety of communication and developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), receptive and expressive language delays, and children with feeding disorders. When she’s out of the office, Francesca enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with her baby, family, and friends!
Rebecca is a Speech-Language Pathologist born and raised in Connecticut where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University. She began her career in 2021 as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, serving children in Alaska and later in Massachusetts. In 2024, she earned her Master’s of Science Degree from Baylor University. She has since served children as a licensed Speech Therapist in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Rebecca is dual-licensed in New Jersey and New York, and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has worked in school settings ranging from Pre-K to 21-years of age, serving students with articulation disorders, phonological disorders, expressive/receptive language deficits, pragmatic language deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and has a special interest in the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
The speech therapy field has always been a part of Rebecca’s life. Growing up, she received speech therapy for disfluency from preschool to senior year of high school. Rebecca was lucky enough to have the same incredible Speech Therapist the whole way to support her progress and validate her experiences. Now, as a Speech Therapist in her own right, Rebecca hopes to strengthen the communication skills of her clients in a safe and nurturing environment where their lived experiences and interests drive motivation, treatment, and progress.
Rebecca loves to read in her backyard, go for walks and exercise, spend time with family, and explore her new home in Staten Island.
Speech Language Pathologist
Kristin received a Bachelor of Arts from The College of Staten Island, majoring in Linguistics with a minor in Speech-Language Pathology. She went on to receive her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University in May of 2025 and is currently completing her Clinical Fellowship at The Sensory Studio.
Her diverse clinical experiences include working with early childhood language delays, adolescent language and pragmatic disorders, and neurogenic communication disorders. Kristin is especially passionate about working with children and hopes to specialize in pediatric motor speech disorders. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth, collaborating with families and colleagues, and supporting each child’s unique communication journey at The Sensory Studio.
Daniella earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from St. John’s University in 2024 and went on to receive her Master of Science in Education from Monmouth University in 2026. She is currently completing her Clinical Fellowship at The Sensory Studio. Through her clinical training, Daniella has worked with children across a wide range of settings and areas of need, including early language development, pediatric language disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
She is passionate about pediatric speech and language therapy and is dedicated to helping children build confidence and meaningful connections through communication. Daniella is excited to continue growing professionally, collaborating closely with families and colleagues, and supporting each child’s unique communication journey at The Sensory Studio.
Gia is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 3 years of experience working with pediatric populations across school-based and therapeutic settings. Her favorite area of practice is literacy intervention, and she especially enjoys helping students strengthen their reading, language, and comprehension skills. Gia has experience using structured literacy approaches, including Orton-Gillingham-based strategies, to support children with a variety of learning and language needs.
Her clinical interests also include articulation, phonological awareness, expressive and receptive language development, and pediatric feeding and swallowing. She is passionate about creating engaging, individualized, and supportive therapy sessions that help each child build confidence while reaching their goals!
AnnaLee received a Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University, majoring in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She continued her studies at St. John’s to receive a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology in May 2026 and is completing her clinical fellowship this year at The Sensory Studio.
AnnaLee has experience working with expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation impairments, and AAC use. She is excited to add her ideas to the workspace and ready to help.
Francesca Mangi is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John’s University and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Monmouth University.
Francesca is passionate about helping children build confidence in their communication skills while creating a positive, supportive, and engaging therapeutic environment.In her free time, Francesca enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, exploring new places, and shopping.
Farwa attended SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University where she received a Master of Science degree with Honors in Occupational Therapy. Having worked with diverse populations in various settings such as NYU Hassenfeld’s Children’s Hospital, NYU’s Neurorehabilitation clinic, and the Department of Education, Farwa has gained invaluable clinical experience. Farwa finds great fulfillment in educational pursuits and actively engages in research. In fact, her research on executive dysfunction in school-based practice was not only accepted but also presented at the 2022 NYSOTA Annual Conference. Farwa sees occupational therapy as a gateway to endless possibilities, constantly striving to empower her little patients and help them reach their BIG potential. In her free time, Farwa loves watching movies/tv shows, reading books, and spending time with her huge family (one of six!). If she could have any superpower, it would be to heal people and stop time.
Occupational Therapist
In June of 2023, Rebecca graduated from Stony Brook University, where she received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Rebecca has experience in a multitude of settings including outpatient orthopedics, neuro rehabilitation, sensory and ABA therapy. Additionally, she completed a Fieldwork experience in an elementary school with the NYC Department of Education, taking a leadership role in conducting sensory-based sessions through the Sensory, Exploration, Education & Discovery (SEED) program. During the final semester of her graduate program, Rebecca, along with two colleagues, completed a capstone project. This project focused on training the staff of a local Long Island wildlife refuge in the integration of sensory elements into their curriculum, tailored to best meet the needs of neurodivergent learners. Rebecca is very excited to begin her career with the Sensory Studio, and eager to apply her skills in this incredible field.
Occupational Therapist
Gabriella, M.S., OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist who graduated in 2024 from Long Island University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She has experience working across a variety of clinical settings, including ABA therapy, neurorehabilitation, and outpatient mental health. Gabriella completed her final pediatric fieldwork placement at a sensory gym, where she supported children with diverse sensory and developmental needs. This experience further strengthened her skills in creating engaging, individualized interventions to promote regulation, coordination, and functional participation. Currently, Gabriella also works within the New York City Department of Education, where she helps students develop the skills necessary for success in academic and daily activities. Her clinical approach is rooted in a holistic, client-centered perspective, integrating sensory, motor, and emotional components to support each child’s independence and confidence. Gabriella is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) to continue advancing her clinical knowledge and enhance her ability to serve a wide range of populations.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Hi, I’m Mahmoud Elzayat, I am a certified occupational therapy assistant specializing in pediatrics. With a background in special education classrooms as a paraprofessional, I will help your child reach their goals through therapy, therapeutic play, and rapport building that incentivises active and intrinsically motivated participation in therapy.
I’m passionate about art, illustration, blending creativity and play with therapy to create an environment that makes therapy enjoyable and fun. When I’m not practicing Occupational therapy, you’ll find me sketching outdoors, hiking, mentoring as a youth coordinator in my local youth center and planning community events.
Based in the tri state area working with clients and families in NYC.
Occupational Therapist
Ava attended SUNY Oneonta, where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science, and went on to receive her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Downstate. Ava has experience working in a variety of settings including outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, mental health, acute care, pediatric sensory gym, and hospitals. Additionally, she completed a Fieldwork experience in an elementary school with the NYC Department of Education. During her time in her masters program, Ava served as the Creative Director for her Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA).
Ava incorporates play-centered techniques to build strong connections with children and support them in achieving their goals through enjoyable and purposeful activities. She recognizes that each child has their own strengths and needs, and partners with families to help ensure that progress made in therapy is reflected at home and in daily routines. Ava is very excited to begin her pediatric occupational therapy journey and join the Sensory Studio team!
Occupational Therapist
Annemarie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Staten Island in May 2023 and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Iona University in January 2026. During graduate school, she had the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including a preschool, a NYC Department of Education District 31 middle school, a day habilitation program for young adults with neurodivergent diagnoses, an outpatient hand therapy clinic, an assisted living facility, and a skilled nursing facility. Through these experiences, Annemarie developed a strong passion for helping others grow, learn, and build confidence through meaningful activities. Although she valued working with many different populations, she found herself especially drawn to working with children and supporting their development through play. While at Iona University, Annemarie served on the executive board of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) as the Social Media Chair. She also began her journey at Sensory Studio as a content creator before returning as an occupational therapist. Annemarie is excited to be back at Sensory Studio and to continue learning and growing as a therapist. She loves using play-based, creative activities to help children develop important skills, gain confidence, and reach their goals!
Occupational Therapist
Justine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from CUNY Hunter College in 2020 and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in 2025. During graduate school, Justine was inducted into Pi Theta Epsilon, the honor society of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), and served as Creative Director for the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD).
Justine has experience working with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including sensory gyms, District 75, hand therapy, mental health, and skilled nursing facilities. Beyond her clinical training, she participated in a community practice project that developed a life skills program for high school students, focusing on the transition from high school to adulthood and promoting independence in daily life.
Justine believes in a play-based, strengths-based approach to therapy that builds on each child’s unique abilities and interests. She values collaboration with families, teachers, and other members of a child’s support team to help ensure that skills learned in therapy carry over into everyday environments. Her goal is to create a supportive, engaging, and fun therapeutic experience that helps children develop confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in the activities that matter most to them.
When she is not working, Justine enjoys spending time with her three dogs—a samoyed, a shihpoo, and an airedale terrier.
Ms. Arianna received her Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University and continued her education through Seton Hall University’s 3+3 program, earning her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Throughout her clinical fieldwork experiences, Ms. Arianna had the opportunity to work with individuals across a variety of settings, including adult acute and inpatient rehabilitation at NYU Langone and the New York City Department of Education’s District 75, where she worked with children from kindergarten through fifth grade. These experiences helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of occupational therapy and strengthened her passion for working with children.
Ms. Arianna is especially passionate about working with the pediatric population and helping children feel confident, capable, and proud of themselves. She believes that every child has their own unique strengths, interests, and way of learning. Through a supportive and play-based approach, Ms. Arianna strives to make therapy an enjoyable and meaningful experience while helping children develop the skills they need to participate more independently in the activities that are important to them.
Ms. Arianna received her Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University and continued her education through Seton Hall University’s 3+3 program, earning her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Throughout her clinical fieldwork experiences, Ms. Arianna had the opportunity to work with individuals across a variety of settings, including adult acute and inpatient rehabilitation at NYU Langone and the New York City Department of Education’s District 75, where she worked with children from kindergarten through fifth grade. These experiences helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of occupational therapy and strengthened her passion for working with children.
Ms. Arianna is especially passionate about working with the pediatric population and helping children feel confident, capable, and proud of themselves. She believes that every child has their own unique strengths, interests, and way of learning. Through a supportive and play-based approach, Ms. Arianna strives to make therapy an enjoyable and meaningful experience while helping children develop the skills they need to participate more independently in the activities that are important to them.
Billing Associate
Stephanie graduated from Tottenville High School and attended CSI then transferred to UDS for Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomy/Medical Billing. She worked for a OBGYN for 18 years before coming to The Studio to do medical billing. She is married with two children.
Administrative & Personnel Coordinator
Taylor Musso is a graduate of Seton Hall University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is thrilled to be part of The Sensory Studio team and looks forward to deepening her knowledge in both speech and physical therapy. Taylor saw this opportunity as the perfect next step after graduation—one that offers a supportive environment for continuous learning and growth. She is eager to gain valuable hands-on experience and develop essential skills that will shape her future in the field.
With a strong interest in child development and therapeutic practices, Taylor is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and their families. She values the collaborative, client-centered approach that The Sensory Studio embodies and is committed to contributing her enthusiasm and work ethic to the team. Taylor believes that every day is a chance to grow, and she’s excited to begin this journey surrounded by professionals who inspire and challenge her.
Administrative & HR Coordinator
Ashley is a graduate of The City College of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She is excited to be a part of the team at The Sensory Studio where she can help make a positive impact on helping children unlock all the great things they can achieve when they have the resources they need.
She has experience in working in business development, marketing, social media, and customer service for various companies. In her spare time, she loves finding new restaurants with friends, watching shows, and getting through her never-ending reading list.
Data & Systems Analyst
With more than 18 years of experience supporting business operations, Samantha Guardi has built her career around bringing structure, organization, and efficiency to complex processes. As a Data & Systems Analyst, she enjoys finding ways to improve workflows, solve problems, and create systems that help teams work more effectively. She’s known for her positive attitude, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Samantha takes pride in helping things run smoothly and finding practical solutions that support both teams and the people they serve. She is excited to be part of the team at The Sensory Studio and contribute to their mission of supporting children and families.
Outside of work, Samantha is a mom of two young kids. Much of her free time is spent going on family adventures, cheering on her kids’ activities, and enjoying time together as a family. She also enjoys photography, watching movies, and sushi!
Operations Coordinator
Kayla earned her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University in 2021 and recently graduated with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Binghamton University in May 2026.
Kayla first joined The Sensory Studio team in May 2022 as a Parent Coordinator and was later promoted to Lead Parent Coordinator. She is excited to return in her new role, combining her clinical expertise with her administrative experience to continue supporting the practice and the wonderful families it serves.
Through her clinical training and professional experience, Kayla has worked with children across a variety of settings, providing assessment and intervention for diverse communication needs. She also holds her Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification and is passionate about helping children build confidence and reach their communication goals while fostering meaningful relationships with families.
Administrative & HR Assistant
Brianna DiFalco is an undergraduate student at St. John’s University pursuing a degree in speech-language pathology. Passionate about becoming a speech therapist, she gained hands-on experience as an intern at The Sensory Studio, learning from skilled professionals in the field.
Brianna is excited to continue contributing to such a supportive team as she prepares for graduate school. Outside of her studies, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and going on walks with her dog.
Technology Manager
Farwa attended SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University where she received a Master of Science degree with Honors in Occupational Therapy. Having worked with diverse populations in various settings such as NYU Hassenfeld’s Children’s Hospital, NYU’s Neurorehabilitation clinic, and the Department of Education, Farwa has gained invaluable clinical experience. Farwa finds great fulfillment in educational pursuits and actively engages in research. In fact, her research on executive dysfunction in school-based practice was not only accepted but also presented at the 2022 NYSOTA Annual Conference. Farwa sees occupational therapy as a gateway to endless possibilities, constantly striving to empower her little patients and help them reach their BIG potential. In her free time, Farwa loves watching movies/tv shows, reading books, and spending time with her huge family (one of six!). If she could have any superpower, it would be to heal people and stop time.
Lead Full-Stack Developer
Maxim Livit is the Lead Software Engineer at The Sensory Studio, where he oversees the design, development, and continuous improvement of the organization’s technology platform. Passionate about creating thoughtful, user-friendly solutions, Maxim is dedicated to building systems that simplify day-to-day operations, allowing therapists to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional care for children and families.
Maxim earned his bachelor’s degree in Computational Data Science from Pennsylvania State University, with a minor in Mathematics. He combines strong analytical thinking with a practical, problem-solving mindset, developing innovative software that streamlines workflows, enhances communication, and improves the overall experience for both staff and clients. His work is driven by the belief that technology should remove barriers, not create them.
Outside of his role, Maxim enjoys building personal coding projects that solve everyday challenges and improve daily life. He is also passionate about sports and music, having studied piano for many years. Whether collaborating on new ideas, tackling complex problems, or exploring emerging technologies, he is committed to continuous learning and finding meaningful ways technology can positively impact the communities it serves.
Site Supervisor – North Shore
Ana brings a rich and varied professional background to her role at The Sensory Studio. She has experience spanning customer service, assisting the disabled community, Ana offers a unique blend of skills and insights to her position.
Ana spent 8 years with a significant focus on supporting individuals with disabilities at Goodwill Industries, demonstrating a profound commitment to improving the quality of life for those she served.
When Ana is not in the office, you can find her planning trips for her amazing travel clients.
In her free time, Ana enjoys spending time with her family & friends, snuggling up with her 2 pups and of course traveling.
Site Supervisor-Mid Island & Internship Program Director
